Oil Blending In Cooking: Is It Possible?

Blending oils is a common practice in cooking, and it offers several benefits and advantages for both professional chefs and home cooks. By combining different types of oils, such as olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, and grapeseed oil, cooks can enhance the flavour, aroma, and health benefits of their dishes. Blended oils can also provide a more economical option without compromising taste and quality. One of the main advantages of blending oils is the ability to customise the taste and texture of dishes, especially when using oils with unique flavours like avocado oil, sesame oil, or walnut oil. Additionally, blending oils with higher smoke points, such as grapeseed oil, can make other oils suitable for high-heat cooking methods like frying and sautéing.

Blended oils can be healthier than single-source oils

Blended oils are often used by professional chefs to personalise the taste and texture of their dishes. But beyond the culinary benefits, blended oils can also be healthier than single-source oils.

A Healthier Balance of Fatty Acids

Blended oils can provide a better balance of essential fatty acids, including PUFAs (Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acids), MUFAs (Mono Unsaturated Fatty Acids), and SFAs (Saturated Fatty Acids). This balance is important for maintaining good health. For example, a blend of olive oil and rice bran oil can be a great source of monounsaturated fats, vitamins A and K, and other nutrients.

Improved Heat Stability

Blended oils also offer improved heat stability, which is important for cooking methods that involve high temperatures, such as frying and deep frying. Oils with high smoke points, like olive and rice bran oils, can be blended to create a combination that prevents fatty acid breakdown at high temperatures, making food healthier.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Some blends of oils, such as canola and flaxseed oil, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Cost-Effectiveness

In addition to the health benefits, blended oils can also be more cost-effective than single-source oils. For example, a blend of extra virgin olive oil and a more affordable neutral oil like grapeseed or sunflower oil can provide a tasty, versatile cooking oil without breaking the bank.

Personalised Blends

Creating your own blended oils at home allows you to personalise the ratio of oils to suit your specific needs and preferences. You can adjust the ratio depending on how you plan to use the oil, whether it's for raw applications like vinaigrettes or for cooking methods like sauteing or roasting.

In conclusion, blended oils offer a range of health benefits that make them a healthier choice than single-source oils. By combining different oils, you can create a balanced blend that provides essential fatty acids, improves heat stability, and offers anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, blended oils can be more cost-effective and allow for personalisation in the kitchen.

Blended oils can have a higher smoke point

Blended oils are often used by chefs to personalise the taste and texture of dishes. They are also used for deep frying and their high smoke point capability. The smoke point of an oil is when it reaches its burning point, when it stops shimmering and starts smoking. Blended oils can have a higher smoke point, which is advantageous for cooking as it gives the oil a wider range of uses.

The smoke point of an oil varies depending on the quality of the oil, the type of heat being used, how much air is in the oil container, and the free fats acid (FFA) content in the oil. Oils with a high FFA content are more susceptible to oxidative ageing, become rancid more quickly, and smoke sooner when heated. The more refined an oil is, the higher its smoke point will be. This is because refining removes impurities and free fatty acids that can cause oils to smoke.

The type of fat in the oil also determines the smoke point. Oils high in polyunsaturated fats, such as sunflower, flaxseed, or safflower, tend to have a lower smoke point. Oils higher in monounsaturated fats (including avocado, canola, and olive) have medium smoke points. Oils high in saturated fats, such as coconut and palm oils, are high smoke point oils. Blended oils can combine the advantages of different types of fats, resulting in a higher smoke point.

For example, a blend of olive oil and rice bran oil can have the goodness of monounsaturated fats and vitamin A and K from olive oil, along with the natural antioxidants present in rice bran oil. This blend is excellent for frying and deep frying as it prevents fatty acid breakdown at high temperatures, making the food healthier. Another example is a blend of rice bran and canola oil, which contains oryzanol that promotes regular blood circulation and overall physical health while also lowering bad cholesterol.

In summary, blended oils can have a higher smoke point due to the refining process and the combination of different types of fats. This makes them suitable for a wider range of cooking applications, especially those involving high temperatures.

Blended oils are versatile

The versatility of blended oils also lies in their neutral flavour. The flavour of blended oils is barely noticeable, allowing the other ingredients in a dish to stand out. For example, a blend of olive oil and rice bran oil combines the health benefits of both oils without overpowering the dish with the strong flavour of olive oil.

Blended oils are also versatile in terms of their health benefits. Blended oils combine the effectiveness of two edible oils, offering a balance of fatty acids. They are promoted as healthier alternatives to traditional cooking oils because they contain a better proportion of essential fatty acids and a better balance of PUFAs, MUFAs, and SFAs. Blended oils can help prevent heart diseases, maintain cholesterol levels, and complement fitness efforts.

Blended oils can reduce overall cooking oil usage

Blended oils can be used to reduce overall cooking oil usage. Blended oils are a combination of two oils, mixed at a specific ratio to strike a balance between polyunsaturated and saturated fats. Blended oils are a healthier alternative to traditional cooking oils as they contain a better proportion of essential fatty acids. They are also more versatile than single-source oils, as they have a higher smoke point and a neutral flavour, making them suitable for a variety of cuisines and cooking styles.

The process of blending oils is not as simple as mixing two oils in any proportion. The ratio of the two oils is scientifically derived to ensure the blend has the desired fatty acid profile. For example, a blend of olive oil and rice bran oil can be combined in a 2:1 ratio, with two cups of a neutral oil like grapeseed or sunflower and one cup of extra-virgin olive oil. This blend can be used for vinaigrettes, salsa verde, or anywhere else you want a hearty olive oil flavour without it being overwhelming. For sautéing or roasting, a 3:1 or 4:1 ratio can be used, with a higher proportion of neutral oil to ensure the olive oil flavour is more subtle.

Blended oils can also help reduce overall cooking oil usage as they are absorbed in lower quantities during frying. For example, Saffola Gold blended oil is formulated with LOSORB™ technology, which reduces the amount of oil absorbed during frying. This makes blended oils a good option for those looking for heart-healthy oils, as they can help maintain cholesterol levels and promote better heart health.

In addition to the health benefits, blended oils can also be more cost-effective than using a single type of oil. For instance, extra-virgin olive oil can be expensive, and the strong flavour can be overpowering in certain dishes. By blending it with a more neutral-flavoured and inexpensive oil, you can stretch your supply of extra-virgin olive oil further without sacrificing flavour.

Blended oils can provide additional health benefits

Blended oils are often used by professional chefs to personalise the taste and texture of dishes. They are also beneficial for deep frying due to their high smoke point. However, the main benefit of blended oils is the improved nutritional value they offer.

Blended oils combine the potency of two edible oils and offer a balance of fatty acids. Blending oils can have a positive impact on your health if the right proportion is maintained. They are being promoted as healthier alternatives to traditional cooking oils because the two oils that are blended contain a better proportion of the essential fatty acids and a better balance of the PUFAs (Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acids), MUFAs (Mono Unsaturated Fatty Acids) and SFAs (saturated fatty acids).

A blend of olive oil and rice bran oil is a great combination. The goodness of monounsaturated fats and vitamin A and K in olive oil, alongside the natural antioxidants present in rice bran oil, fighting the free radicals that impose a cancer threat to the body, makes this blend sufficient for both taste and health.

Rice bran and canola oil is another blend that is beneficial for the heart. This blend contains oryzanol, which promotes regular blood circulation and overall physical health. It lowers bad cholesterol and keeps the heart healthy.

Blended oils are also always better than refined oils, which are purified using harmful chemicals.

Frequently asked questions