There are many common factors between vegetable oil and canola oil and you might confuse them from time to time. If two bottles are kept side by side in your kitchen, it is not surprising that you confuse one with the other. Both the oils look pale yellowish and have high smoke points.
Apart from the similarities, there are many differences between these two oils. We will now discuss which one would you choose and the reasons behind it.
What is canola oil? Difference between canola oil and vegetable oil
Canola oil is a kind of vegetable that comes from the rapeseed plant. Canola oil is more popular in Europe than in any other region. Rapeseed is produced the most in Canada and the name Canola came from that according to some research. Some Canadian scientists invented Canola oil back in 1970. Canola oil is the product of crossbreeding to make a non-toxic version of the rapeseed plant that won’t be harmful to humans.
The common kitchen oil that we use is great for cooking and has a high smoking point at 400F and a mild taste. The mildness of the oil makes it a healthy oil to use. The oil has very low saturated fat, zero trans fat, and higher monounsaturated fat. All these combinations make it a healthy oil. Saturated fat raises cholesterol levels and monounsaturated fat improves cholesterol levels and prevents heart diseases.
What is vegetable oil? Difference between canola oil and vegetable oil
There is a fun fact about vegetable oil is that it doesn’t contain any vegetables. The name is used for this oil to differentiate it from animal-based oils. Any oil that has been derived from plants or seeds is called vegetable oil. Soybean oil, canola oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, and more are included in the vegetable oil group. Most of the vegetable oils that we find in the shops and markets are either soybean oil, corn oil, or a combination of both.
Canola oil has a smoking point of 400 F whereas vegetable oil has a higher smoking point of 450 F. It is an inexpensive oil and good for baking and frying. However, the plants the oil is extracted from vary from bottle to bottle so you don’t have much control over the fats you are consuming.
What is the major difference between vegetable oil and canola oil?
When it is to cooking oils, it comes down to nutrition. Both canola and vegetable oils are plant-based oils. Rapeseed plant produces canola oil and vegetable oil is generally soybean-based or blends of other vegetable oils. It is hard to generalize the number of fats and nutrients in vegetable oil as the plants vary from bottle to bottle.
Any plant-based oil is considered to be heart-healthy than animal fats but canola oil is believed to be healthier as it has lower saturated fats. The monounsaturated fat within canola oil helps to keep cholesterol levels healthy.
Difference between canola oil and vegetable oil; is it possible to use them interchangeably?
Both canola and vegetable oils are great options when it comes to various delicious recipes. These oils are especially very good for sauteing, baking and frying. If you’re making a stir fry or baking a truffle cake or frying chicken, both oils are good to go. But if a still want to make it a little healthier, you should go for canola oil without any second thoughts.
They can be used interchangeably. You can use canola oil instead of vegetable oil or vice versa for some recipes. If you taste the oils individually, they are different from each other but when you use them in cooking, it is not so prominent.
What difference between canola oil and vegetable oil; How to store them?
The best place to store oils is in a dry, dark, and cool place. It should be kept away from direct sunlight, and humidity and should not be exposed to air. So you have to seal it properly after use. Do not store it for too long as it becomes rancid from oxidation which is not recommended to use.
Summary
Canola oil is a kind of vegetable that comes from the rapeseed plant. Canola oil is more popular in Europe than in any other region. Rapeseed is produced the most in Canada and the name Canola came from that according to some research. Some Canadian scientists invented Canola oil back in 1970. There is a fun fact about vegetable oil is that it doesn’t contain any vegetables. The name is used for this oil to differentiate it from animal-based oils. Any oil that has been derived from plants or seeds is called vegetable oil. Soybean oil, canola oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, and more are included in the vegetable oil group.
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