Frying in Olive Oil – Everything You Need to Know

The health benefits of olive oil and its application in the diet have always been of great importance. Olive oil is not just an ingredient; it is a true elixir due to its active components that affect our health. Whether it’s about frying or its use in finished dishes as a seasoning, olive oil is always in the forefront. We can learn about its importance in the diet even from older generations who recognized olive oil as a supreme product. It’s not without reason that it has been immortalized with the name “Liquid Gold.”

The Importance of Olive Oil in the Diet

Olive oil is a fundamental ingredient of the Mediterranean diet, known since ancient times as one of the healthiest. In 2010, UNESCO declared the Mediterranean diet as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, and with it, its cornerstone: extra virgin olive oil. Daily consumption of olive oil is recommended as all its components contribute to the health of the entire organism. It’s even suggested to take three teaspoons or one teaspoon of olive oil early in the morning before breakfast to regulate digestion.

Frying in Olive Oil

You might have heard the myth about olive oil, i.e., that it should not be used for frying. However, what is true and scientifically proven is that pure extra virgin olive oil has a high smoke point, up to 215°C, which means that olive oil is suitable for frying. With olive oil, this is possible because it is stable at high temperature, making true extra virgin olive oil an excellent choice for healthy cooking. It contains a large number of health benefits, starting from a great number of polyphenols, natural antioxidants, vitamins…

It is healthiest to use it as an addition to finished dishes because then it contains the highest number of vitamins and minerals. Its medicinal properties are strongest when used cold or lightly heated, but it is certainly recommended for cooking and frying for the reasons mentioned.

Frying Meat in Olive Oil

It is possible to fry meat in olive oil. Although olive oil loses its aroma, it does not lose those important components such as vitamins and antioxidants that are essential in our diet. If you want to use olive oil for frying and deep frying, using a wooden spoon, you will notice that bubbles appear at a temperature of about 160°C. Contrary to what many recipe books say, this temperature is quite sufficient. Steaks do not need to be cooked at a higher temperature. Since the smoke point of olive oil is at a temperature of 215°C, it is certainly an excellent choice. However, it is important to know that when frying, we use pure extra virgin olive oil to ensure we are using the best for our health.

Frying Fish in Olive Oil

You must have wondered which oil to use and how to fry fish in a pan. The oil on which we fry is exactly what needs to be considered. Olive oil is the best choice when preparing food, and so for frying fish in a pan. If you do not want to use a lot of oil for frying and save olive oil for preparing other dishes, you can use other oils, but olive oil is a safe choice.

Olive Oil and Health Benefits

What is most important to emphasize is the impact of olive oil on health. Olive oil is known for its contributions to health. People have used it since ancient times for various purposes such as special diets, body anointing, and wound healing. The special composition of its plant substances has been proven to have a positive effect on health and beauty. It is rich in vitamins A, E, D, and K. It positively affects cholesterol levels and prevents cardiovascular diseases. It is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory effects. Olive oil is very important for digestion, i.e., improving the digestive system, maintains bone health, contributes to mental clarity, maintains hair health, and contributes to youthful-looking skin. Additionally, it eliminates problems with heartburn, gastritis, ulcers, colitis, and constipation.

Olive Oil and Digestion

Olive oil has a beneficial effect on digestion. If we want to stimulate digestion, the recommendation is three teaspoons of olive oil early in the morning. It acts as a mild laxative. When using olive oil, we must ensure that we use top-quality extra virgin olive oil. When purchasing, we must pay attention to this issue, as it is the first step in using the right product. At the Olive Oil House in Pula, with a wide selection of the best olive oils from Istria, you can also participate in educational tastings through which you can learn how to recognize true extra virgin olive oil. It is also important to consider how to store olive oil. It is not recommended to keep it directly in the sun, nor in the refrigerator. It should be stored at room temperature, in a dark place, in a dark glass bottle.

The choice of olive oil, its storage, and purpose contribute to its quality consumption. By expanding knowledge about olive oil, its proper application, we influence the improvement of our health. By learning from our elders, applying new knowledge, and spreading and sharing the same, we influence not only the present generations but also leave a mark for future generations to follow.

Choose the best for yourself, choose carefully, and use olive oil in the best way possible.