Olive oil question (dressing, baked, best, cooking)

[sportsfangal]

When a recipe calls for "olive oil", and don't list a specific type- Extra virgin, light, pressed, regular-
which kind do you use?

[Hemlock140]

It depends on what you are making. If something uncooked, such as salad dressing then extra virgin. Light is best for cooking on medium-high heat but then you still want to be careful as it will burn easily. If it's for a bread or something else to be baked, then the cheapest available will work since the flavor is not very important. We actually have a place where you can taste the various types before buying in Seattle.

[TabulaRasa]

Whatever I have on hand, which is usually whatever was on sale. I was out, and bought some extra virgin when I went shopping today, because it was on sale and cheaper than other types.

I rarely cook with it if I'm using high temps, due to burn factor.

[sportsfangal]

thanks for the tips! Sometimes I find EVOO too strong for every day cooking, but as a pan drizzle, it seems to work.

[nic529]

I mostly use regular olive oil, unless a recipe states EVOO

[ljd1010]

Originally Posted by bisjoe

It depends on what you are making. If something uncooked, such as salad dressing then extra virgin. Light is best for cooking on medium-high heat but then you still want to be careful as it will burn easily. If it's for a bread or something else to be baked, then the cheapest available will work since the flavor is not very important. We actually have a place where you can taste the various types before buying in Seattle.

This is correct. My son is a chef in Manhattan and this is how he advised me.

[Calvinist]

Usually the gallon jug from Sam's.