We see a variety of basic cooking oils on the market shelves and wonder which one would be the best for our use. Every cooking oil has its own unique properties and a different cooking oil suites different cooking style. This includes high, moderate or low cooking heat, sautéing, deep frying or simple baking, for raw salad or spicy food. It’s better to learn about the basic cooking oils before using them.

• CANOLA OIL
Canola oil has recently surfaced the cooking oil market and is easily the most popular oil these days. For its claim to be heart friendly and its accomplishment to be budget friendly. Canola oil is squeezed from genetically modified rapeseeds. Canola oil has a clear neutral taste and would not undermine or over power the taste of any other food items while cooking. Canola oil is best used at medium to high heat. Very high heat will burn the oil quickly which can cause serious health hazards.

• OLIVE OIL
Olive oil is easily the queen of oils. For its health benefits, aroma and taste. But olive oil can be expensive to fit one’s pocket. Extra virgin olive oil is best used raw in salads, dips or toppings. Pure olive oil can be used for sautéing and cooking on low to medium-high heat.

• SUNFLOWER OIL
Sunflower oil is that versatile oil that meets all the requirements of functionality. Sunflower oil is rich in vitamin E and has a clear neutral flower, which goes along well with any type of cuisine and any meal.Sunflower oil can be cooked with versatility as well, it can be used at any temperature desired. It’s great for baking for its neutral flavor and resistance to high heat.

• SESAME SEED OIL
Sesame seed oil has a smoky aromatic taste and is great for oriental cuisines, sautéing vegetables and baking certain breads where you want to add a hint of smoky aromatic flavor in the background. Sesame seed oil is great for cooking and consuming raw. Its smoky taste goes well with salads, toppings and dips. And it can be cooked on low to high heat.

• COCONUT OIL
Coconut oil has a sweet nutty taste and aroma. And it is simply lovely for cakes, pies and other deserts. Coconut oil can be used on medium to high heat.

• CORN OIL
Corn oil is basic moderate cooking oil that fits the budget. It goes well with almost all the cuisines. And can be used on medium to high heat. However, it is said that corn oil is not a very good choice form health point of view.