Beat the Heat
These July temperatures are sizzlin'! Our sunflowers always seems to be in full swing just as our thermometer clears 100. It's no wonder heat is always in the forefront of our mind!
Heat can make or break a recipe when it comes to cooking! Did you know that heat can directly affect the nutrients derived from the food you eat? It’s true. Your cooking oil’s ability to withstand heat can make your dinner a delicious masterpiece or a risky disaster! We like to err on the delicious masterpiece dinner… so lean in for some quick tips to prepare your food the healthiest way possible!
Smoke Point
Each cooking oil has a smoke point that directly affects the food you eat. The smoke point of an oil or fat is the temperature at which it gives off smoke. Heating the oil past the smoke point will not only impart a burnt flavor and aroma to your food, but it also begins breaking down and releasing free radicals that are harmful to your body.
Below are the smoke points for common cooking oils.
Health vs. Heat
Many people think you must trade health for a high smoke point. Simply Sunflower Oil defies those odds. With a smoke point of 450 degrees, corn oil contains higher saturated fat, fewer beneficial monounsaturated fats, and lacks Vitamin E. Simply Sunflower has the same high smoke point with many more health benefits. These benefits include less saturated fat, more beneficial monounsaturated fat, 41% Vitamin E and powerful antioxidants. You do not need to sacrifice health for heat!
Hot-Pressed vs. Cold-Pressed
One thing also important to consider when selecting a cooking oil is whether the seeds were hot-pressed or cold-pressed. Most large companies use a hot press to increase the yield, but they kill several important nutrients in the process. Cold-pressed oils are extracted using an expeller press under a carefully controlled temperature setting below 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooler temperatures preserve the flavor and aroma of heat-sensitive oils. Cold pressing also retains naturally occurring phytochemicals, such as polyphenols and plant sterols, as well as vitamin E. Simply Sunflower seeds are cold-pressed using no chemicals or preservatives to offer you an all-natural product, rich in Vitamin E and naturally occurring nutrients!
Cooking Temperatures
Most foods are fried between the temperatures of 350-450 degrees Fahrenheit so it is best to choose an oil with a smoking point above 400 degrees. Simply Sunflower Oil is a versatile oil that can be used as a tasty salad dressing, or for sautéing, frying, and on-the-grill!
Hopefully this has been helpful information as you continue to cook-away! If you have any questions or other topics you would like us to cover in a future blog post, please contact us!
Have a sunny day!
The Simply Sunflower Team
