Almost every recipe we have calls for Olive Oil but is olive the oil we should be using? Now, when you go to the store, there is a whole display of walnut, avocado, sesame, canola oil and beyond. Every oil has their own set of benefits and draws but you may have never even heard about the one oil that is best for you. Have you ever considered Safflower Oil? Safflower oil is made from the seeds of a Safflower plant and is similar to vegetable oil. Though it is commonly used for skin health, it can also be used in your cooking. Safflower oil is also a great choice for cooking because it has a higher smoke point than corn oil, canola oil, olive oil and many other alternatives. The higher the smoke point, the less beneficial compounds in the oils are destroyed, making it even healthier for you.
- Safflower Oil is a healthy source of fatty acids. The body needs these fats to function so it is great that this oil is high in good (unsaturated) fats and low in bad (saturated) fats.
- Having these unsaturated fats in your diet can improve blood sugar levels. 8 grams of safflower oil daily for 4 months can reduce inflammation and improve blood sugar with some people who have type 2 diabetes.
- These unsaturated fats in Safflower oil are so important for many different reasons. Another one being that Safflower oil can boost heart health. The extra intake of unsaturated fats can lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or 'bad' cholesterol in your blood. Higher cholesterol means higher risk for heart disease.
- High-oleic safflower oil is great to cook with whether it be deep frying, pan frying, or baking. At the same time, the second type of safflower oil, Polyunsaturated safflower oil, is best used raw for salad dressings or to drizzle on top or sautéed vegetables rather than for cooking.
Fun Fact: Safflower oil is often used as an essential oil for your skin. It is a great way to keep your skin moisturized and looking young. Start looking for lotions that contain Safflower oil or see the best way for you to use it to keep your skin healthy!
Recipes:
Safflower Mayo (Recipeland.com)
- 1 Egg
- 1 teaspoon Red Wine Vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup Olive oil
- 1 1/4 cup Safflower Oil
- Combine first 6 ingredients in a blender
- With machine running, add safflower oil, one tablespoon at a time.
Perfect Fries (Marthastewart.com)
- 6 medium Russet Potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch thick sticks
- 8 cups Safflower oil
- Coarse Salt
- Place potatoes in a large bowl, cover with cold water. Refrigerate for 8 hours. Drain, rinse, and pat dry
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium high heat until it registers 310 degrees on a deep-fry thermometer. Line 2 baking sheets with paper towels. Carefully add potatoes to oil in small batches. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally. (They will not color much) Using a slotted spoon, transfer fries to paper towels to drain. Let cool
- Increase heat so oil reaches 350 degrees. Fry potatoes in small batches until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer fries to paper towels to drain. Season with salt and serve immediately.
