Dubai If you think olive oil is the only healthy oil around, think again. An oil expert in Dubai can introduce you to at least two dozen other oils whose little known tastes and health benefits leave you with a whole new world to explore.
Kaspars Vendelis, who calls himself a good tastes consultant, conducts regular classes to educate the public on the wonders of these exotic oils. He even shares recipes with five-course menus in which these oils are used in different ways.
When XPRESS visited Crescendo, his oil cavern at Souq Madinat, the heady aroma of a wide range of cold-pressed oils beckoned. There were around 25 vinegars and spices too, but that’s another story.
THE Good Fat
“To begin with, it’s important to understand that we require fat,” said Vendelis. “It is the main source of energy for our body. An average man needs 80 grams of fat every day and it’s perfectly okay if 30 per cent of this comes from the so-called ‘bad’ fats like cheese, butter or meat. You don’t have to say no to them, just learn to burn them wisely.”
But more than these saturated fats, he said the body requires good liquid fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) that are rich in Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids.
“For most people, olive oil is the ultimate oil. It is very good indeed and contains Omega 9. But it does not have Omega 3 and 6, so we must get them from other sources like walnut, flax seed etc. One tea-spoon of these oils every day can keep the doctor away.”
Vendelis said besides extra virgin olive oil which is cold-pressed and comes from the first pressing, every kitchen should also have nut and seed oils, infused oils and wellness oils. Each of them carries its own health benefits.
He said like olive oil, nut and seed oils are also infused with natural essences without using artificial colourants, antioxidants or food additives. “They have a rich flavour and aroma and are very good for marinating, broiling grilling, sauces and salad dressings. Some examples include white truffle, garlic, red pepper and etrusco. Other oils like lemon, rosemary and avocado oils are also popular.”
The nuts and seeds oils are made from gently pressed nuts and seeds like almonds, Siberian cedar nut, hazel nut, apricot kernel, walnut, flax, sesame, grapeseed, pumpkin seed etc, some of which are roasted to lend an extra flavour.
Unlike these tasty oils, the wellness oils like evening primrose, rosehip, wheat germ and argan oils are not good on the palate but beneficial to beauty and health, he added. The oil expert said these oils must be bought in small quantities to last up to about three months. The average cost is around Dh20-Dh35 for 100 ml, though oils like rose hip could cost over Dh100.
The next round of weekly classes at Crescendo will begin in the last week of September. The fee per class is Dh150.
