Elevating Your Cuisine with Specialty Oils

The right oil can transform a dish. Understanding the characteristics and applications of different specialty oils is essential for culinary professionals.

Understanding Smoke Points

Smoke point determines cooking applications:

  • High heat (above 230°C): Avocado oil, refined safflower
  • Medium-high (200-230°C): Canola, grapeseed, peanut oil
  • Medium (170-200°C): Extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil
  • Low/finishing: Flaxseed, walnut, specialty finishing oils

Featured Specialty Oils

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Best for: Dressings, finishing, medium-heat sautéing. Look for harvest date and origin for quality.

Sesame Oil

Toasted for Asian finishing, light sesame for higher-heat cooking. A little goes a long way.

Truffle Oil

Use sparingly as a finishing oil. Add after cooking to preserve delicate aroma. Pairs with eggs, pasta, risotto.

Avocado Oil

Neutral flavor with high smoke point. Excellent for grilling and high-heat applications.

Storage Tips

  • Store away from light and heat
  • Keep bottles tightly sealed
  • Use within recommended timeframes
  • Refrigerate delicate nut oils

Cost-Effective Strategies

Use premium oils where they make the most impact—finishing and dressings. Use quality neutral oils for high-volume cooking applications.

Browse our selection of premium cooking oils at Foodchain.