Yes, You Can Cook With Olive Oil Over High Heat—Here's Why

This does not tell the whole story.

In fact, more and more research indicates this is a flawed recommendation.

And it’s significantlyhealthier(with the exception of avocado oil, which is equally nutritious).

Here’s a look at why olive oil should be your go-to cooking oil for all uses.

These disease-fighting compounds are what give olive oil its green hue.

Common wisdom about cooking with olive oil is that it has a lower smoke point than most other oils.

But that’s not true.

Virgin olive oil, for instance, contains a minimum polyphenol content of 50 mg/kg.

So what should you look for when buying olive oil?

First, opt for olive oil that is not bottled in clear glass.

Next, check the harvest date found on the bottle and confirm it is within the last year.

Lastly, if you have an opportunity to smell or taste the oil before buying it, do it.

Mountanos says that a good quality early harvest olive oil will be highly aromatic and complex in flavor.

Why We Got It Wrong

Where did this olive oil misinformation come from?

Mountanos speculates that one reason is the historical lack of high-quality olive oil readily accessible in the United States.

2018;2(6).

2015;188(1):430-438. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.04.124