Smoke point of olive oils

[chave982]

What is the "smoke point" of regular olive oil vs. extra virgin olive oil? I read somewhere that regular olive oil can withstand much higher temperatures than EVO. Is this true?

[Katie E]

Hi, chave. Check out this chart for the smoking point for a large variety of oils. I think you'll find the answer to your question there.

[chave982]

Originally Posted by Katie E

Hi, chave. Check out this chart for the smoking point for a large variety of oils. I think you'll find the answer to your question there.

Thanks, that helps. So since regular olive oil has a higher smoke point than EVO, would it make sense to use the regular stuff more often?

[CharlieD]

It would, if you are using it for frying.

[Andy M.]

Originally Posted by chave982

Thanks, that helps. So since regular olive oil has a higher smoke point than EVO, would it make sense to use the regular stuff more often?

It would make sense to use it where the higher smoke point is important.

[chave982]

Well what are the normal temperatures when you're cooking something on an electric range? Like, if EVO has a smoke point of around 400 degrees, would it be able to withstand the "high" setting?

[Andy M.]

If you are out to pan sear something at a high temp, I'd use something other than EVOO. However, I fewquently pan sear with EVOO because I don't often use the highest heat setting and I add the food before the pan gets too hot.

[jennyema]

I use extra virgin olive oil for 90% of my cooking

[DramaQueen]

I never use Extra Virgin for cooking because when heated to a point it becomes bitter and it's too expensive to use when you can't really taste the flavor in cooking. I use a very good quality Extra for dipping, salads and drizzling over a completed dish. Giada DeLaurentis just had a bit on TV saying she never uses extra virgin for cooking for the reasons I just gave. Hey if it's good enough for Giada, it's good enough for me.

I use Pure olive oil for cooking. The flavor actually mellows when heated.

[Bilby]

I am with DramaQueen on this. The good stuff for serving, the normal for cooking.