can you fry with flora

Can You Fry with Flora?

Frying has been a common cooking method since ancient times. Over the years, several oils have been used for frying, including olive oil, vegetable oil, and palm oil. However, these oils have a high content of saturated fats and trans fats, which increase the risk of several diseases such as heart disease and obesity. Therefore, many people are now looking for healthier alternatives to traditional cooking oils.

Flora is one cooking oil alternative that has gained popularity in recent times. But can you fry with Flora? In this article, we will answer this question and explore the benefits of using Flora to fry food.

The Problem with Traditional Cooking Oils

Traditional cooking oils are generally rich in saturated fats and trans fats. Saturated fats have long been linked to the increased risk of heart disease. Trans fats are even worse as they not only raise levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad” cholesterol) but also lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good” cholesterol). This puts people at a higher risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

Moreover, heating these traditional cooking oils beyond their smoke point can lead to the formation of harmful toxins and free radicals, which can result in various health problems.

What is Flora?

Flora is a type of sunflower oil-based spread that was developed as a healthy alternative to butter. It contains up to 74% less saturated fat than butter and zero grams trans fat per serving. The spread contains sunflower oil that’s rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs). These “good” fats have been shown to lower LDL cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Flora is also free from artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives that might cause health concerns. This oil spread is used in baking and cooking as a healthier alternative to traditional cooking oils. It can be used in frying, roasting, and sauteing.

Types of Flora Available for Frying

There are different types of flora available for frying. The suitability of each type depends on the frying method you want to use.

Original Flora

This type of Flora contains plant-based oils extracted from rapeseed and sunflower seeds. It’s suitable for all kinds of frying, including deep frying and shallow frying.

Flora Light

This variety has less fat than the original Flora. It’s suitable for shallow-frying but not deep-frying as it has a low smoke point.

How to Fry with Flora

Here are some steps to follow when using Flora for frying:

  1. Heat your pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Add a tablespoon of flora into the pan and leave it to melt.
  3. Add your food into the pan and fry accordingly.
  4. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  5. Cook until it reaches your preferred level of doneness.

Note: For best results, avoid overcrowding the pan as this could result in undercooked food.

Tips for a Successful Fry using Flora

  • Pour enough oil into the pan to cover the food completely.
  • Use a good quality non-stick pan to prevent food from sticking to the surface.
  • Use a medium-high heat setting to prevent the oil from burning.
  • Don’t leave the pan unattended while heating and frying your food.
  • Cook until your food reaches your desired level of doneness. Undercooked food can be unhealthy and cause food poisoning.

Advantages of Using Flora over Traditional Cooking Oils

Flora offers several benefits compared to traditional cooking oils. Here are some of them:

Reduced Risk of Heart Disease

As noted, Flora is high in mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) that can help reduce LDL cholesterol levels in the body. This reduces the risk of heart disease.

Lowers Cholesterol Levels in the Body

The sunflower oil found in Flora lowers cholesterol levels in the body hence contributing to general well-being.

Fewer Calories than Traditional Cooking Oils

Flora contains fewer calories compared to traditional cooking oils. Therefore, it’s an excellent option for those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

High Smoke Point Oils vs. Low Smoke Point Oils in Frying

A smoke point is the temperature at which heated fat or oil begins to produce smoke. It’s important to consider this when selecting an oil for frying as oils with high smoke points are best for deep-frying.

High-Smoke-Point Oils

Oils with high smoke points are ideal for deep-frying as they maintain their stability at high temperatures. Some oils with high-smoke-points include sunflower oil, peanut oil, canola oil, and grapeseed oil.

Low-Smoke-Point Oils

Oils with low smoke points are best suited for shallow-frying and sauteing. These oils have a higher risk of burning when exposed to high temperatures. Examples of these oils include olive oil, flaxseed oil, and walnut oil.

Recipes Using Flora as Cooking Oil Alternative

Here are some healthy recipes that you can use flora instead of traditional cooking oils

Zucchini Fries

  • 2 medium-sized zucchinis, sliced into sticks
  • 1/2 cup flour (all-purpose or gluten-free)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular), gluten-free if necessary
  • Flora cooking spray or Flora Original for frying in a pan
    1. Preheat your oven to 400F.
    2. In a bowl, mix the flour with garlic powder and paprika. Add salt and pepper to your preference.
    3. In a separate dish, beat an egg and set it aside. In another dish or plate, place the breadcrumbs.
    4. Dip each zucchini stick into the flour until it’s lightly coated.
    5. Dip the floured zucchini stick into the egg until it’s fully coated in the mixture.
    6. Place the egg-coated zucchini stick into the breadcrumbs and ensure it’s fully coated.
    7. Repeat these steps until all the sticks are coated. Spray cooking spray on a baking sheet, or add some Flora Original into a pan.
    8. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. (If using a pan, fry until golden brown and drain excess oil on a paper towel before serving).

Potato Chips

  • 2 Potatoes sliced into thin chips
  • Flora Light or original
  • Salt and pepper to taste
    1. Preheat your oven to 200C/180 fan/gas 6.
    2. Rinse and dry your potatoes thoroughly. Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline slicer, thinly slice them into equal-sized chips. Pat dry with a paper towel.
    3. Place the potato slices in a bowl, add salt, pepper, and flora to coat each chip evenly.
    4. Spray cooking spray on a baking sheet or add some Flora Original into a pan and heat over high heat to shallow fry the chips.
    5. Cook for about five minutes in the pan, turning occasionally until they brown and become crisp on both sides.
    6. If using an oven, spread out your chips over a baking tray in one layer. Make sure they aren’t overlapping or touching each other.
    7. Bake for 25 – 30 minutes; flipping halfway through cooking time to ensure both sides are evenly cooked and crispy.

      8. Remove from oven/pan, serve, and enjoy when hot!

Fried fish

  • 300g fish fillet (cod or tilapia)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular), gluten-free if necessary
  • Flora cooking spray or Flora Original for frying in a pan.
    1. Cut your fish into small pieces.
    2. Mix the flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper together on a large plate.

    3. In another dish, whisk an egg with a fork and set it aside. In another plate, place the breadcrumbs.
    4. Dip each piece of fish into the flour mix until it is lightly coated.
    5. A quick shake off and finally spray some Flora Original or cooking spray into a pan over high heat and put your coated fish fillets inside. Cook until golden brown before flipping to cook other parts.
    6. Drain excess oil on a paper towel before serving. It is that simple!

Conclusion: Should You Use Flora for Frying?

Yes, you should use flora as an alternative to traditional cooking oils because it has fewer calories, less saturated fats, and no trans fats per serving. Flora also has several health benefits and is suitable for various types of frying techniques. However, it’s important to note that while Flora has a high smoke point, it’s best suited for shallow-frying or sautéing due to its low smoke point.

When choosing oils for frying, always consider their smoke points and the type of frying method you intend to use. Always fry in moderation as consuming too many fried foods may contribute to health problems. Happily fry your way to better health.

1. Can I fry foods with Flora spread?

Absolutely! Flora spread is perfect for frying foods as it has a high burning point and creates a delicious flavour.

2. Is Flora spread a healthier option for frying compared to other cooking oils?

Yes, Flora spread is a healthier option when it comes to frying as it is low in saturated fats and high in healthy unsaturated fats. It also contains vitamins A and D which are essential for maintaining good health.

3. Can I use any type of Flora spread for frying?

Yes, you can use any type of Flora spread for frying. However, we recommend using the traditional or light varieties as they have a more neutral taste that won’t overpower the flavour of your food.

4. What types of foods can I fry with Flora?

You can fry almost anything with Flora including vegetables, meat, fish, and even eggs. Just be sure to use the right temperature and oil amount to ensure your food comes out crispy and golden brown on the outside and perfectly cooked on the inside.

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