The Type Of Oil Martha Stewart Absolutely Never Uses
Oil is a kitchen necessity that all home cooks should always have on hand. Common household oils typically include olive oil varieties, which range from extra virgin to light-tasting. Meanwhile, vegetable oil, canola oil, and peanut oil are all worthwhile options for any frying and baking needs.
According to Time Magazine, however, not all oils are the same. Vegetable and seed oils tend to be more processed, whereas EVOO and avocado oil are healthier and still versatile. However, oils all have different smoke points that work for (or against) your cooking needs, so choose your oil accordingly. MasterClass cites refined avocado oil and safflower oil as oils with the highest smoke points. Meanwhile, butter and extra virgin olive oil are among those with the lowest. You should consider smoking temperature, as well as flavor and degree of refinement the next time you're in need of oil.
In addition to fulfilling your cooking needs, oils also supply flavor additions — though one oil, in particular, may not be adding the taste you think it is. It's a seemingly luxurious oil, but has found an enemy in none other than celebrity chef Martha Stewart.
Stewart is decidedly anti-truffle oil, thanks to its pseudo-truffle nature
Truffle oil may smell amazing, but it doesn't actually include any real truffles. The specious claims related to truffle oil are what has Martha Stewart speaking out against the trendy cooking lubricant.
"Oh, I would never use truffle oil, oh never," Martha Stewart told Today, pointing to truffle oil's fake taste and ingredients. "They've done many studies on truffle oil. It's synthetic, it's fake, it's horrible. It clings to your tastebuds, it's a hideous thing. Forget truffle oil."
Stewart's revelation is unfortunate, as truffle oil presents a cheaper and therefore more accessible option to actual truffles. But truffle oil, per Today, contains only a truffle aroma or essence manufactured with chemicals.
So, for the most authentic truffle-infused pasta, eggs, or risotto, it may indeed be best to splurge for the real deal. Or, head to Florence, where you can forage for valuable white truffles certain to add authenticity to any dish.