Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms

Difference Between Olive Oil and Vegetable Oil

Olive Oil vs Vegetable Oil
 

Olive oil and vegetable oil are two products that are commonly used in cooking around the world so much so that we become curious about the difference between olive oil and vegetable oil. Olive oil and vegetable oil, as mentioned before, are two popular oil varieties in the kitchen. As the name implies, olive oil is made from the olive fruit and vegetable oil is made from vegetables. Although olive oil and vegetable oil can be used for different types of dishes, they are very different. They are different in nature, components within and from their overall temperament when exposed to certain temperatures.

What is Olive Oil?

Derived from the olive fruit, olive oil is generally used for recipes with heavy flavouring since the oil itself has a distinct flavour. It is used in cooking as well as salad dressing. Olive is high in beneficial fatty acids and polyphenols that are known to have beneficial effects on the heart. Moreover, it is also rich in antioxidants. Olive oil is not only used in cooking, and it is also used in cosmetics as well. The benefits of olive oil upon the skin have been common knowledge since pharaonic times itself. In the colour , olive oil is greener in colour.

What is Vegetable Oil?

Vegetable oil is said to have a high tolerance to high temperature. It is a triglyceride extracted from a plant and in commercial use. The oil is usually extracted from seeds. This is commonly used when cooking food with delicate flavours such as pork, chicken and fish so the food itself would stand out more. As proven, vegetable oil is filled with omega six fatty acids, which are important for a healthy lifestyle and is considered a healthy alternative to many types of oil available out there. Vegetable oil appears yellow in colour.

What is the difference between Olive Oil and Vegetable Oil?

Olive oil and vegetable oil are two types of oils that are frequently used in the culinary world. However, they each have unique characteristics which give them a unique identity of their own. Olive oil is mostly used for food with heavy flavours; vegetable oil is meant for those with delicate ones. Olive oil is filled with antioxidants and beneficial fatty acids; vegetable oil is rich in omega six fatty acids. While olive oil is extracted from olive fruits using a machine, the vegetable oil is extracted from plants and seeds. Olive oil is commonly used if you are cooking at medium temperatures. Vegetable oil is used for cooking with relatively higher temperature. Olive oil is a popular dressing for salads. Vegetable oil is not used as a salad dressing.

Summary:

Olive Oil vs Vegetable Oil

• Olive oil is mostly used for foods with heavy flavours; vegetable oil is meant for those with delicate ones.

• Olive oil is preferred for medium temperature cooking; vegetable is used for higher temperature.

• Olive oil is rich in anti-oxidants; vegetable oil is filled with omega six fatty acid.

 

Photos By: U.S. Department of Agriculture (CC BY 2.0), 24oranges.nl (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Further Reading: 

  1. Difference Between Canola and Olive Oil
  2. Difference Between Canola and Vegetable Oil