What kind of olive oil is best?

Options
7funnygirl7
7funnygirl7 Posts: 1,176
in Food and Nutrition
Just wondering what your favourite olive oil is, and if there are some better ones to use with good benefits. Let me know what is a "good" olive oil please~ Note: I am from Canada so probably limited to certain brands...LOL
«1

Replies

  • marsellient
    marsellient Posts: 591 Member
    Options
    Anything extra virgin cold pressed should be fine. Check to see what's on sale :)
  • 7funnygirl7
    7funnygirl7 Posts: 1,176
    Options
    I do have 100% pure cold pressed extra virgin olive oil by MASTRO right now but find it is funny tasting. Could still be my tastebuds switching over from Vegetable oil...LOL
  • kleighsamboer
    kleighsamboer Posts: 250
    Options
    It would actually be better to use organic butter. The molecular chemistry of oil changes when heated and butter does not. If you are using it for dressings that is fine but if you are looking for something to cook with organic butter is better and lower in calories. I like Organic Valley whipped butter. It is also unsalted.
  • 7funnygirl7
    7funnygirl7 Posts: 1,176
    Options
    Thanks! Never thought of that. Will try to locate some this weekend ~ might like it better..ha ha.
  • modernmom70
    modernmom70 Posts: 373 Member
    Options
    Anything extra virgin cold pressed should be fine. Check to see what's on sale :)

    Yes and make sure it comes in a dark bottle. If yours is in a clear bottle maybe that's why it tastes funny.

    Also DO cook with it! It has a very high smoke point....And it is damn good for you!
  • modernmom70
    modernmom70 Posts: 373 Member
    Options
    It would actually be better to use organic butter. The molecular chemistry of oil changes when heated and butter does not. If you are using it for dressings that is fine but if you are looking for something to cook with organic butter is better and lower in calories. I like Organic Valley whipped butter. It is also unsalted.

    Don't get me wrong I love butter! But Olive Oil is nutritionally superior!
    Here's a good link

    http://www.livestrong.com/article/140983-calorie-count-olive-oil-vs-butter/
  • 7funnygirl7
    7funnygirl7 Posts: 1,176
    Options
    Okay, thanks!~ Note to self; ~ buy new olive oil in a dark bottle and get rid of my clear funny tasting one!!!!!
  • modernmom70
    modernmom70 Posts: 373 Member
    Options
    Okay, thanks!~ Note to self; ~ buy new olive oil in a dark bottle and get rid of my clear funny tasting one!!!!!

    Yah I don't even know why they sell it it clear bottles, as should be kept away from light!
  • 7funnygirl7
    7funnygirl7 Posts: 1,176
    Options
    It is true, you really do learn something NEW everyday!! Thanks again gals for the tips!
  • LoraF83
    LoraF83 Posts: 15,694 Member
    Options
    I love butter & olive oil! There is room for both in my kitchen :)

    Right now I'm using Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil. I just bought my second bottle, so I'd consider it pretty good! You definitely want a dark bottle, and a higher price point. It doesn't have to be the most expensive, but definitely not the cheapest. You don't use too much at a time, so it won't be a common expense.....it's worth the extra money.
  • kleighsamboer
    kleighsamboer Posts: 250
    Options
    Just so you understand smoke point has nothing to do with the molecular structure of olive oil once it is heated. I do agree, if you are going to use it buy one in a dark bottle and the freshest you can find. store it in a cool dry place.
    I still think organic butter is superior but to each his own :)
  • tigersword
    tigersword Posts: 8,059 Member
    Options
    Butter and olive oil are both equals in my mind. Both contain some very heart healthy fats, and should both be consumed regularly.

    Olive oil has oleic acid, and butter has stearic acid. Both protect your heart from cardiovascular disease.

    As for which olive oil to use, it depends what you are doing with it. For dressings and cold sauces/toppings, use extra virgin olive oil, it has volatile compounds and a pretty low smoke point, so it's not good for cooking with.

    If you're cooking, go with just regular virgin olive oil or a pure olive oil. They are a little more refined, so they have a slightly higher smoke point, but it's still among the lowest of all cooking oil (about 350F/177C-400F/204C,) so you don't want to use it for anything that's really high heat.

    High heat cooking, your best bets would be peanut oil, or safflower oil. They both have extremely high smoke points (about 450F/232C for peanut, 500F/260C for safflower) and are very healthy unsaturated fats.
  • 7funnygirl7
    7funnygirl7 Posts: 1,176
    Options
    Just for my own curiosity sake I am going to purchase both! This way I have a back up incase one isn't successful...LOL
  • 7funnygirl7
    7funnygirl7 Posts: 1,176
    Options
    Well...looks like I am about to add peanut oil to my list too~ ha ha. I do stirfry!!
  • tigersword
    tigersword Posts: 8,059 Member
    Options
    Peanut oil is actually the traditional stir fry oil.
  • modernmom70
    modernmom70 Posts: 373 Member
    Options
    Just so you understand smoke point has nothing to do with the molecular structure of olive oil once it is heated. I do agree, if you are going to use it buy one in a dark bottle and the freshest you can find. store it in a cool dry place.
    I still think organic butter is superior but to each his own :)

    I'm not knocking butter.....love it! Definately superior to smother on potatoes and popcorn! LOL! But how I defend Olive oil as being nutritionally superior is that it is higher in omegas and it is plant based and does not have any cholesterol. But everyone has thier own preference!
    Just a note that not all organic butter is grass fed, by choosing grass fed butter (not the butter the cows LOL) you are getting more omegas.
  • modernmom70
    modernmom70 Posts: 373 Member
    Options
    Peanut oil is actually the traditional stir fry oil.

    And the best in my opinion for Fondue!
  • Pebble321
    Pebble321 Posts: 6,554 Member
    Options
    It might not be that your olive oil is bad, it might just be a variation with a different taste.
    Is there a farmers market near you where you can buy direct from the suppliers, they usually let you taste before you buy.
    Or get on Google and find out if there is somewhere near you that specialises in olive oils - I remember going to one shop that had about a gazillion different variations and you could taste them to see what you liked best.
  • 7funnygirl7
    7funnygirl7 Posts: 1,176
    Options
    Mmmmmm.....now I am craving for strawberries and bananas dipped in Chocolate fondue!!!!...YIKES!
  • foraubs
    foraubs Posts: 263 Member
    Options
    Awesome topic.
    I have nothing to contribute as this is all new information to me, but I've enjoyed reading & am taking a lot from it .. so, GRACIASSSSS!

Categories