One of the biggest myths we hear at Lowcountry Olive Oil is that you shouldn't cook with extra virgin olive oil.
The truth? You absolutely can.
Extra virgin olive oil is one of the best choices for everyday cooking. So if you've been saving your favorite bottle for salad dressings or finishing dishes, it's time to start using it a little more often.
Does Extra Virgin Olive Oil Burn When You Heat It?
A lot of people believe extra virgin olive oil burns the second it hits a hot pan. That's not true.
High-quality extra virgin olive oil has a smoke point that makes it suitable for many of the everyday cooking methods you already use in your kitchen.
You can use EVOO for:
- Sautéing vegetables
- Cooking chicken
- Searing seafood
- Roasting potatoes
- Baking
- Finishing cooked dishes
And yes, you can bake with it too. Shoutout to everyone who already knows that Meyer Lemon Olive Oil makes an incredible addition to a lemon cake.
What Really Matters When Choosing an Olive Oil?
The bigger issue isn't simply the smoke point. Quality and freshness matter.
Extra virgin olive oil naturally contains antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that make it such a special ingredient. Choosing a fresh, high-quality EVOO helps preserve the qualities that set it apart from more heavily processed oils.
And there's another benefit: flavor.
Fresh extra virgin olive oil can have notes that are peppery, buttery, grassy, fruity, or slightly bitter. Instead of simply being something you cook with, it can add another layer of flavor to your food.
That's one of the reasons we encourage people to taste their olive oil before choosing a bottle. Different oils work beautifully with different foods.
What About High-Heat Cooking?
There are certain cooking methods where you may want an oil specifically suited for higher temperatures.
If you're deep frying or cooking at extremely high temperatures, there are other options that can be a better fit.
That's where avocado oil comes in.
At Lowcountry Olive Oil, we carry avocado oil as a versatile high-heat cooking option. It has a mild flavor and is a great choice when you need an oil that can handle higher-temperature cooking.
For everyday cooking, though, extra virgin olive oil is an excellent choice.
Stop Saving Your Extra Virgin Olive Oil for Salads
Your EVOO deserves more than a permanent spot next to the salad dressing.
Cook with it. Roast with it. Bake with it. Finish your favorite dishes with it.
Use it for your morning eggs, sautéed vegetables, roasted potatoes, chicken, seafood, homemade sauces, or a simple drizzle over your finished dish.
The next time you reach for your extra virgin olive oil, don't be afraid to actually cook with it.
And if you aren't sure which olive oil is best for the way you cook, stop by Lowcountry Olive Oil in Charleston or Summerville. Our team can help you find the perfect bottle for your kitchen and show you just how many ways you can use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the smoke point of extra virgin olive oil?
Extra virgin olive oil typically has a smoke point between 350°F and 410°F, depending on its freshness and quality. This makes it suitable for sautéing, roasting, baking, and most everyday stovetop cooking.
Does heating extra virgin olive oil destroy its health benefits?
Heating extra virgin olive oil at normal cooking temperatures does not eliminate its benefits. While some antioxidants can diminish slightly with heat, high-quality EVOO retains far more of its beneficial compounds than refined oils, even after cooking.
What oil should I use for deep frying or high-heat cooking?
For deep frying or cooking at very high temperatures, an oil with a higher smoke point, like avocado oil, is a better fit. Extra virgin olive oil is best suited for everyday cooking methods like sautéing, roasting, and baking.
Can you bake with extra virgin olive oil?
Yes. Extra virgin olive oil works well in baking and can add flavor that butter or neutral oils can't. Flavored options like Meyer Lemon Olive Oil are especially popular in cakes and other baked goods.
Ready to Cook with Better Olive Oil?
Explore our selection of fresh extra virgin olive oils and find a bottle you'll actually want to use every day.