Have you ever noticed that after deep-frying or sautéing foods there's a heavy oily smell on your clothes, and even after a thorough clean up the smell of cooked oil still lingers in the air? As a result of the awful odor associated with deep-frying and experiencing a personal battle of eaters remorse, I've put away my Fry Daddy hoping to keep deep-fried temptations at bay and that nasty oily film out of my house. Although, I've backed away from serving deep-fried foods to my family, I still find myself drawn to them despite the smell and the health risks of the trans fats associated with most cooking oils. With all the health issues related to deep-frying foods it's no wonder that home cooks like myself and restaurants are looking for alternatives to traditional cooking oils.
The Mayo Clinic states that when it comes to fat, trans fat is considered by some doctors to be the worst type of fat. Unlike other fats, trans fat — also called trans-fatty acids — both raises your "bad" (LDL) cholesterol and lowers your "good" (HDL) cholesterol. Trans fat is made by adding hydrogen to vegetable oil through a process called hydrogenation, which makes the oil less likely to spoil. Using trans fats in the manufacturing of foods helps foods stay fresh longer, have a longer shelf life and have a less greasy feel. Scientists aren't sure exactly why, but the addition of hydrogen to oil increases your cholesterol more than do other types of fats. It's thought that adding hydrogen to oil makes the oil more difficult to digest, and your body recognizes trans fats as saturated fats.
It's always a pleasure to review a new product so I was thrilled when Ellen, from the California Rice Oil Company asked me to review their Rice Bran Cooking and Salad Oil. I was eager to try the product hoping to learn first hand if this cooking oil not only tasted good but was a healthful alternative to traditional canola, corn and vegetable oils.
California Rice Oil Company boasts that Rice Bran Oil, a naturally healthy alternative to other products on the market, that is 100% natural, contains no cholesterol, no GMO (genetically modified food) and preservative free. Like many assertions made by companies trying to sell a product I was skeptical however, I hope to reveal the accuracy of their claims with my personal test of the product. My hope, to finally find a cooking oil that doesn't alter the flavor or color of my recipes or leave an oily residue on my clothes or icky smell in my home. This cooking oil could be the one that ushers in a new era of fry daddy cooking in my kitchen! source Wikipedia:
ABOUT THE COMPANY:
California Rice Oil Company, is a joint venture, founded eleven (11) years ago and is located in Fairfield California.
THE ORIGINS OF THE COMPANY:
Co-Owner of Californian Rice Company, Ellen Davenport discovered the healthful benefits of Rice Bran Oil while she was an investor of an equestrian feed company. While selling the product to horse farmers, equine and tact suppliers, she found that rice oil is as a non genetically modified oil, and was used in horse feed for its natural healing and immune boosting benefits. The products natural nutrient rich properties soon lead her away from the horse feed business and into a new industry. Finding the product to be sustainable agriculturally, hypo allergenic and trans fat-free, she decided to sell her business and take her knowledge of Rice Bran Oil into the food service and retail industries; culminating in the lucrative venture, California Rice Oil Company.
Over a period of time a natural transition occurred in Ellen's home. She began to remove trans fats from her families diet! A difficult task at the time, Ellen realized how few trans fat-free foods were available to consumers prompting her to join a collaborative effort in 2003, to ban trans fats in the food industry. The organization bantransfats.com was the first of its kind and was integral in the movement that launched the national and international trans fat campaign by suing Kraft in 2003 to eliminate trans fat in Oreos. Result: Kraft eliminated trans fat from Oreos and reduced or eliminated it in about 650 other products. Click here and here for information. The Oreo lawsuit had a huge "domino" effect. The publicity that the lawsuit received created public awareness about the trans fat issue and triggered an avalanche of events including the FDA labeling rule. source: Bantransfats.com
ABOUT THE PRODUCT:
Rice Bran Oil is extracted from paddy rice bran coats and germ to produce, "The World's Healthiest" edible oil, containing vitamins, antioxidants, nutrients and trans fat-free. It's not just delicate and flavorful, it can help lower cholesterol, fight diseases, enhance the immune system, fight free radicals and more. Rice Bran Oil is extremely light, versatile and delicious." source: California Rice Oil Company.
THAT NASTY SMELL:
I knew there had to be a scientific reason for the lingering smell of cooking oils. Answer: Rice polymers form a thick sticky film that is tough to clean from vents, fryers (and we can assume clothing, household furniture and carpeting). Rice Bran oil produces less polymers than canola, soybean cottonseed or peanut oil, this provides extended fry life and superior flavor, less polymers means easier and less clean up. source: California Rice Oil Company
I decided to go with a simple recipe to test the product.
To produce a delicious crisp chip, sweet potatoes require a cooking oil that has a very high smoke point. Rice Bran Oil has a smoke point of (490°), the closest comparison to soy oil unfortunately, many people have allergies to soy products thus, Rice Bran Oil becomes beneficial to those suffering from allergies associated to traditional oils.
California Rice Oil Company, Rice Bran Oil~Product Review~Fried Sweet Potato Crisps
Ingredients
- •3-4 Cups California Rice Oil Company Rice Bran Oil
- •4 large sweet potatoes
- •season salt or sea salt to taste
Instructions
- •Using a large cast iron skillet heat 3 cups of oil on medium high heat
- •Thinly slice sweet potatoes using a mandolin or very sharp knife
- •Using a kitchen thermometer, test hot oil. Oil is ready when it reaches 490°
- •In small batches, cook potatoes until golden brown, turning often
- •drain on a paper towel
- •Sweet Potato Crisps can be kept warm in a 200 degree oven until ready to serve
- •Salt right before serving
- Serve with homemade Aioli made with Rice Bran Oil for dipping
REVIEW RESULTS
PROS:
- I was shocked to see no smoke rising from the pan as I kept the temperature steady during the duration of frying. A very good start
- There were no brown or burned particles collecting at the bottom of the pan.
- After the excess oil drained from the potatoes they still retained their bright orange color
- The leftover oil didn't have the offensive oder I associate with deep-frying. I strained the cooled oil into a glass jar and have used it to cook grilled cheese sandwiches and pancakes with no after taste from the previous use
- The crisps were crisp!!
- I was concerned the rice bran oil would over power the sweet potato but was pleasantly surprised by the nutty taste that actually enhanced the crisps flavor.
- After taking photos for an hour the potatoes remained crisp and very tasty, no oily residue
- The big test for Rice Bran oil was when I walked in the house after collecting the children from school later that day. I opened the door and sniffed the air...NO smell! Glory be!
CONS:
I will need to buy more!
MY RATING:
All of the company's assertions proved true. The oil tastes delightful and it's good for me and my family!! I give California Rice Oil Company's, Rice Bran Oil an A!
Rice Bran Oil can also be used in marinades, baking, dipping sauces and salad dressings. Visit California Rice Oil Company for more recipes using Rice Bran Oil
Spicy Foccacia Bread
Beer Battered Fish
If you live in Colorado you can find California Rice Oil Company's, Rice Bran Oil in your local Sprouts market.
For more information about the company click this link, ordering on-line: contact the company at this link.
Testimonial: One of Ellen's clients, Barbara's Fish Trap in Half Moon Bay, shared that staff members had been complaining about headaches associated with the cottonseed oil used to deep fry fish and chips. After switching all of their deep fat fryers to Rice Bran Oil the staff ceased to have headaches.
NOTE: Rice Bran Oil is also being used in the cosmetic industry to promote healthy vital skin
Disclaimer: I was not compensated for writing this review post. Sponsor provided product for review but my review and opinions are mine alone and were not influenced by outside sources. I make no claim that said product will perform the same for everyone; other individuals may have differing results/opinions.
Jack Lee
My family has been a long-term customer using this product, rice bran oil. We use it as cooking oil most of the time, but recently we started having a concern not knowing the source of where this oil is made from? I tried to search the web, ask sales from our local stores (draeger's, mollie stone's), but I don't see anyone knows.
athomewithrebecka
Kirk, from California Rice Oil Company posted this reply to others concerning origin and arsenic levels in their product " To address your concerns our oil is made from 100% GMO free rice from Thailand. Testing in the news showed the highest arsenic levels in US rice especially the southern rice belt that was at the very top with Bangladesh. It is believed US rice is contaminated due to heavy use of inorganic arsenic pesticides to control Boll Weevils in the US cotton belt which is now the US rice belt (Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, etc.). Rice from Thailand was at the very bottom with the lowest levels. With that being said we do test for arsenic and all test results showing “none detected” Thanks, Kirk" I also spoke to the manufacturer's representative, Ellen. She was very plain in stating that all the rice used to make their product is in deed from Thailand, where the strains have the least amount of contaminates in the world. I hope that helps! Any further questions please don't hesitate to ask!
Jack Lee
Thanks for the quick response. Thailand rice must be a Cambodian variety. I'm interested to know if it's made from the most common Jasmine rice (Phka Malis) or other long grain rice (Neang Minh)? I'd like to find out the exact variety just so I know what I'm taking. It'd be more convincing, as a customer, to see a report of arsenic test result on the rice. I believe I've already gone too far, and I apologize for any inconvenience or discomfort it may cause. But it is all right if I don't find answers here.
athomewithrebecka
Unfortunately I don't know which variety they use. The best way to get answers would be to speak to California Rice Oil Company.
Here's their contact info:
2485 Courage Drive, Fairfield, CA 94533
(707) 425-0400
And a link to their website: http://www.californiariceoil.com/aboutcro.htm
I've left a message for them so I can ask for you but I'm sure they'd be happy to discuss your concerns personally.
I'm always happy to answer your questions or direct you to a higher authority. Thank you for visiting At Home with Rebecka!
Jack Lee
Thank you. I was actually called and left messages to the company before the reply post. I enjoy reading the recipes on your website!
kitchenriffs
Thanks for the heads up on this! I vaguely knew there was rice bran oil (I think!), but had not clue what it was all about. I don't fry that often, but I know what you mean about the lingering odor - it's one of the reasons why I don't do it that often! I'll have to look for this. Thanks for the info.
kitchen flavours
Hi Rebecka,
Beautiful new site! Love it!
And the rice bran oil sounds like a fantastic product! Will keep a look-out for this!
I dare not take the plunge yet to switch to wordpress even though I have been thinking about it! Maybe, in due time! I like your "new look" a lot!!
Have a lovely day!
athomewithrebecka
Joy, I have to say that moving to wp has been a royal pain in my behind! I tried making the change last year but gave up because it was too complicated for me. However, wp free has gotten a lot better since then and is more user friendly than when I tried before.
The difficulty is not with wp free it has to do with finally hosting my own site through wp.org. I've had help from a web designer to get my site where it needs to be, I couldn't have done it alone. My site is still acting weird so not up to par yet. Please stop by in a few weeks we should have everything fixed by then!!
Cynthia
I have never heard of rice bran oil. The recipes sound great!
athomewithrebecka
Hi Cynthia, thank you for visiting.
The Detox Diva
We have used rice bran oil in our home (and still do on occasion when we want FRIED sweet potatoes like you did) I do not like the smell but I find that at least it is a neutral taste. The one drawback is the arsenic present in most rice bran oils, as in most brown rice!
athomewithrebecka
I actually talked to Ellen about the arsenic content in rice especially that which is grown in the rice belt. Ellen assures me that California Rice Oil Company, imports and sells only the highest quality rice bran oil.
I've posted a few links to a articles detailing both sides of the arsenic levels in rice. Interesting read!
http://www.leader-news.com/news/article_930706b6-042f-11e2-b4b3-0019bb2963f4.html
http://www.dnj.com/article/20120924/OPINION02/309240001/READ-No-need-panic-about-arsenic-rice-supply
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2012/06/arsenic-pesticides-in-our-food/
kirk
Hi Detox Diva,
To address your concerns our oil is made from 100% GMO free rice from Thailand. Testing in the news showed the highest arsenic levels in US rice especially the southern rice belt that was at the very top with Bangladesh. It is believed US rice is contaminated due to heavy use of inorganic arsenic pesticides to control Boll Weevils in the US cotton belt which is now the US rice belt (Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, etc.). Rice from Thailand was at the very bottom with the lowest levels. With that being said we do test for arsenic and all test results showing “none detected” Thanks, Kirk
Celeste Clevenger (Celeste's Best)
I just came to your website worried about the very same thing - arsenic levels in the Rice Bran Oil. Thank you for taking the extra step of testing your oil!
athomewithrebecka
Hi Celeste, Before writing this article I wasn't aware of the issues of arsenic in rice or rice oil. I love doing reviews, it's a great way for me to learn new things about new and old products.
California rice Oil Company has gone to great lengths to bring consumers a healthy and safe alternative to animal and vegetable oils. I also appreciate their efforts in doing so!
Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving such a nice comment!
Family Travels on a Budget
Awesome. We have quite a variety of oils in our house, but I have never heard of rice oil. Will pass the info on to my husband -- the family chef.
athomewithrebecka
Rice Ban Oil was new to me as well. It's so nice to find a cooking oil with such great health benefits. Let me know how your husband likes the oil!
KG Style Designs (@kgstyleinc)
This sounds interesting.
I am an occasional fryer and so I think this would do great. It's a must try!
Khloé Gadson
CEO - INTERIOR DESIGNER/EVENT PLANNER
KG STYLE DESIGNS
http://www.kgstyleinc.com
athomewithrebecka
Hi KG, I hope you have the opportunity to the oil. You don't have to wait until you fry again to use rice bran oil, it can be used sauteing, making sauces, dips, salad dressings and so much more.
rsrote
I love your con =} I had a bad exuberance with the fryer once so I stay away I use a frying pan our bake what ever....
Thanks for the great review.
athomewithrebecka
rs, I'm with you, I've been utilizing my cast iron pans and wok to do most of my deep frying and sauteing. The fry daddy just uses so much oil and is a real mess to clean up.
susan
I, too, had never heard of this product before. I'm not a huge "fryer" anymore but would definitely give this a try if I planned to do any. Those chips look to die for good!
athomewithrebecka
Hi Susan, I used the oil to deep fry my potatoes but I've also used it to cook grilled cheese sandwiches and pancakes. Delicious! You can visit http://www.californiariceoil.com/recipes.htm to see featured recipes like Orange Honey and Poppy Seed dressing, Edamame as well as other delicious uses for the oil. I'm also thinking of using it on my face as a cleanser and moisturizer.
Courtney~Mommy LaDy Club
I didn't know about this until reading your post. What a great product! Plus, using it for your skin to boot!
athomewithrebecka
I know, I love products that are multi use! I've used EVOO on my face for years but plan to try rice bran oil tonight. I'm sure my face will be glowing!