The main difference between grapeseed oil and olive oil is that grapeseed oil is high in polyunsaturated fat, while olive oil is high in monosaturated fat. In addition to that, grapeseed has a more neutral flavour, while olive oil has a more distinctive flavour and aroma.
Grapeseed oil is a byproduct of winemaking while olive oil is made of olives. Both are suitable as cooking oils and have similar nutritional content. Since both are plant-derived oil, they do contain cholesterol. These oils are also a source of vitamin E.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Grapeseed Oil
– Definition, Features
2. What is Olive Oil
– Definition, Features
3. What is the Difference Between Grapeseed Oil and Olive Oil
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Grapeseed Oil, Olive Oil
What is Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is made from grape seeds that are a byproduct of winemaking. There are many ways to extract the oil; most of these methods involve crushing and heating to extract the oil, cold pressing or crushing through an expeller or using chemical solvents to separate the oil from the watery parts of the seed. In many factories, the production method involves crushing the seeds and mixing them with solvents. However, there are some concerns about the presence of toxic solvents, such as hexane, in this production. Cold pressing or expeller-pressing, avoiding the chemical solvents, is the healthier method of production.
Furthermore, grapeseed oil has a high content of polyunsaturated fats, mainly omega-6. Fatty acid composition of this oil is as follows:
- Saturated fat: 10%
- Monounsaturated fat: 16%
- Polyunsaturated fat: 70%
Grapeseed oil is also a source of vitamin E. However, there are no other vitamins or minerals in this oil.
Moreover, grapeseed oil has a neutral flavour. This makes it ideal for making mayonnaise, marinades, and salad dressings in which you want the thickening power of oil, without any flavour.
What is Olive Oil
Olive oil is one of the most commonly used oils in both household cooking as well as the food industry at large. It has numerous health benefits and comes in various grades. The flavour of the oil depends on the grade and its processing method.
There are various types of olive oil such as virgin olive oil, extra virgin olive oil, light olive oil, and fino olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is a result of the first press. It has a very distinct flavour. In fact, unrefined, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil is the most flavorful, with a distinctive olive flavour and aroma. Extra virgin olive oil can serve as a tasty dip for crusty bread, a drizzle over pizza or pasta, topping for roasted vegetables, or a swirl over hummus.
Refined olive oil, which has no labels like virgin or extra-virgin, is subject to bleaching, filtering or high temperatures in order to extract extra compounds that create an oil with a more neutral-flavoured oil.
Olive oil is high in monosaturated fat. Fatty acid composition of this oil is as follows:
- Saturated fat: 10 to 20%
- Monounsaturated fat: 55 to 83%
- Polyunsaturated fat: 3.5 to 21%
Like grapeseed oil, olive oil is also a good source of vitamin E.
Difference Between Grapeseed Oil and Olive Oil
Definition
Grapeseed oil is a type of oil obtained from grape seeds that are a byproduct of winemaking, while olive oil is a widely used oil obtained from olives.
Flavour
Grapeseed oil has a neutral flavour, while olive oil has a more distinct flavour. Moreover, the flavour of olive oil depends on the grade and its processing method. Extra virgin olive oil is the most flavorful, with a distinctive olive flavour and aroma.
Fats
While grapeseed oil is high in polyunsaturated fat, olive oil is high in monosaturated fat.
Uses
Grapeseed oil is ideal as a base for salad dressings or baking since it has a neutral flavour while olive oil has different uses depending on the grades; tasty dip for crusty bread, a drizzle over pizza or pasta, topping for roasted vegetables, or a swirl over hummus.
Conclusion
The main difference between grapeseed oil and olive oil is that grapeseed oil is high in polyunsaturated fat, while olive oil is high in monosaturated fat. In addition, grapeseed has a more neutral flavour, while olive oil has a more distinctive flavour and aroma.
Reference:
1. Filippone, Peggy Trowbridge. “Types of Olive Oil.” The Spruce Eats, Available here.
2. Gunnars, Kris. “Grapeseed Oil – Is It a Healthy Cooking Oil?” Healthline, Healthline Media, 25 May 2018, Available here.
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