Introduction: There's a unique trick for frying food with olive oil: add the olive oil first, then drop a small piece of potato into it. Only by doing this can you prevent food fried in olive oil from turning black. But did you know about the many other wonderful uses for olive oil?
1. For Frying: Unlike vegetable oils, olive oil maintains its chemical stability even at high temperatures due to its antioxidant properties and high content of unsaturated fatty acids. When using regular cooking oil, once the oil's smoke point is exceeded, the chemical structure of the oil and fat changes, producing potentially carcinogenic substances. However, the smoke point of extra virgin olive oil is between 240°C and 270°C, which is far higher than that of other common cooking oils. Therefore, extra virgin olive oil does not spoil with repeated use and is the most suitable oil for frying.
2. For Grilling and Sautéing: Olive oil is also excellent for grilling, roasting, sautéing, and stewing. When cooking with extra virgin olive oil, food releases an enticing aroma that is mouth-watering. It is especially recommended to use olive oil for fried rice with egg or for grilling.
3. For Sauces and Dressings: The purpose of a sauce is to enhance the flavor of the food, not to mask it. Olive oil is the best oil component for both cold and hot sauces, as it helps preserve the color of fresh sauces.
4. For Cooking Rice: Adding a spoonful of olive oil when cooking rice makes it more fragrant and ensures each grain is plump and full.