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A variety of cooking oils on a store shelf. Cooking oil (also known as edible oil) is a plant or animal liquid fat used in frying, baking, and other types of cooking. Oil allows higher cooking temperatures than water, making cooking faster and more flavorful, while likewise distributing heat, reducing burning and uneven cooking.
What is the difference between plant oil and cooking oil?
One thing that differentiates various plant oils is their stability when used in cooking. High heat causes molecules in oils to break apart, burn, become bitter, lose nutrients, and release smoke. Most oils have a "smoke point" between 400° and 500°.
What are plant oils?
Plant oils are fats taken from plants — usually from plants’ seeds. Like most food fats, plant oils help improve the palatability of foods and serve as a medium for cooking. The variety of plant oils has expanded in the past few decades. For example, you can probably find most of the following at a well-stocked supermarket and/or health food store:
What are cooking oils made of?
Cooking oils are typically made from fruits or plants such as olives, coconuts, avocados, soybeans, sunflowers, or peanuts. They are used to transfer heat in the cooking process which allows foods to be prepared in a variety of ways such as sauteing, roasting, grilling, and frying. In addition, oils add both flavor and nutritional value.