There are many different types of cooking oils on the market, which is why you might have a challenging time choosing an oil to cook with that will do the job you need. Whether you’re looking for an oil that will do everything, or just an oil that you can rely on simply for cooking food on high heat, we’re on hand to help you decide which oil is best for your culinary needs. The great news is, Cater Oils can supply you with many of them, too.
What are the best cooking oils?
There is a wide range of different cooking oils that can be used for cooking. The one you use will depend on a variety of factors, from the taste to the smoke point. But with so many on the market, it can be difficult to choose just one that you can rely on for cooking up your favourite dishes. So we’ll be taking you through the details of each one. Let’s get started!
1. Olive oil
With a relatively high smoke point, olive oil is perfect for frying, baking and roasting. In addition, it can be used as a salad dressing or for other cold food capacities. It’s so popular because it’s incredibly versatile. With a peppery, almost grassy flavour, it makes the perfect addition to any dish, whether cooked or not.
2. Rapeseed oil
This is considered to be one of the healthier cooking oils on the market. It has a high smoke point, making it ideal for a wealth of cooking methods, meaning you can always count on rapeseed oil to help you whip up your favourite meals.
3. Vegetable oil
Vegetable oil consumption is considered to be healthy, in moderation. Being a great source of fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by using vegetable oil to cook with. Although it might not be as tasty on a salad as olive oil, for instance. With this in mind, keep vegetable oil aside for cooking your food, rather than garnishing it.
4. Avocado oil
This has a high smoke point, making it ideal for frying. With a neutral taste and a hint of avocado deliciousness, it makes the perfect addition to both sweet and savoury recipes. With a close relation to olive oil, avocado oil has a high percentage of heart-healthy fat in the form of oleic acid.
5. Sesame oil
Although this doesn’t have a high smoke point, it does have a medium one. This means it can be used for a wide range of different recipes, although you shouldn’t use it for frying as the smoke point isn’t high enough to withstand the hot temperatures. If it’s placed in a high-heat environment, it can cause the oil to turn rancid. However, you can use it for roasting and baking and even as a salad dressing. This makes it a versatile cooking oil, despite the medium smoke point.
6. Safflower oil
This oil has a high smoke point. It makes it ideal for different cooking methods, including frying, roasting and baking. With a delicious flavour and the ability to use it as a salad dressing or a marinade, it’s a versatile cooking oil with way more to offer than many of its counterparts.
Which edible oils aren’t suitable for cooking?
Despite the range of edible oils available on the market, it doesn’t always mean you should cook with them. While some can be used in a cold capacity, others should be avoided altogether, for various reasons. So which cooking oils should you refrain from applying heat to, and which ones should you steer clear of entirely? Let’s take a closer look:
- Walnut oil – having a low smoke point, this oil can go rancid quickly. It’s best reserved for cold uses, such as salad dressings
- Palm oil – calorie-dense, palm oil has a more ethical controversy attached to it, with its production linked to deforestation and loss of biodiversity
- Flax oil – this should be used cold, such as on salads as it has a very low smoke point
- Fish or algae oil – although rich in omega-3, this should only be used in small doses and it’s not recommended that you cook with it
Cater Oils is pleased to provide fresh supplies of cooking oil, as well as a free waste cooking oil collection service. In exchange, we will provide you with cash or a credit note against a new supply of cooking oil. If you would like further information about our used cooking oil collection service, our fresh cooking oil supplies or to learn more about how we recycle your used oil, get in touch with a member of our friendly, knowledgeable team today – we’re always happy to hear from you.
