How to Choose the Right Oil for Baking or Cooking

How do you know which oil is best for
cooking and baking? Here are some tips
to help you.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Which Oil?: Choosing the right oil depends on its Smoke Point.
   The smoke point is the temperature in which the oil can be heated
   before it begins to smoke and emit unpleasant odors.

2. For Frying: Choose Refined Avocado, Safflower, Sunflower and Peanut oils. When frying chicken try avocado oil because it has a buttery
   taste that doesn't affect food's flavor as well as a high smoke point.

3. For Medium Heat and Sauteing: Choose Safflower oil is ideal and has a
   smoke point of 300 degrees and is almost tasteless.

4. For Baking: Choose Coconut. This oil is rich in healthy fats such as
   lauric and capric acids. Coconut oil can stand heat up to 400 degrees
   and since its a "hard fat" at room temperature, its perfect for baking.
   Replace butter or shortening with three-quarters the amount of coconut oil for light, flaky crusts and chewy brownies.

5. For Salads: Choose Walnut oil. This oil has a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids and a subtle nutty flavor which makes it perfect for
   dressing.

[QueenofMisc]

on 5/14/2009 great info on selecting cooking oils.

[kaytay]

on 3/24/2009 great tips on choosing the right oil. I didnt realize the difference

[jenkinr]

on 12/18/2008 Walnut oil for salads, I didn't think of this. Thanks for the idea.

[iamageniuster]

on 10/22/2008 Excellent tips. 5 stars! Thanks for the article.

[CandisLynn]

on 10/21/2008 I always wondered if it mattered which oil you use for which type of cooking... I guess it does! I've recently been getting into cooking a lot more lately, and really love it, but so much to learn! Thanks for the tips :)