Olive oil of the highest category (extra virgin) is essentially freshly squeezed olive juice, which professionals call first–pressed oil. This oil is obtained by cold pressing the fruits and separating the excess liquid in a centrifuge. Fresh olive is a capricious product, and within a day after harvesting it begins to oxidize, lose its shape, taste and aroma, so olives are turned into oil as close as possible to the place of collection and never transport fruits over long distances. This means that the first-pressed oil retains the unique aroma of olives of the region where it was made. Notes of flowers and fruits, artichokes and fresh grass.
Such a bright personality requires careful handling: extra virgin olive oil works best in its natural form at room temperature in salads, appetizers, sauces and even in cold desserts. Many manufacturers enrich its notes with additional flavors – basil, lemon zest, garlic, dried tomatoes and truffle. So the oil turns into a ready-made refined dressing. It is enough to dip a piece of ciabatta in olive oil with the aroma of noble white truffle to feel a powerful polyphony of flavors.
Olive Oil for Frying
Many home cooks are sure that frying and stewing in extra virgin olive oil is not right. From the heat, fragile natural flavors are destroyed, the oil changes texture and color, and the piquant bitterness turns into outright bitterness. But this is only partially true. In fact, the so–called “smoking point” (that is, the temperature limit after which all of the above irreversible processes begin to occur in the oil) even in first-pressed oil is quite high – up to 180 ° C, depending on the acidity of the product. In other words, if the dish is slowly languishing or baked in the oven with gentle heating, extra virgin oil releases all its flavor and transmits it to the products, which is exclusively beneficial for fish, meat or vegetables. This is the secret, for example, of the Provencal ratatouille – only mixed vegetables cooked in “virgin” olive oil turn into a luxurious, fragrant southern sun whole.
But if we are talking about high temperatures – deep-frying or frying in a hot frying pan, then the temperature shock will kill all living things. For these purposes, it is logical to use refined olive oil: it is sold both in pure form and mixed with a small amount of extra virgin (usually in a percentage ratio of 80:20). This oil is a workhorse in the kitchen, it is more affordable and absolutely universal, suitable for salad dressings and frying in a frying pan. Due to the high density, olive oil practically does not penetrate into the product during frying. And this is good news for those who want to eat a ruddy steak and observe the principles of a healthy diet: after frying, it is easy to remove excess olive oil with a paper towel.
It is worth considering that due to the high density, olive oil practically does not penetrate into the product during frying. The only thing to avoid is deep–frying and a hot frying pan
Time just flew by unnoticed! The Old New Year is already approaching! I used to try to cook duck with apples only for this holiday of ours – we love it so much! But not always and not everyone can dodge. And after a plentiful feast on the next holiday, I want to feel lightness! And I want to taste it. Then you can cook these stuffed chicken breasts. And dietary, and fragrant, and very fast! Agree, lightness in everything is always pleasant!
This is my first recipe on the site, I want to offer a very light and at the same time very satisfying salad! Thanks to chickpeas, it turns out to be quite satisfying and nutritious. Chickpeas are very useful, for example, selenium, which is part of it, prevents the aging of the body.
This salad is perfect for those people who are on a diet or fasting. It cooks quickly, and is eaten even faster. Lentils go well with juicy vegetables and fragrant dressing.
I want to offer you a very tasty and very simple salad recipe. Initially, the food was planned in red cabbage leaves, but unfortunately I did not find it. Replaced the usual white.
This salad is very easy to prepare and consists of healthy ingredients. Suitable for those who adhere to a healthy diet, fasting and vegetarians. Besides, it’s very satisfying.
Lately I’ve grown very fond of beef… therefore, my frequent culinary experiments are connected with this type of meat… I’m treating you to a very tasty salad!
Or rather, a warm pasta salad with lentils and grapes. A dish for lovers of unusual combinations, satisfying and refreshing. Very simple, delicious and original.