can i mix vegetable oil and canola oil

Can I Mix Vegetable Oil and Canola Oil?

Vegetable oil and canola oil both have their place in any kitchen – but what if you want to mix them together? Can you do it, and if so, is it a good idea?

The Benefits of Mixing

Mixing vegetable oil and canola oil can provide some advantages. Generally speaking, vegetable oils have stronger flavors and higher smoke points than canola oil. However, canola oil is higher in monounsaturated fat than vegetable oil. Mixing the two oils can give you a balanced blend that offers some of the benefits of both. In addition, using a blended oil will often cost less than buying the two oils individually.

Cooking Temperatures

Another issue to consider is the smoke point. When cooking with any type of oil, it’s important to take the smoke point into account. The smoke point is the temperature at which the oil starts to break down and produce smoke, and if the temperature is too high, the food can become bitter or burnt tasting.

The smoke point for vegetable oil is generally between 400-450F (204-232C), while canola oil can go up to 465F (240C). If you’re planning to use your blended oil for high-temperature cooking like deep frying, you should test it first to make sure it doesn’t smoke.

Mix Ratio

When it comes to mixing the two oils, there’s no right or wrong ratio. The amount you use is up to you. However, a common ratio to try is 75% vegetable oil and 25% canola oil. This will give you most of the flavor and smoke point of the vegetable oil, while still boosting the health benefits of the canola oil.

Final Thoughts

Mixing vegetable oil and canola oil can be a great way to create a balanced, cost-effective oil blend. However, you should always be aware of the smoke point of your oil and be sure to monitor it closely when cooking.