Do you want to “add a little flavor to life?” At Olive Lucy, we offer an extensive selection of the freshest olive oils and flavor-infused oils on tap, bottled, corked, and sealed in our store daily. Each selection is made from young, carefully harvested green olives, pressed within hours of picking, and processed at temperatures below international standards. And our knowledgeable and friendly staff is always happy to answer questions to help you find the perfect products for your culinary needs!
While everyone knows olive oil is a delicious and healthy addition to vinaigrettes and homemade aioli, we are often asked if olive oil is good for cooking. You may have heard somewhere that it is better to use refined (i.e. highly processed) oils with a high smoke point for cooking, but this is a common misconception. In fact, olive oil is considered ideal for cooking, whether it’s pan searing, sautéing, brushing over meats and vegetables when grilling, or even baking! Read on to learn why.
The Simple Truth
Real Simple recently reported that olive oil is one of the best and healthiest choices for cooking, and “as long as you’re using a quality product, you can crank the heat.” Citing the latest scientific research, the publication shared that olive oil is “much more stable than other oils when heated.” And while it may have a lower smoke point, it “does not break down into harmful compounds like other oils when heated at high temperatures.”
How to Cook with Olive Oil
The key is to purchase premium, extra virgin olive oil with a high polyphenol count, antioxidants that give olives their green hue. Just as polyphenols protect the body from harmful inflammation and oxidative stress, these plant compounds also protect the oil from breaking down when cooking. They also pass on their health benefits to the food being prepared. True extra virgin olive oil, the kind that is unrefined and picked and pressed at the peak of freshness, can be found at Olive Lucy.
In “Olive Oil and the Plant Forward Kitchen,” the Culinary Institute of America recommends olive oil for all methods of cooking. Robust extra virgin oil adds a bite of savory deliciousness to any dish. Flavor-infused olive oil can add a unique touch or punch up the flavor in a recipe. And mild olive oil varieties are the preferred choice when a more neutral oil is needed. We invite you to shop now via our website or visit us in the heart of Jenkintown to try a sample. In addition to fresh flavors in olive oil and seasonal favorites, we also offer aged dark and white balsamic vinegars and a carefully curated pantry of gourmet items and gifts.
Add a little flavor to life with Olive Lucy, and explore the exotic tastes of ultra-premium 100% extra virgin olive oils, aged dark and white balsamic vinegars, and a culinary pantry of gourmet food items. Our shop is located at 301 Leedom Street in the heart of Jenkintown, PA, or order your favorite products online 24/7 from our website and have them shipped directly to you or someone special.
