SMOKE POINTS FROM EDIBLE OILS

 

When using frying as a method of cooking, the oil has to withstand high temperatures, exceeding 150 º C. A very important factor to use this technique is to know the smoke point of the oils. But what is the smoke point?

 

"The smoke point" is the temperature at which the oil begins to smoke. By heating the oil above that point, it reaches a flammability temperature and causes it to burn. In each frying cycle the smoke and flammability points decrease, which means that the oil loses quality and can therefore be used less often.

But depending on the composition of the oil, we will find some more resistant than others to this process, that is to say, to the frying. Therefore, although EVOO has a lower smoke point than other oils, its composition makes it more resistant to frying, so it can be used more times than others.

 

 

This is due to the fact that Extra Virgin Olive Oil has a high content of natural antioxidants, which contribute to it's degrade less and more slowly than other vegetable oils. It is also more stable, conserving all the nutrients for a longer time. Compared to peanut and canola oils, EVOO produces fewer toxic compounds when fried and take longer to appear due, as mentioned above, to the high content of antioxidant compounds.

 

When frying, it should be borne in mind that the food absorbs oil, in the case of EVOO, to have higher density than seed oils, makes less quantity penetrate the food.

The benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil over others used for frying are also due to the lower percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids and even higher percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid, one of its main components.

In addition to the above, olive oil retains a high nutritional value and therefore, there is a greater use by our body.

 

The smoke points of some oils are:

Coconut oil 232ºC

Sunflower oil 232ºC

Canola oil 204ºC

Peanut oil 232ª C

Extra Virgin Olive Oil 160ºC

Virgin Olive Oil 215ºC

Refined Olive Oil 240ºC

 

Do not forget!

 

Foods cooked correctly with EVOO retain their nutritional properties better, and EVOO has many health benefits and lasts longer than other oils! 

 

Your Fulfilment Partner!