Not All Oils Were Created Equal: The Best Cooking Oils and Cookware for a Healthier Kitchen

When it comes to cooking, the oils and cookware you use can make or break your meals—not just in taste but also in health. At Origin – Return to Eden, we believe in going back to nature for healthier, sustainable living. This guide will explore the best oils for cooking, why traditional fats like grass-fed tallow are making a comeback, and which cookware pairs best with your natural choices.

The Best Oils for Cooking: A Breakdown

1. Why Not All Oils Are Created Equal

Many commercial cooking oils, like seed oils, are heavily processed, filled with synthetic additives, and high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can lead to inflammation. In contrast, natural oils and fats like tallow, ghee, and extra virgin olive oil provide clean energy, better flavour, and essential nutrients.

2. Seed Oils: Popular but Problematic

• Examples: sesame seed oil, Canola oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, corn oil.
• Why They’re Common: Cheap and widely used in processed foods.
• Downside: Highly processed with chemical solvents, unstable at high heat, and contribute to inflammation.
• Best Use: Avoid seed oils for cooking and opt for unrefined versions only in dressings or marinades.

3. Grass-Fed Tallow: The Ancestral Cooking Fat

• What Is Tallow? Rendered beef fat from grass-fed cows, prized for its nutrient density.
• Benefits:
  • High smoke point (~400°F/200°C), perfect for frying and roasting.
  • Packed with fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) essential for skin, bones, and overall health.
  • Sustainable and natural, making it an eco-friendly choice.
• Best Uses: Frying potatoes, searing meats, or making flaky pastries.

At Origin, we proudly offer grass-fed tallow, a versatile cooking fat that also doubles as a deeply nourishing skincare ingredient.

4. Ghee: Clarified Butter with a Rich Flavour

• What Is Ghee? Butter with the milk solids removed, leaving pure, golden fat.
• Benefits:
  • High smoke point (~485°F/252°C), ideal for high-heat cooking.
  • Rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K for immune and bone health.
• Best Uses: Perfect for frying, roasting, and enriching curries or soups.

5. Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The Heart-Healthy Classic

• What Is It? Cold-pressed oil from fresh olives.
• Benefits:
  • Rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants that support heart health.
  • Anti-inflammatory properties make it a staple in Mediterranean diets.
• Best Uses: Drizzle over salads, roasted vegetables, or use for light sautéing. Avoid high-heat frying as its low smoke point (~375°F/190°C) can degrade its nutrients.

6. Avocado Oil: The Versatile Option

• What Is It? Extracted from the pulp of avocados.
• Benefits:
  • Extremely high smoke point (~520°F/270°C), ideal for grilling and frying.
  • Neutral flavor, rich in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E.
• Best Uses: High-heat cooking, stir-fries, or as a base for dressings.

7. Coconut Oil: A Stable, Flavourful Fat

• What Is It? Extracted from the meat of coconuts, solid at room temperature.
• Benefits:
  • Naturally antibacterial and antifungal.
  • Stable for medium-high heat cooking due to its high saturated fat content.
• Best Uses: Baking, stir-fries, or curries. Its mild coconut flavour enhances sweet and savoury dishes alike.

Choosing the Right Cookware: A Perfect Match for Your Oils

The oil you cook with is only part of the equation—your cookware also impacts your food’s health and taste.

1. Cast Iron: The Timeless Classic

• Pros: Excellent heat retention, naturally non-stick when seasoned, and adds trace iron to your food.
• Best Uses: Frying, searing, baking, or slow-cooking.

2. Stainless Steel: Durable and Reliable

• Pros: Non-reactive, easy to clean, and perfect for browning and deglazing.
• Best Uses: Sautéing, boiling, or making sauces.

3. Ceramic-Coated Cookware: A Non-Toxic Alternative

• Pros: Non-stick, easy to clean, and free from harmful chemicals like PFOA and PTFE.
• Best Uses: Low to medium-heat cooking like eggs, pancakes, or delicate fish.

4. Avoid Teflon and Similar Non-Stick Coatings

• Why? Non-stick coatings can release harmful chemicals when overheated. Instead, opt for natural non-stick alternatives like cast iron or ceramic-coated pans.

Why Origin’s Grass-Fed Tallow is Your Kitchen’s Best Friend

At Origin, we believe in returning to the wisdom of nature. Our grass-fed tallow is a versatile, nutrient-rich cooking fat that brings out the best in your meals while supporting sustainable and healthy living.

Final Thoughts: The Natural Way Forward

Cooking is more than just making meals—it’s about nourishing your body and embracing natural, sustainable choices. By choosing oils like grass-fed tallow, ghee, and avocado oil, and pairing them with the right cookware, you can transform your kitchen into a haven of health and flavour.

Discover the power of natural cooking with Origin’s grass-fed tallow and experience the difference for yourself. 🌿