Can you use extra virgin olive oil for frying?
Can you use extra virgin olive oil for frying? Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is an ingredient that combines tradition, health, and flavour. For years, however, a recurring question has persisted: is it advisable to fry with EVOO? The answer is clear: yes, as long as it is used correctly.
Today, at Almazaras de la Subbética, we want to show you why EVOO is ideal for frying, what its advantages are, which aspects require attention, and how a product like our Almaoliva Gastronomía has been specially designed to get the most out of this culinary technique.
The properties of EVOO for frying
Beyond its prestige as a raw dressing, extra virgin olive oil offers characteristics that make it a reliable ally in hot cooking. The following unique characteristics stand out:
- High smoke point: in other words, the temperature at which it begins to degrade, and in the case of EVOO, this is between 190°C and 210°C, depending on the variety. A figure that makes it perfectly suitable for frying, as most frying is done between 160°C and 180°C.
- Stability thanks to its natural antioxidants: Its richness in polyphenols and vitamin E acts as a natural protector against oxidation. In other words, EVOO is more stable than other vegetable oils and withstands heat better without rapidly losing its properties.
- Nutritional benefits that are maintained: Although frying involves a change in the oil’s composition, EVOO retains some of its beneficial compounds, unlike other refined oils which have hardly any to begin with.
- Unmistakable flavour and texture: Therefore, frying with extra virgin olive oil is, as well as a healthy choice, a great gastronomic choice. It enhances the flavour of food, provides a crispy texture, and improves the final result of both simple and elaborate dishes.
Advantages and points to watch
Frying with extra virgin olive oil has several strong points, although it is important to know its conditions of use:
- Durability: It withstands more uses than other oils before deteriorating, as long as its smoke point is not exceeded.
- Quality of the result: It provides lightness and prevents food from absorbing too much oil if the frying temperature is correct.
- Caution when reheating: As with any oil, it is not advisable to reuse it excessively. It is recommended to filter it after each use and discard it when it turns a dark colour or has a rancid smell.
In summary, its weak points are not in the oil itself, but in improper use: temperatures that are too high, excessive reuse, or using an EVOO that has not been designed for prolonged use in frying.
Almaoliva Gastronomía: excellence for frying
At Almazaras de la Subbética, we understand that modern gastronomy demands versatile, quality oils, capable of meeting the needs of both home and professional kitchens. That is why Almaoliva Gastronomía was born, an extra virgin olive oil designed for healthy, high-performance frying.
- Perfect balance of varieties: It combines Picuda, Picual, and Hojiblanca olives, achieving a robust and stable oil, ideal for withstanding different temperature ranges.
- Designed for the catering industry: Thanks to its stability, it allows professionals to offer top-quality fried foods without compromising on health or flavour.
- 100% natural and healthy: It retains all the beneficial components of a great EVOO, adapted to the nutritional demands of a modern diet.
Almaoliva Gastronomía is the living proof that extra virgin olive oil offers us a world that goes far beyond raw dressing, as it is also the most complete option for frying with health, flavour, and safety. An oil that unites tradition, innovation, and excellence, designed for those who want to look after their health without giving up gastronomic pleasure.
Therefore, we can state that frying with extra virgin olive oil is an intelligent choice. It offers stability, nutritional benefits, better flavour, and a superior quality fry. Of course, like any fine product, it requires correct use and, naturally, it will also depend on your own choice. Are you ready to discover our offering?
