Best Olive Oil for Cooking

Best Olive Oil for Cooking

Choosing the right olive oil for cooking depends on how you cook, not on trends or labels alone.

This guide helps you select the best olive oil for everyday cooking, especially for homes in the UAE, where climate and cooking styles vary.

What Matters When Cooking with Olive Oil

When selecting olive oil for cooking, consider:

• Heat level
• Flavour impact
• Frequency of use

Different cooking methods benefit from different oil characteristics.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil for Cooking

Extra virgin olive oil is suitable for most daily home cooking.

It works well for:

• Sautéing vegetables
• Light to medium-heat cooking
• Stir-frying at controlled heat
• Finishing cooked dishes

EVOO retains its structure when used properly and adds flavour to food rather than masking it.

When a Milder Olive Oil Makes Sense

Some people prefer a milder or more neutral olive oil for:

• Recipes where flavour neutrality is important
• Higher-heat cooking methods
• Blended cuisines

Refined olive oils are more neutral in taste, but they are processed differently and offer a different cooking experience.

How to Choose the Right Cooking Olive Oil

Look for:

• Clear origin information
• Suitable packaging such as dark glass or tins
• Oils described as balanced or mild for cooking

Avoid choosing based only on price or colour.

Cooking Olive Oil in UAE Kitchens

In UAE homes:

• Controlled heat cooking is common
• Olive oil is often used daily
• Storage conditions matter due to warmth

Choosing a stable, well-packaged oil and storing it away from heat helps maintain quality.

A Practical Approach to Buying

Many households keep:

• One olive oil for everyday cooking
• One premium extra virgin olive oil for finishing

This approach offers flexibility without waste.

Nivitaly’s Perspective on Cooking Oils

At Nivitaly, olive oils are curated with real kitchens in mind. The focus is on oils that perform consistently in daily cooking rather than oils meant only for display.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook with extra virgin olive oil every day?
Yes. EVOO is commonly used daily in Mediterranean cooking when used properly.

Is olive oil suitable for high-heat cooking?
For most home cooking, yes. For very high heat, some prefer more neutral oils.