Yes You Can Cook With Olive Oil

Can You Cook With Olive Oil?

Yes, you can cook with olive oil.

In fact, it is the main cooking fat in Mediterranean cooking. I use extra virgin olive oil for everything from sautéing vegetables to grilling fish. Olive oil is a healthy fat that retains its beneficial qualities during cooking. Unlike some other oils, such as canola oil, olive oil does not produce harmful compounds when heated.

Here's a look at the various cooking techniques and which olive oil is best for the job:

• Drizzling: Extra virgin olive oil is the best choice for drizzling over salads, pasta dishes, and other foods. It has a rich flavor and aroma that will enhance the taste of your food.
• Sautéing: Extra virgin olive oil or regular olive oil can be used for sautéing. Extra virgin olive oil has a lower smoke point than regular olive oil, so it is important to keep the heat on medium-low when using it. Regular olive oil has a higher smoke point, so it can be used for higher-heat cooking.
• Grilling: Extra virgin olive oil can be used for grilling, but it is important to brush it on the food before grilling to prevent it from burning. Regular olive oil can also be used for grilling, but it will not have as much flavor as extra virgin olive oil.
• Frying: Olive oil is not the best choice for frying, as it has a low smoke point. Canola oil or vegetable oil is a better choice for frying.

3 Factors to Consider When Cooking With Olive Oil

When choosing an olive oil for a particular dish or preparation, consider three factors:

1. Smoke point: The smoke point of an oil is the temperature at which it starts to smoke and produce harmful compounds. Extra virgin olive oil has a lower smoke point than regular olive oil, so it is important to keep the heat on medium-low when using it. Regular olive oil has a higher smoke point, so it can be used for higher-heat cooking.
2. Flavor: Extra virgin olive oil has a more intense flavor than regular olive oil. It is important to choose an olive oil that has a flavor that will complement the dish you are preparing.
3. Price: Extra virgin olive oil is more expensive than regular olive oil. It is important to choose an olive oil that is within your budget.

What should I look for?

I put together this simple guide to help answer the most common questions about cooking with olive oil. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, I hope you find it helpful.