Today I’m going to be talking about one of the most important aspects of cooking, the ever-mysterious smoke point of cooking oils. The smoke point is the temperature at which your oil starts to break down and smoke, potentially ruining the flavor of your food — so it’s critical to understand how to maximize your oils’ lifespan.
Most of you probably don’t need to know the science behind cooking oils and the act of frying, but you should know the science behind smoke points and smoke points of cooking oils. Put bluntly, the smoke point of an oil is the temperature at which it starts to smoke and break down. This breakdown releases unpleasant odors and can make any food you’re cooking taste burnt.
First among the smoke points, let’s talk about Crisco – the classic shortening and staple of American kitchens for decades. You may have heard of Crisco’s low smoke point, usually around 375 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s why you shouldn’t use this cooking oil to deep-fry. It’s not often used as a cooking oil as it doesn’t fare well when heated to a high degree.
That’s why it’s important to understand the smoke point of cooking oils. Different oils have different smoke points, and it’s important to use the right one if you want your food to turn out tasty.
So what’s the smoke point of cooking oils? The smoke point of most cooking oils ranges from about 325-450 degrees Fahrenheit. The lower the smoke point of an oil, the lower the temperature it can reach before breaking down and releasing odors, flavors, and potentially harmful chemicals.
Vegetable oils like canola and olive oil typically have a lower smoke point than animal-based fats like butter, lard, and tallow. The smoke point of canola oil is about 400 degrees Fahrenheit, while the smoke point of olive oil is about 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter and lard, on the other hand, have a smoke point of about 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Now let’s talk about the smoke point of Crisco. As mentioned, its smoke point is around 375 degrees Fahrenheit. When using Crisco, it’s important to keep the temperature at or below 375 degrees.
When it comes to cooking, it’s important to keep in mind the smoke point of the oil you’re using when selecting your cooking method. If you’re deep-frying, 390- 400 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended. Frying at this temperature will ensure the food won’t burn, while still remaining crispy and flavorful. Also, pay attention to the smoke point when you’re cooking with a flat top grill.
A flat top grill is a great way to cook things quickly and evenly because of its unique design – the surfaces of the grill are flat rather than grooved. However, keep in mind that a flat top grill can get up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, so the type of oil you’re using is important.
When cooking with a flat top grill, it’s best to use an oil with a higher smoke point than 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Vegetable oils like canola and olive oil are good options, as they can smoke points up to 400 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively.
When it comes to the best cooking oil for a flat top grill, I recommend either canola or olive oil. They have slightly different flavors, so choose one based on the taste you’re looking for. Both have high smoke points, so they won’t burn or smoke up at high temperatures.
It’s also important to note that some cooking oils can be used for multiple purposes. For example, vegetable oils like canola and olive oil are good options for both pan frying and a flat top grill. Just make sure to keep in mind their respective smoke points when cooking!
So there you have it, folks! I hope this guide to the smoke point of Crisco and cooking oils has been helpful. Just remember to pay attention to the smoke point of your chosen cooking oil – this will ensure your food is flavorful, safe, and delicious. Adiós!
