Brian De Lowe, the co-founder and president of Proper Hospitality, has recently announced that the kitchens across its flagship brands will transition to being seed oil-free. Proper Hospitality has a number of hotels across the US with state-of-the-art wellness facilities and three new ones on the way.
What are seed oils?
There are eight seed oils commonly used in cooking: corn oil, grapeseed oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, peanut oil, and rice bran oil. These oils are cheap and have a high smoke point, which is why they are particularly favoured by restaurants.
Why go seed oil-free?
The seed oil-free movement has received a fair amount of publicity and has been embraced by Robert F Kennedy Jr, who has claimed that seed oils are harmful to human health. De Lowe states that he has not been politically motivated in his stance but simply wishes to do the right thing for the guests at his hotels.
It should be stressed that seeds are nutrient-rich, with high levels of vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants; however, when made into seed oil, they are put through a process that includes pressing, heating, bleaching, and processing with solvents, which can strip them of their natural goodness.
Whether you are abroad or staying in Luxury UK hotels, if you have any food concerns, it is important to learn more before you visit. This can also be the case if you have allergies or dietary requirements. Luxury UK hotels will often have this information on their website or menus.
Alternatives to seed oils
When eating out, you can order grilled or steamed dishes if you are unsure which oils are being used and are keen to be seed oil-free. Alternatively, find out whether the restaurant uses one of the popular alternatives to seed oils, such as extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, and algae oil.
Proper Hospitality is using Zero Acre oil, a rainwater-fed fermentation-derived sugarcane oil that has a high smoke point paired with a low environmental impact, with De Lowe also praising the taste.
About Author
