Are Olive Oil and Vegetable Oil the Same?

If you are interested in food or cooking, you might have heard that extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is superior. It trumps most other seed and vegetable oils in many ways. Despite being able to be used in similar ways, they are not quite the same. You might be wondering what exactly the difference is and why Texas olive oil is so popular.

The Truth About Oils

At the Texas Hill Country Olive Co, we believe there is a time and a place for each type of oil; however, you can successfully swap out your usual vegetable oil for a good quality EVOO in most dishes. The health benefits of EVOO outweigh the practicality of vegetable alternatives.  To understand what the differences are, you will need to understand what it is; let’s take a look. 

What is Texas Olive Oil? 

Texas Olive oil is a delicious, flavorful oil made from fresh pressed olive fruit. The oil is rich in nutrients and has a host of health benefits that make it perfect for cooking, skin care, and healthcare products too. Unless you opt for an infused variety, it is only ever made with one ingredient: olives! 

This delicious liquid gold comes in a wide range of varieties - each can be paired with different dishes and proteins. Each type has a unique flavor profile and recommended use. The flavors that can be produced or enhanced with a good quality EVOO are unparalleled. 

What Is Vegetable Oil? 

Vegetable oil is made with various plant-based ingredients from vegetables to nuts, grains, seeds, and fruits. It is popular thanks to its mild and flavorless qualities, making it ideal for savory and sweet dishes. It is well known as one of the most commonly used items globally. 

The most common vegetable-based oils include Soybean, canola, sunflower, and corn. These plants undergo several unnatural processes to become the final product - they are extracted using solvents such as petroleum and heat treatments to remove waxy residues. 

The Differences 

You can already see the differences between the two oils with the basics:

• Color: Vegetable oil is a lighter gold liquid that can vary between brand and main ingredient. Texas Olive oil is a luscious green gold liquid - its depth of color only changes depending on the variety.
• Taste: Vegetable oil is deodorized and flavorless. EVOO has a distinct flavor profile dependent on variety. 
• Use: Vegetable oils can be used in sweet and savory applications; they do not add flavor to a meal as they are primarily neutral in taste. EVOOs are better used in dishes that can handle their unique flavor. 
• Benefits: Vegetable oils don’t have the same benefits; they have been classed as some of the most unhealthy ingredients to include in your meals. While comparatively, Texas Olive oil has many health benefits, including plenty of anti-oxidants, cancer-fighting properties, and other good nutrients for your health! 

The Bottom Line

These two oils might be made out of plant-based ingredients; they are, however, not the same. Texas EVOO contains a wealth of nutrients and has various health benefits. Vegetable oil might be better for recipes that need a neutral oil – it is not the best oil to cook with!