Series on oils: Oils that must never be missing at home

It is not for nothing that it is said that fat is the carrier of the flavor and aroma of food. Usually, right at the first bite, we can tell that good oil has been used in the food. We enjoy it much more, the food is somehow more satisfying and simply better. Even with oils, we have to remember our old friends - everything in moderation. Excess fat in the diet could harm us. However, it is also not good to eliminate fats from the diet completely, experts agree that even a low-fat diet is not particularly beneficial to health. Well… still! :)

For the kitchen and for the production of cosmetics

Oils are indispensable helpers not only in the kitchen, but also in the production of cosmetics. The oils themselves serve just as well as various ready-made body lotions, skin creams or hair masks. Skin and hair are amazingly nourished, regenerated, strengthened and brightened. In addition, they are of course completely natural, cost-effective, and since you only need to use a very small amount, they last forever. Today we can choose from an abundance of oils, some are suitable for cooking, others for the production of cosmetics. You can use others both in the kitchen and when creating your cosmetic products. But sometimes it's easy to get a little lost in the huge selection. That's why we decided to write several articles that will make it easier to decide which oils to go for. In today's episode, we will talk about basic versatile oils that you can use in cooking and body care. In short, about oils that you should never miss at home.

Coconut oil

We just have to start with coconut oil . It is one of the most versatile oils. You can really do almost anything with it. There are an incredible number of ways to use this wonderful oil. In the kitchen, you can fry on it or use it to make toppings for various sweet treats, use it as a hair mask or instead of a make-up remover, because it can even remove waterproof make-up from your face. It is excellent for treating dry skin, in the bath and also before and after sunbathing.

Because it is very thermally stable, you can use it not only for cold kitchens, but also for adjustments at high temperatures. The fat does not splatter or foam, and is therefore excellent for baking and frying. Coconut oil is solid even at room temperature, so it is also suitable for preparing homemade chocolate, toppings or unbaked goodies. It is a great substitute for butter in Linnaeus or shortcrust pastry, and the crumb of coconut oil just melts on the tongue!

It is good to remember that of the 86, coconut fat is composed of saturated fatty acids. Which makes it a champion in this regard as well, because it is the most of all oils and fats. Therefore, some experts recommend consuming it in moderation. Others, on the other hand, consider coconut oil to be a downright healthy fat, because it contains lauric acid, which can raise the level of good cholesterol, and because it contains medium-chain fatty acids, which the body immediately consumes, the body does not store it in the form of fat reserves. So we leave it up to you to decide how much to eat. :)

But what we have to emphasize is the fact that coconut oil is processed in different ways. Its properties then differ accordingly.

Organic virgin coconut oil

Virgin coconut oil is cold-pressed from fresh coconuts, which are cut into smaller pieces, dried and cold-pressed. The oil is therefore not modified in any way and retains its full pleasant coconut aroma and taste. It gives dishes a pleasant touch of exoticism, for example coconut curry with this oil is absolutely perfect. But you can also use it for cold cooking.

Virgin coconut oil is also great for massages, where its aroma will remind you of a summer vacation.

Organic deodorized coconut oil

However, if you don't like the smell of coconut or if you want to use coconut oil in dishes where its smell would be distracting, reach for this coconut oil . It is devoid of the coconut scent. But it still comes from organic farming, and all organic conditions are observed during the cultivation of coconuts and the production of oil. It is obtained by mechanical pressing directly on the plantation, cold and not bleached. The smell is removed using steam.

It is suitable for cold kitchens and for the production of home cosmetics. It spreads beautifully and if you don't want to feel like you're on summer vacation during massages, you'll reach for it!

Refined coconut oil

Refined coconut oil is mainly used for cooking, baking and frying, in which it does not sputter or foam. Its advantage is its long durability and stability even at higher temperatures. It is also great in a cold kitchen, where you can use it especially for unbaked sweets, creams or toppings. Reach for it even when making ointments or making homemade soaps.

It doesn't smell like coconut, so you can use it even where you don't want a specific coconut smell.

Pumpkin oil

Pumpkin oil surprisingly smells and tastes more like nuts than pumpkin seeds. It contains many antioxidants, chlorophyll and other substances that make it a great helper in the fight against bladder inflammation or prostate problems. Thanks to its excellent, distinctive taste, it goes well with salads and dressings, to which it gives an interesting twist. But also try it on potatoes, legumes, to decorate creamy soups and in pesto and spreads. Although its smoke point is around 140 °C, it is not used in cooking or baking. Always add it to the finished meal.

You can also use pumpkin oil in hair care. It contains substances that play an important role in their loss. Regular application of pumpkin oil on your hair will do wonders, your hair will be stronger, healthier and shinier. And if you use the oil internally and externally at the same time, you will achieve absolutely great results!

Olive oil

Delicious, fragrant, highly valued and healthy, in short, a miracle. It is thanks to him that people living in the Mediterranean region live to such a great age. Olive oil is widely used in the cuisine there, which is an ingredient that is exceptionally beneficial for our health. And that's especially with regard to the prevention of heart disease and blood circulation.

For cold-pressed oils, we distinguish between virgin oils, which are also referred to as virgin, and extra virgin oils, which you may know as extra virgin. What distinguishes them is not the way the olives are processed, but their content of free fatty acids, the so-called acidity. Low acidity means quality and gentle pressing. Extra virgin olive oil is therefore more acidic and therefore more valuable than virgin olive oil.

Good olive oil must not be missing in any household, you can use it in both cold and warm kitchens, because it can handle temperatures up to 210 °C. But remember that the antioxidants that make olive oil so healthy are best preserved if you consume it cold.

Extra virgin olive oil

This premium extra virgin olive oil comes from the monastery of Agia Triada in Crete. Extensive olive groves belong to the monastery. The oil is of such high quality because the monks themselves carefully select the olives from which it will be pressed. It is pressed in the traditional way and in very small quantities. It will win you over with its irreplaceable taste, extraordinary delicacy and wonderful aroma.

Olive squalene

Olive squalene is a great natural compound that comes from olive oil. It can restore the lipid barrier and protect the skin and hair from drying out. That is why it is used as a softening and protective cosmetic product. Thanks to its excellent affinity with skin and hair and its extraordinary properties, you can use it mainly for skin care or massages. It leaves the skin soft and supple to the touch. If you suffer from dry and dehydrated skin or hair, squalene will be the best helper. Try it out! An important advantage can also be that you will not have an unpleasant greasy feeling on the skin after using it, because it belongs to dry oils that are very easily and quickly absorbed into the skin.

Olive oil from pomace

If you come across an olive oil that is labeled pomace or says it is made from pomace, it means that it is olive oil that has been heat treated. The pulp is what is left over from the production of virgin oil. They are processed so that the olives are used to the very last drop. Crumb olive oil will come in handy especially for the production of home cosmetics or for hot cooking, especially for frying.

Avocado oil

The biggest advantage of avocado oil is its very high smoke point, which is around 250 °C. So you can easily fry and grill with it! It is also used as a dietary supplement because it lowers blood cholesterol levels and is excellent for urinary tract disorders. It contains a large amount of vitamins A, B, E, D and sterols, which is also used in the treatment of arthritic pain.

Avocado oil is also widely used in skin care. It is perfect for mature and drier skin, as it has significant regenerative effects. You can also use it during massages, it keeps the skin supple and soft. It is often combined with other lighter oils or used as a carrier oil for essential oils. You can choose between cold-pressed or refined avocado oil.

Sunflower oil

We all probably know him. It is the best-selling oil in regular stores, because sunflower seeds are a relatively cheap raw material. However, most of us mistakenly believe that it is suitable for use in a warm kitchen. It is not! It contains a high amount of linoleic acid, which does not understand high temperatures at all. Therefore, use it in cold cooking, but when frying, choose a different oil.

Cold pressed sunflower oil

This high-quality sunflower oil comes from controlled organic farming and is cold-pressed, which is why it has, unlike ordinary refined sunflower oil, a specific sunflower to nutty aroma. You can use it in the production of dressings and home cosmetics. It is rich in vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant. It is therefore extremely suitable for the care of drier or mature skin.

And which oils cannot be missing at home?