11 Essential Oils You Should Know
11 Essential Oils You Should Know: Properties and Uses for Health and Beauty
When we think of the most commonly used ingredients in the kitchen, oil certainly comes to mind. But how much do we know about the properties of the different types? You will probably agree that little or nothing is known about them. In this blog, our chef Katriel Menendez brings us information about the best oils for cooking and will certainly provide us with data that perhaps we did not know.
Let's take a culinary cultural tour of different types of oils:
Olive oil is extracted cold by pressing or by the centrifugal method, and is considered the healthiest, since it has no modifications. It is recommended to consume it raw, since when heated it loses its healing properties and breaks down faster. In other words, the process called "denaturation" is generated. This process occurs when the oil is heated too much and loses its original structure and characteristics; (as the temperature rises, the lipids present in the oil begin to decompose, which can alter its flavor, aroma and quality). In addition, it provides extra flavor to food and contains vitamins A, D, E, L and K. Extra virgin olive oil, obtained from the first pressing or by cold centrifugation and not mixed with other oils, is the most beneficial. On the other hand, extra-light olive oil indicates that it has been blended with other oils and is mainly used for salads.
Canola, corn and sunflower oils contribute no flavor of their own and withstand high temperatures better, making them suitable for frying foods such as potatoes, milanesa, and chicken.
Katriel's favorite combination is to mix canola or sunflower oil with butter and a little olive oil.
In addition, the chef uses butter or margarine in the doughs of his Tango Pastry bakery, located at 6100 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22303, to make them more elastic.
Avocado oil is trendy right now, but it is not used for baking because it breaks (enters the denaturation process) easily when heated. Instead, it is used to finish salads or preparations, as it adds a clean and not so intense flavor. There is also a refined version, in which it is filtered and other oils are added. This option is healthier for frying.
Coconut oil and corn oil are the most resistant to high temperatures for frying, but their price can be higher and, therefore, they are not used as often.
Almond oil breaks easily, so it is recommended to use it as a finishing touch in specific preparations.
Argan oil, originally from Morocco, is mainly used in cosmetic products for face and hand care, as it helps prevent skin from drying out. It has a pleasant toasted nutty flavor and is used as a finishing oil for many fine dining dishes.
Finally, 3 types of oils remain to be mentioned in our note:
Sesame oil is used both in cooking and as a finishing touch to dishes.
Walnut oil is ideal for adding a finishing touch to different preparations.
Grapeseed oil is rich and clean, so it is used especially in salads. It is obtained from grape seeds.
Each of these products has its own health benefits and minerals. When consuming oil, the body processes it directly as fat and, if it is not burned, it is stored in the body. Therefore, Katriel advises us that it is important to choose the most suitable ones according to individual needs and preferences.
We hope this information has been useful for you to apply in your next meals, and to discover what is best for your health. If you liked it, share it with your friends and stay active on our website, because we upload a new blog text every week.