At mindbodygreen, we meticulously evaluate every product that makes it onto our platform, ensuring our picks align with our commerce guidelines and are not driven by potential earnings from affiliate links.
My kitchen is no stranger to a variety of oils; there's always a bottle of avocado oil for high-heat cooking and a bottle of olive oil for low-heat applications and finishing dishes. However, a newcomer has joined my collection:algae oil powder supplier algae oil.
Introduced this year by Algae Cooking Club, this chef-quality oil is not just a sustainable substitute for traditional oils; it also boasts some remarkable health advantages.
Curious to see if this could be a worthy contender for my kitchen,organic algal oil I dedicated a week to using algae oil exclusively. Here's what I found.
Why Algae Oil?
Initially,beta carotene food coloring the thought of using algae in cooking seemed unconventional. I've enjoyed spirulina as a superfood and recognized algal oil as a vegetarian source of vitamin D, but not as a cooking medium.
The sleek, opaque bottle of Algae Cooking Club's oil caught my eye, but the true appeal lies in its numerous benefits:
Algae oil boasts a smoke point of 535 degrees Fahrenheit, outperforming olive oil by 125 degrees and avocado oil by 5 degrees.
It's produced with a smaller environmental footprint, requiring less land and emitting fewer CO2 emissions compared to avocado and olive oil cultivation.
The oil contains 75% less saturated fat and a 25% higher concentration of omega-9 monounsaturated fat than its counterparts.
It's certified glyphosate-residue-free, ensuring no traces of harmful herbicides are present.
While algae oil is an exciting addition to the culinary world, it's essential to remember that it hasn't been as extensively studied as olive or avocado oil.
Antioxidants
Olive oil's health benefits are largely attributed to its polyphenol compounds, which are rich in antioxidants. Although these compounds are prevalent in plants, olives are known for their high bioavailability of these antioxidants. The antioxidant content in microalgae is still a subject of ongoing research, varying by class and species.
Vitamin E
Olive oil also contains vitamin E, which is known to be under-consumed by a significant portion of the population. A single tablespoon of olive oil can contribute to meeting the recommended daily intake of this vital nutrient. Algae Cooking Club enriches its oil with mixed tocopherols, or vitamin E, to offer similar benefits.
Production Process
Contrary to what one might imagine about algae cultivation involving vast open waters, Algae Cooking Club utilizes fermentation tanks for more controlled production. The algae are cultivated to reach up to 80% oil content in just three days, after which the oil is extracted, keeping the supply process efficient.
A Clarification on Composition
It's important to note that while it's called algae oil, the final product is devoid of actual algae. It's primarily composed of monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health, can lower cholesterol levels, and reduce inflammation.
The high monounsaturated fat content also ensures that the oil's flavor isn't easily compromised when blended with other oils. Algae Cooking Club conducts rigorous testing to verify the fatty acid composition of each batch.
Taste Test
While nutritional value is paramount, taste is the ultimate decider in my kitchen. Algae oil is not fishy, and while the brand describes it as slightly buttery, I found it to be essentially flavorless, which is a boon for cooking as it doesn't alter the taste of the dishes.
However, for homemade dressings where I want the oil to contribute to the flavor profile, I'll stick with olive oil.
My Algae Oil Experiment
During my week-long trial, I cooked up a storm with Algae Cooking Club's oil, creating a variety of meals. I was particularly impressed with how it handled high-heat cooking without triggering my smoke alarm, a common nuisance in my closed kitchen.
Is Algae Oil a Must-Have?
As a proponent of sustainability and nutrition, I find the case for algae oil quite persuasive. Its eco-friendly production and nutrient density make it a strong contender in the culinary oils market.
However, the cost is a consideration, and the price tag might be a barrier for some. Despite this, I plan to repurchase this oil with my own money, finding the high smoke point and health fats worth the investment.
In Conclusion
While I won't be parting with my olive oil completely, I'm excited to incorporate algae oil into my kitchen for its unique benefits. It's a worthy addition to any health-conscious and environmentally aware pantry.
.jpg?x-oss-process=image/resize,p_100/format,webp)
