How do you choose a cooking oil?

Answer 1

Video: How do you choose a cooking oil?Choosing a Cooking OilTwo main considerations are important when selecting a cooking oil. They are the temperature the oil will be used at and the health benefits that are desired. Other considerations are the desired taste and cost.

When selecting an oil to fry foods in, not all oils are equal. You need to know which oils are good at the temperature you will be using. Oils that are good to use at 500 degrees and above are almond, sunflower, peanut, and soybean oils. For moderate frying temperatures, you might want to use canola, walnut, sesame, or sunflower oil. Lower temperature cooking oils include grapeseed, olive, corn, peanut, hazelnut, safflower, and sunflower. Safflower and Sunflower Oils are for temperatures up to 212 degrees F. Corn and Olive oil should not be used above 320 degrees F. Hazelnut Oil is good up to 325 degrees F.

Of course, hot cooking is not the only use for cooking oils. Oils are used for cold purposes, too, such as in salads and salad dressings. For those uses, you might want to consider the desired taste of the dish as one of the most important factors when selecting a cooking oil.

Another consideration when selecting a cooking oil is the health benefits of the oil. That mainly has to do with the type of fats that the oil contains, so look on the nutrition label. If it lists saturated or trans-fats, the "bad" fats, you might want to avoid that oil. Cooking oils that contain mono- and polyunsaturated fats, the "good" fats, are healthier.

Taste and cost are also considerations when selecting a cooking oil. You'll want to select one that fits your tastes and your budget.