Olive Oil For Cooking Q&A

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Can olive oil be used in cooking Asian food?

Of course! It’s not just for Italian food. Olive oil is similar to other vegetable based oils and can be used for everyday cooking, as a healthier alternative. *

*Olive Oil Encyclopaedia, Food Network.

Can I use olive oil for frying food?

Yes! Olive oil is ideal for frying food. Researchers at Ankara University in Turkey examined the effects of heating olive oil, sunflower oil and soy oil to 180 degrees C. Olive oil fared the best and retained its natural antioxidants. *

* The Gift of Oil, The Gift of Oil.

What is the smoking point for olive oil?

Olive oil has a very high smoking point of 210 degrees C which is substantially higher than the ideal temperature for frying food (180 degrees C). *

* Types of Cooking Fats and Oils - Descriptions and Uses - Smoking Points, What’s Cooking America

What are the health benefits of using olive oil for frying foods?

Olive oil maintains its nutritional value better than other oils due to the high levels of oleic acid. Fats with lower critical points (smoking point) such as corn oil and butter start to break down at 180 degrees C and form toxic byproducts. *

* Olive Oil, Lower Temperatures Less Toxic in Frying, University of Dayton Research Institute News

Can olive oil help with weight control?

Food fried in olive oil also has a lower fat content than food fried in other oils, making olive oil more suitable for weight control. *

* Cooking with olive oil, The Olive Oil Source.

What are the advantages of using olive oil for frying food?

Olive oil forms a crust on the surface of the food that impedes the penetration of oil and improves its flavour. *

* Frying with olive oil, courtesy of the International Olive Oil Council.

Can olive oil be reused when frying?

Yes! In fact, olive oil goes further than other oils, and not only can it be re-used more often than others, it also increases in volume when reheated, so less is required for cooking and frying. *

* Frying with olive oil, courtesy of the International Olive Oil Council.

What grade of olive oil is more suitable for frying food?

It’s best to use Pure olive oil when frying food due to the higher smoking point compared to Extra Virgin olive oil. * This means it can handle the high heat needed for frying.

* Olive Oil is the Healthy Choice for Frying, The Olive Oil Source.

What are the ideal temperatures when cooking with olive oil?

Temperature	Type of Food
Medium (130–145º C)	High water content: vegetables, potatoes, fruit…
Hot (155– 170º C)	Coated in batter, flour or breadcrumbs, forming a crust
Very hot (175–190º C)	Small, quickly fried: small fish, croquettes