There is nothing better for olive oil fans. Furthermore, many of these same fans have taken it upon themselves to find the best olive oil for cooking because they want the amazing taste of which they can’t get enough in all of their food preparation.
The problem for many people is that for a long time, there has been a persistent misconception about whether or not you should use olive oil in cooking. Frequently, there is a “50/50” split between yes and no. So, the question remains: if so many people believe that olive oil and heat don’t mix, should I use it in my cooking?
You can cook with olive oil. Many leading experts in the food world, as well as the medical profession and even anthropology, have chimed in, noting that given the amount of time that this nearly sacred liquid has been mentioned in written history, as well as an instrumental part of food preparation in certain parts of the world for many, many (did we say many?) generations, it would seem strange that cooking would be so harmful.
There is, however, agreement on how to choose the best olive oil for cooking in your home:
Know Your Application – Depending on the type of cooking you’ll be doing (for example, sautéing, frying, baking, or roasting), you’ll want to use a different type of olive oil.
Understand Oil Types and Grades – By understanding levels and grades, you can better understand how to select an oil for your intended application.
Price Can Be Important – It may seem a little black and white to say that if you pay a lot for oil, it will be better, but many culinary experts seem to agree on the other end of the spectrum. If you buy as cheaply as possible, you’re almost certainly increasing your chances of getting a bad deal on oil. The good news is that production in the United States is steadily increasing, so there are options for all price points.
Determine What You’re Cooking – It turns out that different types of oil work best depending on what you’re cooking. Given the differences in how you prepare steak and fish, it makes sense to have a distinction between the two.
Try a Few – Because there are good oils to use at lower price points, you can try a few brands and see which one you prefer. Even better, you might live in a state where production is comparable to wine production. This means you can get some great olive oil at a great price while also supporting a local business.
You might be surprised to learn that the best olive oil for cooking does not have to be a pricey international brand. It could be in your own backyard, so to speak. Just keep in mind that a little knowledge can go a long way.
Looking for the best olive oil in Texas for cooking? Get in touch with Texas Hill Country Olive Company.