Why do chefs fry with olive oil?

Chefs fry with olive oil because its high oxidative stability and decent smoke point (375-410°F) allow it to withstand heat better than many think, preventing breakdown while creating a flavorful crust that keeps food moist, rather than greasy, enhancing health benefits like antioxidants and monounsaturated fats, and adding unique Mediterranean flavor to dishes.

Why do chefs always use olive oil?

Chefs drizzle olive oil on many dishes because it combines functional, sensory, and aesthetic benefits that improve the food in small, economical doses. Flavor lift: High-quality extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) adds fruity, peppery, or grassy notes that enhance ingredients without overpowering them.

Do chefs fry with olive oil?

More and more chefs are convinced that olive oil is the best choice for frying. In fact, frying with olive oil is healthy, if you know how to do it.

Why does Gordon Ramsay cook with olive oil?

In short: olive oil is Ramsay's frequent choice because it provides desirable flavor, texture, health signaling and technical versatility across the Mediterranean-rooted dishes he commonly prepares, and he deploys it strategically alongside other fats.

Why do chefs finish with olive oil?

Chefs drizzle high-quality olive oil on finished dishes because it delivers concentrated flavor, aroma, mouthfeel and visual appeal in ways that cooking oil used during preparation cannot. Key reasons: Intense aromatic finish.

The Healthiest Oils To Use When Deep Frying

What is the unhealthiest oil to cook with?

The unhealthiest oils to cook with are highly processed vegetable oils like corn, soybean, canola, and sunflower, especially for high-heat cooking, due to their high omega-6 content, which can promote inflammation, and their tendency to form toxic aldehydes when heated. Partially hydrogenated oils (trans fats) and those high in saturated fats like palm oil and coconut oil (in large amounts) are also considered poor choices for heart health, while shortening (interesterified fats) might strain the liver. 

What is Gordon Ramsay diagnosed with?

Gordon Ramsay was diagnosed with and treated for basal cell carcinoma (BCC), a common and highly treatable form of skin cancer, which he revealed in August 2025 after having surgery to remove it from his jawline, using the experience as a public reminder for everyone to use sunscreen and protect their skin.
 

What oil does Bobby Flay use?

Flay explains that "ninety-eight percent of the time, I cook with canola oil. It has a higher smoke point than olive oil and, because it's so neutral, it's not going to change the flavor of what I'm making." He does suggest finishing dishes with olive oil, however.

How unhealthy is frying in olive oil?

No, frying food in olive oil isn't inherently bad; in fact, high-quality extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a good choice for frying due to its stability and antioxidants, making it healthier than many refined oils, but you must never let it smoke, as overheating breaks down beneficial compounds and creates harmful substances, so keep temperatures below its ~410°F smoke point and use it for sautéing, shallow frying, or moderate deep frying, but avoid extreme high heat or repeated use. 

Does olive oil release toxins when heated?

Contrary to what you may have heard, olive oil does not lose its health benefits or become unhealthy when heated.

What's the healthiest oil to fry with?

For frying, the healthiest oils are high in monounsaturated fats and stable at high heat, with avocado oil and olive oil often cited as top choices due to their high smoke points and heart-healthy fats, though canola, grapeseed, and safflower oils are also good options for general use, balancing stability with lower saturated fat. Health experts recommend avoiding oils high in polyunsaturated fats (like corn, soybean, or sunflower oil) for high-heat frying if possible, as they can be less stable. 

What oil do Michelin star restaurants use?

SAFFI SAANA 5L Arbequina Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Used by 30+ MICHELIN Star Restaurants - First Cold Pressed, Single-Origin, La Estrella, Chile – High Polyphenols – Sustainable Bag-in-Box Bulk Packaging, Gluten Free.

What does a spoonful of olive oil before bed do?

Yes, olive oil may help improve sleep quality for some people. Its healthy fats can promote a sense of fullness, potentially preventing late-night snacking. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil may help relax the body, which could aid in falling asleep more easily.

Which country produces 70% of the world's olive oil?

Spain leads global production, with a focus on high-density, irrigated orchards, but faces challenges including labor shortages and declining profitability in traditional groves. After two disastrous campaigns in 2022 and 2023, the 2024/2025 season delivered the highest olive oil volumes ever recorded.

Why did Gordon Ramsay apologize?

While doing his display, he allegedly insulted Grimshaw and made insinuations about her sexuality. Grimshaw responded the next day, calling Ramsay an "arrogant, narcissist bully." Ramsay eventually apologised, stating that his behaviour "was a joke".

How many hair transplants has Gordon Ramsay had?

While the facts remain unconfirmed by the man himself, the internet rumour-mill has been quick to suspect the celebrity Hell's Kitchen chef has actually had two transplants, one in 2011 and one in 2014.

What was Gordon Ramsay's accident?

While speaking with Men's Health UK, Ramsay revealed that it was a crater-like pothole that caused the accident. The Food Stars host was cruising downhill when his front wheel hit the pothole and he was whipped into the air.

What oil do cardiologists recommend?

When choosing a cooking oil, it's best to choose an oil high in poly and/or mono-unsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy fats derived foods such as olives, seeds, nuts and vegetables. Olive oil, which is high in monounsaturated fats, is a particularly beneficial choice for heart health.

Which oil to stay away from?

The oils which should be avoided for cooking are oils like soybean, corn, canola, sunflower, and safflower. These oils have unstable fats and will decimate the nutritional properties of your food. Oh, and they'll give you a big fat health risk in the meantime.

What is the least inflammatory oil to cook with?

6 anti-inflammatory cooking oils

1. Olive oil. So, what is the strongest natural anti-inflammatory oil? ...
2. Avocado oil. You probably already know how nutrient-rich avocados are, which is good news considering it's a must-have breakfast staple for many of us (hi, avo toast). ...
3. Canola oil. ...
4. Walnut oil. ...
5. Flaxseed oil. ...
6. Pumpkin seed oil.

What are three foods cardiologists say not to eat?

That's not to say you can't enjoy these items occasionally as a treat, but they should not be a part of your regular diet.

• Red meat (including “the other white meat”) ...
• Bacon, hot dogs, and other processed meats. ...
• French fries and other fried foods. ...
• Sugary drinks and cereals. ...
• Potato chips and snack foods.

What is the number one fruit that kills bad cholesterol?

What fruits are best to lower bad cholesterol levels

• Bananas. Bananas contain potassium and fibre that reduces the level of cholesterol in your blood as well as naturally lower blood pressurel. ...
• Apples. Apples are the most nutritious, healthy, and tasty fruit. ...
• Berries. ...
• Grapes. ...
• Avocados. ...
• Pineapple.

What do cardiologists say about olive oil?

Dietary intake of olive oil, in particular the virgin type, has been shown to improve several cardiovascular risk factors including obesity (2), hypertension (2, 3), diabetes (4), dyslipidemia (5), endothelial dysfunction (6), and thrombosis (7).