Lekha
Posts : 34
Join date : 2013-07-11
 |  Subject: Simple Ideas for using Deep Fry Oil Remains  Sat Jul 27, 2013 2:59 pm | |
| . Simple Ideas for using Deep Fry Oil Remains Have you ever reused oil left over in kitchen, for deep frying other food items? Have you wondered, if it is healthy to do so? Do you often wonder if you are doing the right thing, when reusing that expensive oil?
If these questions are plaguing you, then here are some sensible answers.
Facts about Reusing Oil:
From an economic stand point, it makes sense to use large amounts of leftover oil in your kitchen. But health wise, it is not a sensible thing to do. There are a couple of reasons for this. One of the reasons is that if the used oil has food remains, then bacteria can feed on it, and this may lead to food poisoning. If the oil has become rancid or stale, then this can not only spoil your food, but can also cause cancer.
When oil is repeatedly heated it degrades in to fatty acids, hydro peroxides and triglycerides. It turns rancid, meaning the fats and other lipids in the oil decompose through oxidation, releasing free radicals which are toxic in nature.
The toxicity of these degraded products can cause various health concerns. Some are carcinogens and alter cells; some damage the inner lining of the heart and are also responsible for causing allergic reactions in digestive tract of human body.
What Should You Do
Follow these tips when reusing oil.
The oil should have a clear, golden yellow color. If the oil is darker, or its viscosity is more, it means that oil has started becoming rancid. Brown edges also mean that you have to discard the oil.
Smell the oil. If it smells good, then use it. Taste it; if it is bitter discard it.
If you detect any smoke from oil, then it is wise to discard it. This is because oil has reached its smoking point, and has begun to break down and degrade.
Each time you fry oil, its smoke point drops. The optimum frying temperature is 190 degree celsius. So use oils which have a higher smoking point. Some of the best frying oils are Safflower, Sunflower, and Corn. Groundnut oil and olive oil have low smoking point. So they will easily reach the smoking point and start decomposing.
Avoid adding salt before deep frying, as salt further lowers the smoking point of oils.
If the oil froths, then discard it.
Do not use iron pans, if you are deep frying and are planning to reuse the oil. The metal accelerates the process of rancidity.
Storing Re-Used Oil
If you cannot use the oil in a day or two, you can store the oil. Here is how you can do it.
Filter the oil with a coffee filter or a muslin cloth to remove debris and other food particles. This works just as better than any deep fry oil filter.
Then store the oil in a glass jar inside the fridge. It is best to use this left over oil quickly.
Four ideas for using deep oil remains:
Use the leftover oil for seasonings, and while making dosa/adai or chapattis. Greasing idly plates and Guliappa stands (Small cup shaped idlis) also consumes leftover oil quickly. It is best to use a small deep frying pan for deep frying, as oil quantity used will be less.
Fry papads or curd dipped chilies for the entire week with the left over oil. This way the oil quantity gets drastically reduced.
You can use the oil while kneading chapatti dough or while making pooris. This way you are not frying again. You can also use leftover oils while making rice rottis, which incidentally do take a bit of oil for getting brown and roasted.
Non vegetarians can deep fry their chicken and pork in the same oil and then stain it. Use separate oil for vegetables though.
Always switch off the heat once cooking is done, as prolonged heating can increases the chances of the oil getting spoilt.
Old cooking oil can also be recycled. People making their own bio-diesel are always looking out for used oil. But this trend is yet to pick up in India.
Where to Dispose Of Cooking Oil
Do not dispose cooking oil in the sink, as it can clog the pipes and it is bad for the environment. Empty the used oil in cans or containers, and dispose them in recycling centre. If no such centers are nearby, then empty the oil in a Ziploc bag and dispose. | |
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