Oils & Vinegars

Allow the grease to cool in the pan. Next, pour the cooled grease into a disposable container such as a coffee can or peanut butter jar. Dispose of the sealed container in your trash can. Be sure to never pour the cooking oil down the drain as it can clog your drain and damage sewer systems.

Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fat, which helps to decrease inflammation in the body and is high in antioxidants. It is a heart-healthy fat that can be used to roast, fry or sauté. Overall, olive oil is considered a healthy fat to include in your diet, but always be sure to consult with your doctor or dietician to see what works best for your lifestyle and health.

Canola oil is a vegetable-based oil that is low in saturated fat, but high in monounsaturated fat. It also contains omega-6 fats which are important to perform certain functions in your body. However, many people choose to avoid canola oil in their diet since most canola crops are genetically modified in order to improve the oil quality and increase the plants tolerance to herbicides. Explore Healthy Living to find affordable products and recipe ideas to fit every lifestyle.  

Oils that have a high smoke point are better suited for withstanding higher temperatures and good options to use when browning, searing or deep-frying. Refined avocado oil, canola oil, corn oil and peanut oil all have a smoke point of 400 degrees F and higher, which is considered a high smoke point.

A neutral oil is a cooking oil that has a very mild flavor that won’t impact the taste of your final dish. Neutral oils are often used in deep frying or baking. Some popular neutral oils are corn oil, sunflower oil, vegetable oil and canola oil.

Olive oil can burn at a very high temperature, however, when cooking such high temperatures are typically not required.

Cooking oil can go bad if it is stored for too long or improperly stored. Make sure it is properly sealed and stored in a cool, dark cupboard. You can tell if your cooking oil has gone bad if it is giving off a rancid smell or if there is a bitter taste.

Yes, olive oil can go bad. A good rule of thumb is to use opened olive oil within 60 days. Typically, high-quality olive oil can last up to two years if unopened and stored in a dark, cool cupboard.

The best oils to fry with have a high smoke point such as refined avocado oil, canola oil, corn oil and peanut oil. Cooking oil is versatile and used in countless recipes like our Chicken Stir Fry Noodles, Summer Sheet Pan and Vegetable, Citrus Summer Shrimp Salad and more!

There is a variety of different types of vinegar to choose from. Distilled white vinegar is great for pickling, baking and poaching eggs. White wine vinegar is a great choice for brining, dressings, marinades, sauces and more! Red wine serves the same purpose as white wine vinegar in many ways. It is used for dressings, sauces and marinades. However, it is typically not preferred for pickling because of its red color and potential to stain. Apple cider vinegar is thought to have health benefits and can also be used for pickling and in marinades and sauces. You can get creative and pickle fruits and veggies at home that make a tangy and flavorful addition to burgers, grain bowls, charcuterie boards and more.

Unfiltered apple cider contains small amounts of probiotics that are thought to be good for gut health. Some studies support that apple cider vinegar can potentially help with weight loss, may lower blood sugar and cholesterol and may even provide eczema relief. However, there are conflicting opinions on the benefits of apple cider vinegar so you should always consult with your doctor, nutritionist or dermatologist to determine what is best for your health.

Vinegar is high in acid and a natural preservative on its own so it won’t go bad like fresh meat or produce. However, the quality of the vinegar can degrade over time. If you notice that the vinegar has gone cloudy and the flavor has started to diminish, that is an indicator that it may be time to toss it out. The time frame can vary based on the type of vinegar, but it is typically recommended to consume within one to three years after opening.