Any foodie will know that the oil you use can change the entire flavor of your meal. Most professional cooks use high-grade olive oil in their cooking unless they need something a little lighter or with a neutral flavor. Products from Texas Hill Country Olive Co. are a great choice. Whether you are preparing French or Italian meals, you can count on the classic flavor of Texas olive oil. Here are the critical differences between olive and sunflower variants so you can make the right choice.
The Main Differences
Both types are the most commonly used choices for cooking. Home cooks and professional chefs alike use both interchangeably for meals. The main difference is that sunflower oil is produced by crushing sunflower seeds, while olive oil comes from olives.
The flavor profile of olive oil is distinct. Different types of olives provide a variety of flavors, each one distinct and unique. Sunflower oil has a neutral flavor and can be used in several recipes that require sweet or savory flavors.
Here are some of the most significant differences in composition between the two cooking oils:
Good Vitamins
Both contain varying amounts of beneficial vitamins. Vitamins are an essential part of day-to-day health; they ensure the body functions in optimal condition and can fight disease when it needs to. The two most commonly found vitamins are:
- Vitamin E – Sunflower packs a powerful punch full of vitamin E; with 5.6mg of the vitamin in a teaspoon of good quality sunflower oil, it beats its counterpart which only contains 2mg per teaspoon. This vitamin is responsible for fighting free radicals and preventing chronic disease.
- Vitamin K – Texas olive oil has the upper hand in this powerhouse vitamin, with 8mg of vitamin K per teaspoon. Vitamin K is needed for cellular recovery and protection against damage caused by free radicals, and it helps your blood clot and form scabs. Sunflower contains less than 1mg per teaspoon.
Healthy Fats
Both cooking products are full of monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. These healthy fats ensure that your heart is healthy and functional. They reduce bad cholesterol and ensure your body maintains a healthy balance of good cholesterol.
Olive contains Oleic acid. This monosaturated fatty acid is healthy and supports your body; it protects you against cancer and damage caused by carcinogens. The fatty acid helps reduce carcinogens that are produced in meat as it is cooked.
Sunflower is rich in linoleic acids, omegas 3, and 6 fatty acids. These fatty acids help reduce inflammation and increase your neurological functionality.
Excellent Minerals
One of the differences between the two is the number of minerals; there are trace amounts of minerals found in olive oil. The minerals found in it are low and don’t count towards your daily recommended amounts; however, there are a few different kinds, such as iron, potassium, calcium, and sodium electrolytes. On the other hand, sunflower has zero minerals.
Health Benefits Of Texas Olive Oil
There are many significant health benefits that come from consuming this oil. Long considered a heart-healthy choice, it is full of healthy fats and low in saturated fats. Including this oil in a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of stroke, heart attacks, and death related to heart issues by 30%.
Olive oil has strong anti-inflammatory properties and can help lower inflammation when included in a balanced diet. The anti-inflammatory benefits help reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.
The Flavor Profile – Sunflower vs. Texas Olive Oil
Texas olive oil, especially the extra virgin varieties from Texas Hill Country Olive Co., has a distinctive and unique flavor. Plain extra virgin Texas olive oil is used mainly for its savory profile. It can enhance the flavor of a dish and add an extra earthly layer to the meal. It can be used in salad dressings or to coat pasta on its own. Many cooks use herbs and other aromatic flavors to create infused oils. As it is low in polyunsaturated fats, it also has a long shelf life.
You can infuse flavors in olive oils for longer periods to ensure that they genuinely absorb into the oil. The only downside to using olive oil is you cannot use it in recipes that require lightly or plain flavored oil.
Sunflower is neutral in flavor. This neutral flavor means you can use it in many dishes without changing its flavor profile. Sweet and savory dishes can call for the use of sunflower oil. Cakes that require oil or other sweet and neutral-tasting baked goods often call for sunflower or another similarly bland vegetable oil.
Turning up The Heat
When it comes to making healthier food choices, another factor that many home cooks overlook is how healthy an ingredient stays while being cooked? This is called the smoke point. The higher the smoke point, the healthier the oil remains when under high heat. You shouldn’t use sunflower for dishes that require cooking at high temperatures. It can release toxic substances that can cause inflammation.
Texas olive oil has many oleic acids and can withstand high temperatures while staying stable, making it the healthier choice when cooking on high heat.
Is Texas Olive Oil Healthier Than Sunflower?
Texas olive oil from Texas Hill Country Olive Co. is rich in healthy fats that offer many health benefits that can truly help you stay on top of your health by including it in your diet. At the same time, sunflower has its uses for meals with a more subtle flavor that won’t be exposed to high temperatures.
People of the Mediterranean and health enthusiasts have long been using high-quality olive oil in place of butter in their cooking. This rich choice is healthier and is stable at the highest temperatures making it perfect for your meals, keeping your heart healthy and happy.