Olive oil seems to be the obvious choice for cooking healthy and delicious meals. Filled with nutrients and antioxidants, it is rich in good monounsaturated fats which helps to lower blood pressure and reduce risk of chronic illnesses. Along with proven health benefits which give you that much needed immunity boost, olive oil also has a fresh aromatic quality which naturally enhances the flavors of your favorite recipes. 

Three variants of olive oil

Philippines’ top olive oil brand, Doña Elena has made your cooking journey even easier with three variants of olive oil - Pure Olive Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and Pomace Olive Oil; each one possessing special qualities that make it more suitable for cooking certain dishes. These can be easily identified on their brand new labels which highlight usage recommendations for each variant.

Here’s the lowdown on each type of olive oil and how to use them based on your cooking needs:

Pure Olive Oil

Pure Olive Oil

Made from a blend of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and refined olive oil, Pure Olive Oil is more shelf-stable (it can be safely stored at room temperature in a sealed airtight container), and more tolerant to heat than Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Given these qualities, it is the best olive oil to use for everyday cooking, and especially for making your favorite pasta. 

Spaghetti Cabe Ijo (Green Chili Spaghetti)

No better way to use Pure Olive Oil than with this deliciously spicy Spaghetti Cabe Ijo (Green Chili Spaghetti), a seafood pasta dish infused with signature Indonesian flavors. Sautéing the green chili paste in olive oil creates a lovely herbaceous pasta sauce which is perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness from the juicy tiger prawn. Sprinkle some extra parmesan cheese and herbs on top for a beautiful plate of pasta that is not only a feast for the eyes, but also for the palate.

Besides pasta dishes like One Pot Saffron Corn Pasta and Kimchi Cream Pasta, Pure Olive Oil can also be used in this Hearty Healthy Green Shakshuka. The signature red hues of this classic stew is traded for a gorgeous green with the addition of baby spinach, green peppers and everyone’s favorite superfood, kale. A truly comforting dish that offers your daily dose of protein and nutrients in one pan. 

Related: Doña Elena Olive Oil: Brand New Look, Same Great Taste

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the purest form of olive oil that comes out after the first cold pressing, a method of extracting olive oil that prevents the oil from losing its flavor - something that can happen when the oil is exposed to high temperatures. Because of this, Extra Virgin Olive Oil has a strong aromatic flavor that can be best enjoyed in recipes like salads and dips which require no heat or low heat to make.

Spicy Lamb with Chickpeas and Quinoa Salad

Generously drizzle Extra Virgin Olive Oil all over your Spicy Lamb with Chickpeas and Quinoa Salad to complement the heat with some fresh earthy flavors. Combined with the juicy lamb patties, this nutritious dish is guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds with the perfect blend of different tastes and textures. 

You can also use Extra Virgin Olive Oil to make a refreshing salsa as a side to your Zucchini Chips with Nacho Dip. This addictive snack is a great replacement and a healthier alternative to potato chips. Coated with multigrain cereal, these crunchy zucchini chips are topped with a vibrant salsa seasoned with lime juice, sugar, salt, pepper and olive oil for a burst of flavor. Complete the meal with a cheesy nacho dip, and you’ve got yourself an excellent party snack.

Related: 12 Asian Salads for a Refreshing Crunch

Pomace Olive Oil

Pomace Olive Oil

Extracted from olive pulp, Pomace Olive Oil has the highest heat tolerance among these three olive oil variations, making it the perfect choice for recipes which require cooking methods that involve high heat, like roasting or frying. Despite being deep fried, dishes cooked in Pomace Olive Oil have a light taste that keeps you wanting more.

Daing na Bangus

Put your Pomace Olive Oil into good use by making Daing na Bangus (Deep Fried Milkfish), a classic Filipino dish that is well-loved by locals. Seasoned with vinegar, garlic and onions, the fish is best marinated overnight to soak up all the lovely umami flavors. It is then sizzled to golden brown perfection, creating a dish that is satisfyingly crisp on the outside, and soft and flaky on the inside. Usually eaten during breakfast or lunch, it can be enjoyed with fried rice, eggs, pickled vegetables and spiced vinegar for a completely wholesome meal. 

Other than that, you can also make Sweet Potato Fries to accompany your mains at the dining table. Season your sweet potato strips with garlic powder, paprika and black pepper for a taste explosion before coating it evenly with Pomace Olive Oil, and leaving it in the oven to bake. Whip up a batch of this sweet, savory and extremely addictive snack and serve with a dip of your choice for the perfect side dish to your favorite meals.

This article was created in association with Doña Elena Olive Oil. For information, visit their Facebook and Instagram pages. You can also buy Doña Elena Olive Oil on Lazada and Acemarket.ph.