The fat provided by oils is one of the key points when cooking, as some of them, like extra virgin oils, add flavor and texture to food, but the temperature at which we use them matters; that's why some are ideal for frying, while others can be used as dressings in salads.
Oils are obtained through a process of extraction and pressing of seeds and nuts, and each type of oil has its own chemical composition, so knowing the temperature at which an oil begins to burn and smoke can change your cooking forever.
This temperature is called the smoke point of the oil and is also known as the combustion point. The smoke point can range from 160 °C, relatively low, to very high, around 270 °C; with a range of medium point oils between these temperatures.
The smoke point of cooking oils varies widely, but in general, the more refined the oil, the higher its smoke point, because refining removes impurities and free fatty acids that can cause the oil to smoke.
How to know the smoke point of oils?
The smoke point of cooking oils can vary, and measuring temperatures while cooking in our daily lives doesn't sound very practical; however, there are products like
Inés® oils, which indicate the range of the smoke point at which the oil is located.
For example, if you're looking for an oil with a high smoke point, you could use refined oils, such as Inés® Olive Pomace, Grape or Extra Virgin Coconut, to fry some shrimp, while if you want to create a fresh vinaigrette for salad, Inés® Sesame, Olive, Chia or Flax all in their Extra Virgin version will be the best options.
You can also braise or marinate and give new flavor to your meats with
medium temperature oils, such as
Spicy Sesame, 100% Pure Olive or Peanut and Toasted Sesame, or if you prefer, prepare with them a dressing or
sauce, preserves or a homemade mayonnaise with a different touch.
Knowing whether an oil has a high, medium, or low smoke point will not only help you avoid burning it, but it will undoubtedly open up a range of uses and flavors in your dishes. With
Inés® oils, you can easily know the smoke point and give your food the ideal flavor and texture.