Food Facts

Why I Keep 4 Different Cooking Oils (And You Should Too)

Why I Keep 4 Different Cooking Oils (And You Should Too)

You know that moment when you're standing in the grocery store, staring at twenty different bottles of cooking oil, wondering if you're about to make a terrible health mistake? Yeah, I've been there too. Like, way too many times.

Back in 2019, I threw out all my oils except coconut oil because... well, the internet told me to. Huge mistake. My stir-fries tasted like tropical vacation gone wrong, and don't even get me started on what happened to my grandmother's Italian dressing recipe. facepalm

Here's the thing: cooking oils are like the supporting actors in your kitchen's movie. They rarely get the spotlight, but boy oh boy, do they make a difference in the final performance. After years of trial and error (and some spectacularly failed dinners), I've learned that having multiple oils isn't being extra - it's being smart.

The Great Oil Confusion: Why We're All Lost

Can we talk about how confusing the whole cooking oil situation has become? One day avocado oil is the holy grail, the next day it's olive oil, and somewhere in between, coconut oil had its moment of fame. The truth? They're all pretty awesome - just for different reasons.

Think of oils like your wardrobe: you wouldn't wear a swimsuit to a business meeting or stilettos for a hike. Different occasions, different choices. Same goes for oils.

Fat Facts: The Good, The Bad, and The Smoky

Before we dive into specific oils, let's get something straight: fat isn't the enemy. gasp I know, revolutionary, right? Our bodies actually need fat for:

  • Cell growth (because we're constantly renovating)
  • Nutrient absorption (especially those fancy vitamins A, D, E, and K)
  • Energy (when carbs aren't invited to the party)
  • Making food taste amazing (let's be honest here)

My Oil Squad: The Core Four

After much experimentation (and some smoke alarm incidents), here's my essential oil lineup:

1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The Reliable BFF

  • Best for: Medium-heat cooking, salad dressings, bread dipping
  • Why I love it: Rich in heart-healthy fats and antioxidants
  • Pro tip: Store it away from light and heat (not next to your stove like I did for years 🤦‍♀️)

2. Avocado Oil: The Fancy Friend

  • Best for: High-heat cooking (up to 480°F!)
  • Why I love it: Neutral taste, high smoke point, works in everything
  • Pro tip: Great for roasting veggies at high temps without setting off smoke detectors

3. Coconut Oil: The Specialized Tool

  • Best for: Specific recipes, especially Asian cuisine and some baking
  • Why I love it: Adds unique flavor when you want it
  • Pro tip: Keep this one in moderation - it's like that friend who's great in small doses

4. Sunflower Oil: The Versatile Backup Dancer

  • Best for: High-heat cooking, baking
  • Why I love it: Light flavor, high in Vitamin E
  • Pro tip: Look for "high-oleic" versions for better stability

Real Talk: What I Actually Use When

Monday stir-fry? Avocado oil. Wednesday salad? Olive oil. Weekend curry? Coconut oil. Last-minute baking? Sunflower oil.

It's not about being fancy - it's about using the right tool for the job.

The Smoke Point Drama

Here's something I learned the hard way: when oils smoke, they're not just setting off your alarm - they're breaking down and creating not-so-nice compounds. Each oil has its smoke point:

Avocado Oil: 480°F (The overachiever)
Sunflower Oil: 450°F (The reliable backup)
Coconut Oil: 350-400°F (The middle child)
Olive Oil: 375-405°F (The goldilocks zone)

Your Turn: Building Your Oil Arsenal

Starting your own oil collection? Here's what I suggest:

  1. Begin with extra virgin olive oil (the foundation)
  2. Add avocado oil (for high-heat cooking)
  3. Expand to coconut oil (for specific recipes)
  4. Complete with sunflower oil (for baking and backup)

Remember: Quality matters more than quantity. Better to have two good oils than five mediocre ones.

The Million Dollar Question

What oils do you currently use? Drop a comment below - I'd love to hear about your kitchen adventures and misadventures. We're all learning here!

P.S. Still have that bottle of oil from 2019 in your pantry? Yeah... might be time to let that go. Trust me on this one! 😉

Got cooking questions? Find me on Instagram where I regularly share my kitchen wins (and spectacular fails). Because hey, we're all human, and sometimes the best lessons come from burnt dinner!

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