Canola oil is derived from the seeds of the canola plant. Canola oil suppliers note that it has become popular as a heart-healthy cooking oil. It is because the oil has a very low saturated fat content and high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. But do you know the right way to store this cooking oil?
Canola oil suppliers state that you must properly store the oil to extend its shelf life & maximise its health benefits. So, in today’s blog, we share some tips and guidelines about storing and using canola oil.
Why Use Canola Oil?
But first, let us look at why canola oil is becoming a popular choice for cooking.
In recent years, canola oil has gained significant attention due to its health benefits and versatility in the kitchen. Having said that, here are some of the health benefits that canola oil suppliers say make it an ideal choice for your kitchen:
- Canola oil is low in saturated fat and high in monounsaturated fat, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- With a smoke point of around 400°F (204°C), canola oil is ideal for high-temperature cooking methods like frying, sautéing, and grilling. It retains its stability and doesn’t break down easily, ensuring food is cooked evenly and without a burnt taste.
- Canola oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health, reducing inflammation, and supporting heart health.
- It has a neutral flavour and light texture, making it suitable for various culinary applications.
- Compared to other cooking oils, canola oil is generally more affordable, which makes it a cost-effective option for everyday cooking.
Storing Canola Oil Properly
Canola oil and cottonseed oil suppliers state that when storing your cooking oil, you must take proper measures to store it. This helps maintain its quality, preserve its health benefits and prolong its shelf life.
Some of the measures you can take to properly store your cooking oil include:
- Keep it Cool and Dark: Canola oil suppliers recommend storing the cooking oil in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources like stoves or ovens. They further note that exposure to light and heat. It, in turn, can cause the oil to go rancid quickly, leading to a loss of flavour and nutritional value.
- Seal the Bottle Tightly: Oxygen can contribute to the oxidation of canola oil, leading to rancidity. So, you must always ensure the bottle is tightly sealed after each use to prevent unnecessary exposure to air.
- Avoid Refrigeration: Canola oil does not need refrigeration and can become cloudy and thick when stored at low temperatures. However, refrigeration may help preserve freshness, especially when the weather is too hot.
- Check the Best Before Date: Canola and cottonseed oil suppliers always recommend checking the best before date on the bottle while purchasing. It helps ensure you have access to fresh cooking oil. Moreover, using the oil past its expiration date can result in an inferior cooking experience.
Understanding Canola Oil’s High Smoke Point
The smoke point of any cooking oil refers to the temperature at which the oil starts to smoke and degrade, releasing harmful compounds into the air and food. One of the key advantages of canola oil is its high smoke point, which is around 204°C (400°F).
The oil’s high smoke point makes it suitable for high-temperature cooking methods like sautéing, frying, and grilling. Furthermore, unlike other cooking oils like olive oil or butter, canola oil can withstand these high temperatures without producing a burnt taste or releasing toxic fumes.
Using Canola Oil Safely in Cooking
As mentioned earlier, the high smoke point and health benefits of canola oil make it an ideal choice for cooking.
However, canola oil suppliers note that when using the oil for cooking, you must take proper precautions. Doing so will help preserve the taste and flavour and maximise the health benefits.
Having said that here are some of the things you must remember when cooking with canola oil:
- Preheat with Care: Before adding canola oil, preheat the pan to avoid rapid heating and potential smoke. Once the pan is adequately heated, add the oil and let it gradually heat up.
- Avoid Overheating: Although it can withstand high temperatures, canola oil suppliers state that it is crucial not to overheat it. Excessive heat can degrade the oil and lead to the formation of harmful substances. If the oil begins to smoke, lower the heat immediately and start again.
- Use the Right Amount: Use canola oil in moderation, as excessive consumption of any oil can contribute to excessive calorie intake. A little goes a long way, so avoid drenching your food in oil.
- Choose Baking as a Healthier Alternative: Instead of deep-frying, consider baking, roasting, or air frying with canola oil to reduce overall fat content while still enjoying the benefits of its high smoke point.
Find a Reliable Canola Oil Supplier Near You
With its high smoke point, stability, and versatility in the kitchen, canola oil can be used for various cooking techniques while maintaining the integrity of the oil and the nutritional value of your meals. However, finding a reliable canola oil supplier near you is essential.
If you are looking for one, we recommend checking out Revive Oils.
At Revive Oils, they are a team of reliable professionals delivering premium quality cooking oils at highly competitive prices. Moreover, they also offer used cooking oil collection services. So, connect with them to learn more about their services and how they can help you with your cooking oil needs.
