*** Free Shipping from our UK warehouse on UK orders over £45 ***

0

Your Cart is Empty

How to Choose the Right Olive Oil for Your Cooking

February 27, 2023 3 min read

How to Choose the Right Olive Oil for Your Cooking

When it comes to cooking, olive oil is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can add a unique flavour to your dishes. But with so many different types of olive oil on the market, it can be quite challenging to know which one is right for your cooking. Here are some tips to help you choose the right olive oil for your cooking.


  1. Consider the Flavour


When selecting olive oil, consider the flavour you want in your dish. Depending on the dish, you'll need to select a mild or strong-tasting oil. For light dishes, such as salads, opt for a light-tasting oil with a delicate flavour. However, if you're cooking something that requires heat, such as frying, you should pick an olive oil with a bolder flavour to stand up to the heat.


  1. Consider the Smoke Point


When cooking with olive oil, it is important to consider the smoke point. The smoke point is the temperature at which the oil will start to break down and smoke. Extra virgin olive oil has the lowest smoke point, best used in low-heat cooking or as a finishing oil. For high-heat cooking, it is best to use light olive oil or a blend of olive oil and other oils with higher smoke points.


  1. Consider the Price


Take the time to think carefully about your olive oil purchase. Look for high-quality oil that fits in with your budget. Compare different brands and types to find the optimal selection that meets your needs. Don'tFeel free to get creative and try different types of olive oil to find the one that works best for you.


Benefits of Olive Oil in Cooking


Olive oil is one of the most popular cooking oils worldwide and for a good reason. It is a healthy and versatile cooking oil and has a distinct flavour that adds a unique taste to various dishes.


  1. Healthy Fats


Olive oil is a great choice for cooking and baking as it is high in beneficial fats that help to protect our hearts. These fats help to reduce bad cholesterol levels while increasing good cholesterol levels. Additionally, olive oil contains antioxidants that can help prevent diseases such as cancer and heart disease.


  1. Flavour Enhancer


It has a very distinctive taste which can give any dish a special zest. It can be used to bring out the flavours of vegetables, meats, and fish, and it can also be used in marinades, dressings, and sauces to add extra flavour.


  1. Nutrient-Rich


Olive oil is a nutritious and beneficial food that contains healthy fats, vitamins, minerals and polyphenols. Polyphenols act as powerful antioxidants, which help to protect our bodies from disease. Olive oil is a great addition to any diet and can be used for cooking, baking, and drizzling over salads and other dishes.


Final Thoughts


When cooking, selecting the right type of olive oil is important to ensure the best flavour. Extra-virgin olive oil is usually the best choice as it is unrefined and has a low smoke point. For deep frying or sautéing, light or 'regular' olive oil is better as it has a higher smoke point. Quality is key, so buying the best olive oil you can afford is important.


We provide the finest extra virgin olive oil at Opus Live Well. Our oil has been honoured with multiple awards and boasts a sophisticated, delectable aroma. Our oil is an organic, single variety, single origin, and packed with beneficial antioxidants. Try and buy extra virgin olive oil in the UK!