Choosing the Best Cooking Oil For Frying?
Sep 13, 2023
Frying up your favourite dishes? Need to find the perfect cooking oil? We've got it covered! Get all the answers you need for making an informed decision. Learn which oil is best for deep-frying. Plus, how to store it for freshness!
Why Does the Type of Oil Matter When Frying?
Choosing the right oil for frying is essential. Different oils have different smoke points which can affect flavour and quality. High-temperature frying requires oils like peanut, sunflower, or refined olive oil. These resist heat and remain stable even at high temperatures, meaning tastier fried food and added safety. Low-smoke point oils like extra virgin olive oil or butter should be avoided.
Flavour and nutrition also play a role in picking the best oil. Coconut oil adds a unique flavour, but not for all cuisines. Canola oil is neutral and widely used due to its affordability and high smoke point. However, moderation is key. Frying foods in any oil means an increase in calories.
According to health and medical research, polyunsaturated fats used for frying, such as sunflower or soybean oil, reduces heart disease risk factors when compared to using saturated fats. So, it's always better to choose healthier options. When it comes to cooking oil, there's a plethora of options just waiting to be fried!
Types of Cooking Oil & Their Characteristics
Choosing the best oil for frying can be tricky. There are many types, each with their own characteristics and suitable for different uses. The ingredients being fried and the method of frying, e.g. sauteing, searing, deep frying, flash frying or shallow frying etc. also affect the perfect oil choices. Here’s a quick overview of the most common oils.
Vegetable oil offers a neutral flavour for minimal impact on resulting overall taste and has a high smoke point. Sunflower oil is light and mild, with vitamin E and unsaturated fats. These features make vegetable and sunflower oils the most popular and commonly used in the home. Olive oil is rich and flavorful, but its smoke point depends on the grade so may not be suitable for all frying uses. Coconut oil can add a tropical taste and can be used for both low temperature (use virgin coconut oil) and high temperature (use refined coconut oil) frying. Although reports from some chefs claim that peanut oil produces the crispiest texture and a unique flavour when making fried chicken, caution is always advised when using this oil unless you are certain that the intended consumer does not have a nut allergy.
Cooking Oil & Sustainability
Sustainable options are a must when it comes to cooking oil. It's not only beneficial for the planet, but also provides a healthier future. Let's explore the world of sustainable cooking oils!
Crops that are grown and harvested in an environmentally friendly manner are key for sustainability. This reduces deforestation and preserves natural habitats. For example, palm oil has negative impacts on rainforests, so alternatives like olive and sunflower oil can be a better choice.
Cold-pressed oils are extracted without chemicals or high temperatures, preserving the nutritional value of the original plant source. This makes them a sustainable option to explore.
Packaging of cooking oils should also be considered. Choose brands that use eco-friendly materials like glass bottles or biodegradable containers. This helps reduce waste and minimise our carbon footprint.
Frying in Domestic & Business Premises
Frying is a popular cooking technique used in both homes and businesses. It involves submerging food in hot oil to give it a tasty, crispy texture. It's important to choose the right oil when frying, depending on where you are.
For standard frying in businesses, vegetable and sunflower oil are popular due to their affordability and versatility, whether used in a frying pan or a Lincat fryer. These oils have moderate smoke points and subtle flavours. For more specialist cooking, alternative oils may be used to infuse a more distinct flavour and add extra depth to dishes.
At home, think about factors such as smoke point, flavour, and health benefits. Canola and peanut oil are great for deep frying as they have high smoke points and neutral flavours.
Health matters too. Oils with high monounsaturated fats like olive and avocado oil are healthier options. They help promote heart health and provide more nutrients than those high in saturated fats.
Whether frying in the home or in a commercial kitchen, correct storage and disposal of cooking oil is vital. There are regulations for businesses surrounding oil storage that commercial premises must adhere to. In both environments, it is critical to dispose of used oil correctly and responsibly. Never pour oil down the drain as it can clog pipes causing a build up of fats, oils and grease in drainage systems that result in fatbergs as well as harm aquatic life and have adverse effects on the environment. Store it in a designated container and take it to a recycling facility or use it for other purposes.