Choosing the right cooking oil can make a difference—not just to the flavour of your food, but also to the way you cook and enjoy it. Two popular choices are olive oil and grapeseed oil, each with its own character, culinary strengths, and ideal uses.
So, which one deserves a place in your kitchen?
Olive oil, particularly extra virgin olive oil, is valued for its distinctive flavour, natural compounds, and Mediterranean heritage. Made from olives, extra virgin olive oil is produced through mechanical extraction without chemical refining.
Its flavour can range from delicate and fruity to peppery and robust, making it more than just a cooking ingredient—it can become part of the dish itself.
For dishes where you want the oil to contribute flavour, a good extra virgin olive oil is an excellent choice.
For dishes where you want the oil to contribute flavour, a good extra virgin olive oil is an excellent choice.
Grapeseed oil is extracted from grape seeds, a by-product of winemaking. It typically has a light colour and relatively neutral flavour, making it useful when you don't want the oil to compete with other ingredients.
Its mild profile works particularly well in recipes where the main ingredients need to take centre stage.
Best for: Baking Mayonnaise and sauces Light frying Sautéing Recipes requiring a neutral-tasting oil
There isn't one universal answer. The better choice depends on what you're cooking.
Choose extra virgin olive oil when you want an oil that brings flavour, character, and Mediterranean authenticity to your food. Choose grapeseed oil when a neutral profile is more important and you want the other ingredients to take centre stage.
For everyday Mediterranean-inspired cooking, however, extra virgin olive oil remains a timeless kitchen essential.
Great cooking isn't only about the ingredients you choose—it's about understanding how they work together. From a simple tomato salad to roasted vegetables or freshly baked bread, the right oil can transform an everyday dish into something memorable.
Choose your oil with intention. Cook with character. Savour every drop.