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dimanche 27 juillet 2014

Chefs Choose California Extra Virgin Olive Oil

By Sharron Cantu


California is a landscape of microclimates, cool and wet by the ocean, dry and hot inland. Different varieties are harvested at varying degrees of ripeness, adding to the array of flavors. Over 100 cultivators grow a variety of olive types in a variety of soil types. You can be sure California extra virgin olive oil is the very best in taste and quality.

Light, heat, and oxygen causes rancidity. Look for product sold in dark, usually green, glass bottles or with packaging that protects from light exposure. At home, store in a cool, dark place or wrap the bottle in aluminum foil. For top quality, the shelf life is 1 year from the harvesting date.

When you buy California, you buy produce subject to stricter regulations than those set by the International Olive Oil Council. The California Olive Oil Council requires mechanical extraction without the use of chemicals. Buying cold pressed means that no heat was used during the crushing process. Unfiltered oil has a minimally higher antioxidant content and slightly longer shelf life. The choice is really just a matter of preference. Producing high quality takes times. Expect to pay more for the best.

California oils are known for their fruity taste and aroma. Taste is very much personal preference so the best way to find your favorite oil is just to experiment. Do a little research then buy a few brands and do some cooking. Use is an important factor in choosing among delicate, medium, or robust flavors.

Delicate flavor are the preferred garnish with fish or any dish needing a light flavor that won't overpower the food. For poultry, grilled vegetables, salad dressing, choose a medium flavor. Use robust flavored oil to cook and garnish steaks, lamb, or arugula salads.

This flavorful oil is at it's best, both in taste and healthful benefits, when the oil is uncooked. Use just what is necessary for cooking, then spritz the meal with fresh and pure oil from the bottle. Best frying temperature is 360-380 degrees maximum. Use a coffee filter to clean oil used for cooking. Then it can be used again another 2 or 3 times, for frying purposes only.

Virgin means the oil was produced using mechanical means only with no chemical treatments. Extra means virgin production with no more than . 5% free acidity, and judged to have a superior taste. Extra virgin oil is the best for cooking. It has the least taste defects, and is healthier with potent antioxidants and monounsaturated fats to protect against heart disease.

Olive oil contains high density lipoproteins (HDLs) associated with a reduction in heart disease. High in monounsaturated fat, it helps lower cholesterol and control insulin levels. It has a preventative effect against heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and ulcerative colitis. It even has a slight preventative effect against depression and Alzheimer's by helping to shuttle abnormal proteins out of the brain. Powerful antioxidants protect against some cancers, including breast cancer. Olive oil contains vitamins E, A, K, iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It's good for the eyes, skin, bones, immune system, even cognitive function. Best of all, there's no increased risk of coronary heart disease from frying with this healthy and very flavorful oil.




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