Can you cook with Extra Virgin Olive Oil?

Olive Oil has been a staple in Mediterranean cuisine for centuries, and its popularity has spread throughout the world. However, there has been an ongoing debate about whether it is suitable to use for cooking, especially at high temperatures. Is Olive Oil really a safe and healthy option for your daily recipes? Let's dive into the facts.

A Healthline article titled "Is Olive Oil Good for Cooking?" Is Olive Oil Good for Cooking? sheds light on this topic. According to the article, Extra Virgin Olive Oil has a lower smoke point compared to other oils, leading some people to believe that it is not suitable for high temperature cooking. However, it is clarified that most sources establish that the smoke point of Extra Virgin Olive Oil is around 190°C, which makes it perfectly safe for most cooking methods, including most the sautéed ones.

What differentiates extra virgin Olive Oil is its quality and unique flavor profile. It is rich in healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, as well as beneficial antioxidants. In addition, its characteristic flavor can significantly improve the profile of your dishes.

However, it is worth mentioning that Extra Virgin Olive Oil may not be the best option for deep frying or cooking at extremely high temperatures, as it could break down and lose some of its healthy qualities. For those cases, alternatives with higher smoke points, such as sunflower oil or canola oil, can be considered.

In short, yes, you can cook with Olive Oil, and in fact, it is an excellent option for a variety of dishes. Its smoke point makes it suitable for most cooking methods, and its nutritional profile makes it a healthy option. However, it is important to be aware of its limitations and consider alternatives for certain cooking techniques. At the end of the day, Olive Oil is still a valuable tool in the kitchen, adding flavor and health benefits to your everyday meals.

If you are interested in knowing more about the benefits of olive oil, you can follow us on our social networks and try our olive oils.

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