For centuries people from Turkey, Egypt, Italy, Spain, and Greece have been using virgin olive oil for cooking. It was a symbol of wealth, peace, and fame while regarded as “liquid gold”. It is still used largely for culinary purposes. You can drizzle it on salad, saute, stir-fry veggies, or bake some yummy treats with virgin olive oil.
Its versatile nature makes it a perfect ingredient for all recipes. Virgin olive oil is highly rich in antioxidant properties and fatty acids that contribute to reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Is Virgin Olive Oil Good for Cooking?
Yes, virgin olive oil is used by many people and is good for cooking. It contains healthy fats that help protect against heart disease. Not only is it beneficial for the health it also has a delicious flavour and adds palettes to the food.
Benefits of Virgin Olive Oil for Cooking
Virgin olive oil is not only for acquiring taste but for its nutritional value as well. Once you get to know about its benefits, you will definitely add it to your recipes.
1. Antioxidants
It is packed with antioxidants which help in fighting oxidative stress and inflammation. It reduces the overall risk of chronic diseases.
2. Reduces heart disease risk
Monosaturated fats present in virgin olive oil help lower bad cholesterol levels which contributes to a favourable lipid profile. It supports a balanced diet leading to healthy heart health.
3. Versatile
Olive oil is being used in various culinary applications like dressing salad, pan frying, sauteing, and deep frying food. It also has high smoke points which does not compromise with the nutritional value of the food.
4. Flavourful
Virgin olive oil gives a distinct olive oil flavour to the dishes which enhances their overall taste. Whether you are using it in cooked or raw form, it will definitely enhance your taste.
5. Nutrient retention
Virgin olive oil is a rich source of antioxidants which preserves the nutritional value of other ingredients during cooking.
How to Use Virgin Olive Oil in Cooking?
Virgin olive oil can be used in various ways such as deep frying, sauteing, pan crying, or cold meals. Dizzle virgin olive oil over your salad or use it for deep frying, it can be used in any form. It is incredibly healthy for overall health.
Best Brand of Olive Oil for Cooking
The 5 best brands of olive oil in India will take care of your culinary delights along with your health.
1. VedaOils
VedaOils is a highly renowned supplier of raw materials in India and throughout the world. They cater to a wide range of products such as essential oils, cooking oils, carrier oils, soap bases, fragnance oils, dried flowers, you name it they have it all. They constantly try to meet the ongoing demand of consumers with their R & D team to provide top-notch quality products. VedaOils is known for its organic ingredients and products that cater to holistic well-being.
2. Figaro
Established in 1919, Figaro has been meeting the constant demand for virgin olive oil throughout the world. They make chemical-free and high-quality olive oil amongst other virgin olive oil products. They offer varieties of olive oil according to their cooking purpose that are well suited for the recipe.
3. Saffola
Since 1960, Saffola has been taking care of millions of people’s health through their products. They source the finest Spanish olives known for their rich flavours and numerous health benefits.
4. Del Monte
Del Monte is a globally recognised brand and positioned as a high-quality. They produce virgin olive oil through cold-pressed methods to preserve the nutritional value of the oil. Their aim is to provide consumers with a healthy and flavourful cooking oil.
5. Jivo
It is an Indian brand that has gained popularity for its range of health product catalogues. All of their products are of premium quality which emphasizes health benefits along with taste. Jivo’s virgin olive oil often highlights the presence of antioxidants and monounsaturated fats which promote healthy heart properties.
Conclusion
Virgin olive oil is a delicate ingredient known for its rich flavour and health benefits in cuisines. It can be easily added into all recipes be it for deep frying, baking, sauteing, or pan frying. Virgin olive oil is rich in antioxidants, vitamins E & K, and monounsaturated fats. It is a conscious choice of many health professionals.