Used cooking oils and Fats
Used cooking oils and fats are available for both animal and plant-based cooking. Canola oil and many other oils and fats have become so ubiquitous that it is difficult to keep track of how much they require to make. Some oils, like artisanal olive oil, are so valuable that cooks have to ration them for very special occasions.
Storing used cooking oils
Oil and fat can be damaged by heat, light and oxygen. The oil and fat that is more fragrant or flavorful will be more fragile. Fine olive oils and nut oil, for instance, are very tasty. To preserve them, they must be stored properly and handled gently. The oil is more neutral in taste and will last longer in storage.
While you can store processed, neutral oils at room temperatures, flavorful nut oils, and rendered animal fats need to be kept cool. Keep them away from the stove.
Used cooking oils and fats to cook
The oil that you use for a dish will depend on its flavor and the method of used cooking oils it. You should not heat the most delicate and richly flavored oils. They can be used on cold dishes such as salad dressings or drizzled on the tops of finished dishes to enhance the oil’s flavor but should not be heated.
The more refined oil that you use, the higher the cooking temperature. The removal of volatile compounds can cause acrid and burnt flavors. Ghee is butter whose milk solids have been removed. This is an excellent example. Butter that has retained its milk solids can turn brown and toasty when heated. This gives dishes a warm, hazelnut taste.
Reusing oils and fats
Reuse many oils and fats. This is especially important when deep-frying requires large quantities of oil. To remove food particles, cool the oil and strain it through a fine mesh sieve. Cover the oil and let it cool.
Biodiesel
Do you want to go that extra mile? This valuable resource doesn’t need to end at the expense of wasted oil. Many drivers with long commutes have modified their diesel engines so that they can run on cooking oils. Anyone can use this technology if they are willing to take the oil from nearby restaurants and strain it before using.
You can bring excess oil to your local collection center, where it will be properly disposed of.