How many degrees can olive oil withstand?

How many degrees can olive oil withstand?

When talking about olive oil, the question often arises: Can it actually be used for frying? And if so, how many degrees can it withstand before it loses flavor or nutrients?

At CARDENAU, we use our own organic olive oil every day, both for cold and hot dishes. But there are a few things you should know when it comes to heating it.

The short answer

Olive oil can certainly be used for frying. High-quality oils like our organic extra virgin olive oil have a smoke point of around 190-210 °C. This means it can withstand most forms of cooking, including frying in a pan and baking in the oven, as long as you don't fry at the highest heat for a prolonged period.

What is a smoke point?

The smoke point is the temperature at which an oil begins to smoke and break down. When this happens, the flavor disappears and undesirable substances are formed. Therefore, it is important not to overheat the oil. But contrary to the myth, this does not mean that you cannot fry in olive oil – it's all about quality and control.

Extra virgin olive oil and heat

A good extra virgin olive oil, which is cold-pressed and rich in antioxidants, tolerates heat better than one might think. In fact, research shows that olive oil is more stable during frying than many other vegetable oils, precisely because it has a high content of monounsaturated fat and polyphenols, which protect against oxidation.

Source: https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/olive-oil-smoke-point

What does that mean in practice?

• You can safely sauté vegetables, fish, or eggs in olive oil over medium to high heat.

• Avoid letting the pan sit and smoke - this applies to all oils.

• Use olive oil in the oven at temperatures up to approximately 200 °C.

• For deep frying, we recommend using an oil with a higher smoke point, but olive oil can still be used for shorter frying times.

Our recommendation

Our organic olive oil from CARDENAU is developed for both taste and function. It is cold-pressed, fruity and rich in polyphenols, and it works well in dressings and for frying. It can withstand the temperatures typically used in everyday cooking and enhances both the aroma and flavor of the dish.

From our family to your kitchen.

We use our olive oil every day ourselves – from morning eggs in the pan to evening meals in the oven. When you choose a good oil, it's not just about taste, but also about trust. Our oil is produced with care and consideration, and it's made to follow you throughout the entire temperature range of the kitchen.

Would you like to taste the difference?

Try CARDENAU Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil - cold-pressed, aromatic and suitable for both cold and hot dishes.
Buy it here.