Cooking oil is expensive which is why we re-use it and this Ramzan - TopicsExpress



          

Cooking oil is expensive which is why we re-use it and this Ramzan we’ll need more of it for those samosas and pakoras at iftari. The only problem is that constantly reheating and reusing a batch of oil can break it down to release cancer-causing chemicals. During cooking, proteins and carbohydrates in the food react with the hot oil. Oil-soluble flavours in the food and its seasonings are therefore released into the oil you are using. If the oil is heated to a very high temperature, as when you fry, chemical reactions take place. In frying, food is heated to temperatures typically between 149 degrees Celsius and 215 degrees Celsius. The fatty acids in the oil break down into harmful trans fats. Additives, such as food colouring, preservatives and metal compounds found in food, react with the fatty acids from the oil to produce toxic aldehydes. Repeated or high-temperature frying makes the levels of trans fats and aldehydes in the oil go up each time. The toxic aldehydes are organic compounds. And just how toxic they are can be judged from the fact that aldehyde-based compounds are used as disinfectants in operation theatres. There are certain vegetable oils which do not break down into trans fats as swiftly as the others because they are more heat-stable. Experts recommend palm oil for the cooking of Pakistani cuisine. Olive oil should ideally only be used in salads. Signs your cooking oil needs to be discarded :- • When the oil darkens or smells of food that is fried in it. • The oil becomes more viscous, that is, it pours slowly. • Food particles remain suspended or collect at the bottom of the oil container or frying pan • When smoke appears on the oil’s surface • When foam appears consistently while frying How to reuse oil safely :- • Ideal temperature for frying is 190 degrees Celsius. Tip: to test the heat drop a piece of bread into the oil; if it sizzles and bubbles in a few seconds, it’s a good temperature. Do not fry in cold oil for the risk of soaking it up, nor heat the oil so much that it smokes. • Do not mix different types of oil. • Store oil in a cool, dark place.
Posted on: Sat, 27 Jul 2013 10:14:54 +0000

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