Olive Oil: The Kitchen Staple You Need
Olive Oil may seem like a simple pantry ingredient, but it’s one of the most essential staples to have in your kitchen.
This versatile oil pressed from olives, can be used in a variety of ways such as cooking and baking, beauty, and even cleaning.
Uses For Olive Oil
· Cooking: Olive oil has a high smoke point which makes it ideal for sautéing, stir-frying, and pan-frying. Ah, that sizzle. The extra virgin and virgin varieties add delicious flavor to dishes. Olive oil can be used to cook meats, roasted vegetables (like artichokes and roasted potatoes), eggs, and more. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can turn your basic salad into something special with its punchy, peppery notes. Olive oil is commonly used to make salad dressings and marinades adding a touch of richness. Extra-virgin olive oil is also wonderful for dipping bread in. Just add a few fresh herbs, such as basil and oregano, and some fresh grated parmesan cheese. (Chef’s kiss)
· Baking: Olive oil can be used to grease pans, add moisture to cakes, and even as a one-to-one substitute for other oils in recipes. The flavor pairs well with breads, pizzas, and pastries.
· Non-Cooking Uses: Beauty gurus swear by using olive oil for removing makeup, moisturizing skin and hair, and more. It’s great for polishing wood, conditioning leather, and removing sticky residue.
Shopping For Quality
Next time you’re grocery shopping, be sure to add olive oil to your cart. Keeping it stocked in your pantry provides endless ways to utilize this kitchen staple.
When it comes to selecting olive oil, there is a variety of olive oil types to choose from, each with its own unique flavor profile and characteristics. The tasting notes from robust and peppery extra virgin olive oil to milder and more delicate virgin olive oil, there is a wide range of options to suit different culinary preferences. With a few basic guidelines, you can pick a great bottle of olive oil.
Here are some things to take into consideration when buying olive oil. If the bottle only says olive oil then it’s been treated and refined. Extra-virgin olive oil, also known as EVOO doesn’t contain any defects from picking, processing, or bottling. It’s the best quality, so if your budget allows opt for extra virgin olive oil. Virgin is a good second, but I wouldn’t choose a lesser-quality oil than that.
Aside from the best or use-by date, you need to look for a harvest date. Not all bottles display this. If you don’t see a harvest date, it may be because the olives came from different orchards or estates and you won’t know how old the olives were or how old the oil actually is. Having a date of harvest listed is a good indicator of freshness.
Storage
Use within a year for the best taste.
Another way to be sure your oil is fresh is to pick a dark glass bottle or stainless steel. Oxygen, heat, and light will make olive oil turn rancid fast. Try to avoid plastic bottles and don’t buy bottles stored on the top shelves of the grocery store. Make sure to always recap the bottle and store your oil away from windows, and the oven. The best place to store your oil is in your pantry or in a cabinet.
Health Benefits
In addition to its culinary and non-culinary uses, olive oil is also known for its healthy fats and health benefits. It is a key component of the Mediterranean diet, which is associated with numerous health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties and research suggests reduced risk of
Heart disease and stroke
Alzheimer’s
Type 2 Diabetes – Studies have shown beneficial effects on blood sugar and insulin sensitivity
Olive oil is rich in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals. The monounsaturated fats in olive oil are considered to be a healthier option compared to saturated fats, making it a popular choice for those looking to improve their diet.
According to https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-benefits-of-olive-oil “extra virgin olive oil retains some of the antioxidants and bioactive compounds from olives. For this reason, it’s considered healthier than the more refined variety of olive oil.” Click on the link to see a very detailed list of the various health benefits of olive oil.
History & Culture
Furthermore, the production of olive oil has a rich history and cultural significance in many regions around the world, particularly in the Mediterranean. The process of harvesting and pressing olives to extract the oil has been a tradition passed down through generations, and the resulting oil is not only a staple in cooking but also a symbol of tradition and heritage.
If you would like to learn more about the History of Olive Oil check out this article. I found it really interesting. The Ancient History of Making Olive Oil (thoughtco.com)
In summary, olive oil is not just a kitchen staple; olive oil’s a multifaceted ingredient that encompasses culinary, health, cultural, and historical significance. Its versatility, health benefits, and cultural importance make it a truly indispensable addition to any kitchen.
With its wide range of applications, olive oil is indeed a must-have pantry staple.
Happy Cooking!