By Ben Caffrey, Columbus Vegetable Oils
Proper handling of the oil in your deep fryer between cleanings is crucial to ensuring the consistency, taste, smell and color of your fried foods. By practicing proper oil maintenance, it not only extends the longevity of the oil but also the lifecycle of your equipment and food safety overall.
Table of Contents
Here are a few tips for deep fryer oil maintenance:
1. Avoid Polymerization:
Foreign objects in your oil will speed its breakdown, causing the taste to deteriorate more quickly. Of course, this is unavoidable to a certain extent, but you can take steps to guard against it.
Like load your fry baskets away from the vat so that loose particles of food and ice crystals don’t end up in the oil.
2. Cross Contamination:
Using separate fryers for different foods is an effective way to prevent flavor crossover and maintain the quality and integrity of each dish.
For instance, frying fish and then using the same oil for mozzarella sticks can lead to undesirable flavor transfer, as well as potential allergen cross-contact for those with seafood allergies.
3. Oil Degradation:
Water can cause oil to break down more rapidly, leading to quicker degradation of the oil quality. This can result in off-flavors and potentially harmful compounds forming in the oil.
Also, water and hot oil react violently, leading to splattering and eruptions that can cause burns and other injuries to kitchen staff.
4. Pick the Right Oil:
Use high-quality frying oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut, canola, or vegetable oils. Lower temperature oils can break down more quickly and may not produce desirable results.
Make sure the proper oil is being used for your dish.
5. Temperature Control:
Maintain the proper frying temperature according to the type of food you are cooking. Overheating oil can accelerate its breakdown, while frying at too low a temperature can make food absorb more oil. By maintaining a consistent temperature.
6. Filtering:
Regularly filter the oil to remove food particles and debris. This prevents the oil from breaking down quickly and keeps it clean for longer use. Use a fine mesh strainer or a commercial oil filter machine for this purpose.
7. Cooling and Storing:
Make sure to place a cover on your fryer at night or during any long stretch of time during the day when it’s not in use. Allow the oil to cool down completely before storing it.
Once cooled, strain it again to remove any remaining debris. Store the oil in a cool, dark place in a clean, airtight container to prevent oxidation.
8. Regular Cleaning:
Clean the deep fryer frequently. Remove any food residue from the fryer basket and walls using a non-abrasive sponge and mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before refilling with oil.
9. Dispose of Used Oil Properly:
Used frying oil should be disposed of responsibly. Many cities have recycling programs for used cooking oil, or you can dispose of it at designated collection points.
By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure that your deep fryer oil remains in good condition, resulting in better-tasting fried foods and prolonging the life of your equipment.
Columbus Vegetable Oils is a leading provider of oils, fats, dressings, dips and sauces to food service, food manufacturers, retail and private label markets.
Starting with modest roots in 1936, today, Columbus operates two distribution centers in Des Plaines, IL., and Reno, NV.
The fourth-generation family leads the business as a certified woman-owned company that prides itself on high quality products, superior service and fast delivery. Learn more at Columbus Vegetable Oils website.
