Avocado Oil - is a product of Spain and is made from pressing the pulp of the fruit, not the seed. It’s low in acidity and has one of the highest smoke points I’ve seen. Slightly green, it is high in monosaturated fat and has a buttery texture. The best Avocado oil I know of is the De La Rosa Brand – kosher year-round, gluten free and has no additives.

Corn Oil - is made by pressing yellow kernels of corn and is used in frying and salad dressings. It is high in Omega-6 fatty acids.

Cottonseed Oil - is a cooking oil derived from cotton seeds grown for cotton fiber.

Canola Oil - Canola is an engineered plant developed in Canada. The oil is derived from crushing the seeds of the grapeseed plant, which is a member of the mustard family. It is a great go-to oil to saute or oven fry and bake because it has a neutral flavor.

Canola oil is marketed as an oil very low in saturated fat and high in monounsaturated fat. Canola oil is, for the most part, tasteless, making it a good choice for baked goods.

Grapeseed Oil - Grapeseed oil is processed from the seeds of grapes, which are formed as a by-product of wine making. It is a light neutral-tasting oil that lets the other ingredients in your recipe stand out. On one hand, it’s similar to olive oil in that it contains some monounsaturated fat, but mostly it’s made of polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) like omega-6s and omega-9 fatty acids. The high smoke point is great for stir fries. Great for blending into your salad dressing.

Olive Oil - is usually produced in Italy, Spain or Greece, and has no additives. Basically they extract the oil from the olive fruit which preserves the natural taste. By cold pressing, the oil preserves its flavor.

EVOO - is similar to olive oil but the virgin in the name means it’s not refined, has no chemical treatment resulting in a stronger flavor and higher quality. Olive oil is considered one of the healthiest oils due to its high monounsaturated fat content and low saturated fat content. Studies show olive oil helps the heart remain healthy and aids in regulating cholesterol. It is also part of the Mediterranean diet food pyramid.

Pure Olive oil - usually a blend of virgin olive oil and refined olive oils. If the extracted olive oil is of poor quality, this process helps it to have a better flavor. This oil is good for frying.

Olive Oil from Morocco – De La Rosa Foods makes an excellent Kosher year round olive oil from Morocco.

Peanut Oil – made from pressed peanuts and used in Southeast Asian dishes for general cooking. It has a high smoke point, so it’s useful for frying, but it is high in fatty acids. It's very mild because it has been bleached and deodorized. This oil is so refined that it may be safe for people with peanut allergies. Please consult your allergist.

Red Palm Oil – has a buttery carrot-like taste and comes from the fruit of a palm tree. The red color is good for your eyes, but this oil has more saturated fat than most oils, so limit its use. Palm oil production is also environmentally unfriendly.

Safflower Oil – produced from safflower seeds, this oil has a milder flavor than olive oil and can be cooked at higher temperatures.

Sesame Oil – Made from toasted sesame seeds. This is a polyunsaturated oil used in Asian and Indian foods, as well as Middle Eastern foods. It was one of the first crops processed for oil. This oil is very unique in that it has equal parts monosaturated and polyunsaturated fats. It has compounds that may improve blood pressure and cholesterol. Toasted sesame oil has a more robust and nutty flavor.

Soybean Oil - this inexpensive oil is partially hydrogenated and can be found in most processed food. It is made from soybeans and considered a cheap source of protein. The oil is problematic due to the transfat it contains, making it a contributing factor to poor health.

Sunflower Oil - is extracted from the sunflower seed and is a very commonly used oil.

Vegetable Oil - is actually a blend of corn, soybean, palm and sunflower oil. This is what my mom always used. It is one of the more cost effective oils that is also widely available.

Walnut oil - comes in either bold, which is roasted, or mild, which is more nutty in flavor. It is one of the few oils to deliver omega-3 fat, which is healthy fat. Delicious in pasta sauces.