Safely Cooking with Peanut Oil

Peanut often gives foods a particular taste

Peanut oil can give food cooked in it a unique taste, and that is why it is often used for frying french fries, hash browns, hush puppies and other fried foods. Peanut oil can be either refined or unrefined.

Peanut oil and peanut allergies

Anyone with a peanut allergy is usually advised by their allergist not to eat foods prepared in unrefined peanut oil. Some doctors tell their patients to stay away from all peanut products, including processed peanut oil as well.

Processing removes peanut protein from the oil

Processed peanut oil goes through several stages as it is prepared. The processing removes the protein particles that may have remained from the peanut. It is the protein in peanuts that causes peanut allergy symptoms, and when the protein is removed, the oil should be allergy-free.

Find out what type of oil restaurants use before ordering

If your allergist has told you not to eat foods cooked in peanut oil, it is important to ask the restaurant manager what type of oil french fries, fish, chicken, or other foods are fried in. The waiter, waitress, or chef can also find this information for you. Restaurant workers are not always aware of the type of peanut oil that is used, especially if they have not seen the oil container with the label, so be sure to explain the seriousness of your peanut allergy to them.

Peanut oil is used in preparing many different foods

Just as peanuts are hidden in many foods, the same is true of peanut oil. Someone with a peanut allergy needs to be aware of these foods that include stir fry, deep fried turkey that is cooked in a turkey fryer, and a variety of other dishes. Refined peanut oil can be used for cooking at high temperatures, while unrefined peanut oil should not be used for cooking above 320 degrees or it will smoke. Foods cooked at lower temperatures may use this type of oil, or it may be used in salad dressing.

Peanut oil is a healthy choice if you do not have an allergy to peanuts

If you and your family do not have an allergy to peanuts, peanut oil is a great cooking oil to use. This is because it does not contain trans fats and it is cholesterol-free. Another feature of this oil is that it will not absorb the flavors from foods previously cooked in it. These features make it a popular choice for preparing many recipes. Always follow your doctor's suggestions about this kind of oil for peanut allergy prevention if you have been diagnosed as being allergic to peanuts.