Alternatives to sunflower oil

THIGAM Nathoo, a Durban chef and academic director of the South African Hospitality Institute, said coconut and canola oils were good cooking alternatives to sunflower oil.

She said while coconut oil was not cheap, less oil was required when cooking.

“Coconut oil can also be used for frying. In most parts of South India, they only use coconut oil for everything,” said Nathoo.

The average price of a litre tub of coconut oil is R70, and R350 for five litres.

The average price for canola oil is R40 a litre and R200 for five litres.

To save oil, she also recommended air frying or preparing meals in the oven.

“Try different cooking methods such as roasting, stir-frying, grilling, steaming or baking. Replace oil with cooking spray. Even ghee is a good alternative.

“If you will be using oil, use a shallow frying pan and portion control your usage. You can also allow the oil to cool completely and strain through a fine-meshed sieve or cheesecloth and reuse.”

Nathoo said panic buying had become an immediate response to environmental stressors.

“This mainly stemmed from the fear of a lack of resources when the Covid-19 pandemic first hit. Panic buying should be avoided as resources will flow through accordingly.”