Lifestyle
The Best Neutral Cooking Oils For all Your Cheffing Needs
2min read
Unsure what oils to use for what dishes? When it comes to flavourless, or neutral cooking oils, it can be hard to know which one to choose. We’ve broken it down so you know the key properties of popular neutral cooking oils to help you pick the best the next time you’re ready to whip something up in the kitchen.
Sunflower Oil vs Olive Oil: Which should I use?
Sunflower oil is a great all-rounder that's perfect for frying, baking, and roasting. It has a high smoke point, which means it won't smoke or burn easily, and it's high in vitamin E and healthy fats. Olive oil is another popular choice, but it has a lower smoke point and a distinct flavour (meaning it isn’t actually a neutral oil). It's better for dressings and low-temperature cooking, rather than high-temperature frying, and used raw and unheated, has many great health benefits (the success of the mediterranean diet in slowing down and reducing many ailments is proof in the pudding!).
What's the deal with Avocado oil?
If you're looking for a healthy option, avocado oil is a great choice. It's high in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which can help to protect against inflammation and oxidative stress. Plus, it has a high smoke point and is great for frying, baking, and more. However, avocado oil does tend to be more expensive than other neutral oil, which is something to bear in mind.
Vegetable vs Sunflower Oil: Which is healthier?
Lastly, vegetable oil and sunflower oil are often compared. Vegetable oil is a blend of different oils, including soybean, canola, and corn oil. It has a mild flavor and high smoke point, but it's not the healthiest option due to its high levels of omega-6 fatty acids. Sunflower oil, on the other hand, is a healthier alternative, with high levels of vitamin E and polyunsaturated fats.
The Best Neutral Oils
In summary, choosing the right oil for your recipe depends on what you're cooking and your health goals. If you're frying, baking, or roasting, sunflower oil is a great choice. For dressings and low-temperature cooking, olive oil is a good option. If you're looking for a healthy choice, avocado oil is the way to go. And if you're trying to choose between vegetable oil and sunflower oil, sunflower oil is the healthier choice. So go ahead and experiment with different oils to find the perfect match for your taste and cooking needs!
By Toni Olukiran
Toni is one of our lovely Content Marketing Assistants, and when she’s not writing posts about everything from Jamaican cooking to vegan champagne, she’s making a Spotify playlist (she was at 200, at her last count) or playing tennis in the park.
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