Olive oil is a staple of Mediterranean cuisine and has been celebrated for centuries for its culinary and medicinal benefits. If you’re wondering what Lidl olive oil is like then I’ve got you covered.
Health benefits of olive oil
There are so many amazing health benefits to using olive oil.
Olive oil is renowned for its heart-healthy properties. Its high content of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, such as polyphenols, helps reduce LDL cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease. Regular consumption of olive oil as part of a balanced diet promotes cardiovascular well-being.
Despite it being a fat, olive oil can aid in weight management. The monounsaturated fats in olive oil provide satiety, helping to curb cravings and regulate appetite. Incorporating olive oil into a balanced diet can contribute to maintaining a healthy weight.
Olive oil is a natural moisturizer with nourishing properties that benefit both the skin and hair. Its vitamin E content helps to hydrate and protect the skin, reducing dryness and promoting a youthful appearance. Olive oil can also be used as a conditioning treatment for hair, providing shine and softness.
Olive oil has been traditionally used to support digestive health. It can help stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, ease constipation, and promote a healthy digestive system.
How to use olive oil with food
Olive oil is most commonly used with food.
You can use it when cooking and frying. Olive oil is a perfect companion in the kitchen, ideal for sautéing, roasting, and frying. Its high smoke point makes it suitable for cooking at higher temperatures without compromising its nutritional qualities. Olive oil enhances the flavours of dishes, providing a unique and delicate taste.
Olive oil serves as an essential base for creating flavourful salad dressings and marinades. Its smooth texture and rich flavour elevate salads, lending a distinct character to your culinary creations. You can also make your own flavoured olive oil to enhance the flavour.
Olive oil can also be used as a healthier alternative to butter or other cooking oils in baking recipes. It adds moisture and tenderness to cakes, bread, and cookies, making them lighter and more nutritious.
Other random uses for olive oil
Did you know that there are other uses for olive oil that don’t involve food?
Olive oil serves as an eco-friendly and cost-effective option for polishing wooden furniture and surfaces. Mixed with a bit of lemon juice, it can bring out the natural luster of wood while nourishing and protecting it.
Restore the suppleness and shine of leather products by applying a small amount of olive oil. It helps to moisturize the material, preventing cracks and prolonging its lifespan.
Coat metal items susceptible to rust, such as garden tools or cooking utensils, with a thin layer of olive oil. This acts as a barrier against moisture, preventing oxidation and extending their usability.
In a pinch, olive oil can serve as a temporary lubricant for squeaky hinges, sticky zippers, or other household items requiring a smooth operation.
You might also like:
Lidl olive oil
Lidl offer a variety of olive oils for sale, at a budget-friendly price.
The cheapest olive oil at Lidl is the Primadonna 1l bottles, which come in original or mild (light).
A bit more upscale, also from the Primadonna range, you can get a mild classic olive oil or extra virgin olive oil.
Spanish extra virgin olive oil in a 750ml bottle, which you can get similar online for £17.90.
There is also both Italian and Greek extra virgin olive oil.
And the Deluxe Lidl olive oil is the Puglian extra virgin olive oil in a 500ml bottle.
The difference between virgin and extra virgin olive oil
Virgin and extra virgin olive oil are both derived from the pressing of olives, but there are notable differences between the two in terms of quality, taste, and production processes.
- Production Process: Extra virgin olive oil is produced by cold-pressing olives without the use of heat or chemicals. This process helps retain the natural flavors and health benefits of the olives. On the other hand, virgin olive oil is also obtained through the same pressing process but may involve slightly higher temperatures or less stringent criteria during production.
- Acidity Levels: Extra virgin olive oil has the lowest acidity levels among all types of olive oil, usually less than 0.8%. The lower the acidity, the higher the quality and better the taste. Virgin olive oil, while still having a relatively low acidity (up to 2%), may have slightly higher acidity compared to extra virgin olive oil.
- Taste and Aroma: Extra virgin olive oil is celebrated for its superior taste and distinct aroma, characterized by fruity, grassy, and sometimes peppery notes. Its flavor profile is more complex and robust. Virgin olive oil also has a pleasant taste but may lack some of the nuances and intensity found in extra virgin olive oil.
- Quality Standards: Extra virgin olive oil is held to the highest quality standards and undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets specific criteria. These criteria include sensory evaluation (taste, aroma, and color) and chemical analysis (acidity levels, peroxide value, and UV absorption). Virgin olive oil is also subject to testing but may have slightly relaxed standards compared to extra virgin olive oil.
- Culinary Uses: Both extra virgin and virgin olive oil are suitable for various culinary applications, including dressings, marinades, sautéing, and drizzling over finished dishes. However, extra virgin olive oil is highly prized for its exceptional taste and is often used in raw preparations to preserve its flavors and health benefits.
It’s worth noting that extra virgin olive oil is generally considered the highest quality olive oil due to its strict production standards, low acidity, and exceptional taste. It is often preferred for its robust flavor and is recommended for dishes where the taste of the oil is a key component. Virgin olive oil, while slightly lower in quality, can still be a good choice for cooking and general culinary use.
You might also like:
Win a £20 supermarket gift card
We want to give you the chance to win a £20 supermarket gift card delivered via email.
You can choose from:
- Asda
- Farmfoods
- Iceland
- M&S
- Morrisons
- Sainsbury’s
- Tesco
Terms and conditions
1. There is one top prize of a £20 supermarket gift card for either Asda, Farmfoods, Iceland, M&S, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s or Tesco.
2. There are no runner up prizes.
3. Open to UK residents aged 18 and over, excluding all bloggers involved with running the giveaway
4. Closing date for entries is midnight on 8.05.2024
6. Entrants must log in to the Rafflecopter widget, and complete one or more of the tasks – each completed task earns one entry in the prize draw
7. Tweeting about the giveaway via the Rafflecopter widget will earn five bonus entries into the prize draw.
8. 1 winner will be chosen at random.
9. The winner will be informed by email within 7 days of the closing date and will need to respond within 28 days with their delivery address, or a replacement winner will be chosen.
10. The winner’s names will be published in the Rafflecopter widget (unless the winner objects to this).
11. The prize will be dispatched within 14 days of the winner confirming their details.
12. The promoter is Drew Media LTD
13. By participating in this prize draw, entrants confirm they have read, understood and agree to be bound by these terms and conditions
To enter simply complete any, or all of the Rafflecopter entry options below