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Does Oil Lose It's Nutrients When Heated

Source of Recipe

Hormel Foods, (www.Hormel.com)


List of Ingredients

Oil starts losing it's nutrients in two ways.

Frist:
Old oil. Loses it's flavor, aroma, pigments, and nutrients

Second:
Heating the oils past their smoke point. The smoke point refers to the temperature at which an oil begins to smoke, become discolored, and decompose. This is when the oil starts losing it's nutrients. Cooking oil should never be allowed to heat to the smoking point because this will cause food to burn and will produce an unpleasant taste in the food.

A number of factors may contribute to a decrease in the smoke point of an oil. The length of time the oil has been heated, the number of times the oil has been used, the presence of salt or any other impurities, improper storage, and if the oil is a generic blend of various oils may all contribute to lowering the smoke point.

Unrefined oils (oils obtained from cold extraction methods only) usually have lower smoke points than refined oils (oils obtained through high heat extraction). Generally, an oil that has very little color, aroma, or taste is probably a refined oil. Although it may not be necessary to know the actual temperature of the smoke points of various oils, it is important to know which oils and fats may be safely used for different cooking methods.

Smoke Point of Various Oils

Safflower Oil 510ºF
Sauté, Pan-fry, Sear, Deep-fry, Stir-fry, Grill, Broil, Baking


Sunflower Oil 450ºF Sauté,
Pan-fry, Sear, Stir-fry, Grill, Broil, Baking


Sesame Seed Oil (Light) 410ºF Sauté,
Pan-fry, Sear, Deep-fry, Stir-fry, Grill, Broil, Baking

Olive Oil 410ºF Sauté,
Pan-fry, Sear, Deep-fry, Stir-fry, Grill, Broil, Baking


Canola Oil 400ºF Sauté, Pan-fry, Sear, Deep-fry, Stir-fry, Grill, Broil, Baking

Canola Oil 225ºF Blend it with oils with higher smoke points for low heat cooking


Olive Oil (Extra Virgin or Virgin) 320ºF Sauté,
Pan-fry, Sear, Stir-fry, Grill, Broil, Baking

Sunflower Oil 225ºF Blend it with oils with higher smoke points for low heat cooking

Safflower Oil 225ºF Blend it with oils with higher smoke points for low heat cooking


Recipe