Who is not familiar with this one snack. Gorengan is one of the snacks that we can find in various places in Indonesia. Fried foods are various types of food that are dipped in flour batter and then fried in hot oil. The crunchy texture and savory taste make us rarely miss it on various occasions.
The affordable price and the easy way to make it are one of the reasons many people are looking for it, and many people also open fried businesses in various places. Fried food is not only delicious to eat directly but can also be used as a companion to various kinds of food, so we can find fried food not only on the side of the road but in several restaurants.
Fried food was discovered in 1,200 BC in Ancient Egypt and was introduced to the archipelago in the 19th century by visiting Chinese. The technique of cooking with hot oil was introduced and then followed by the people of the Dutch East Indies, so that now it is the choice of cooking technique. Gradually this technique became the easiest way to make food.
Fried foods in particular have become an important part of street food in many countries. In Indonesia, fried food has a special place in culinary diversity. These foods can be found in roadside stalls, traditional markets, and special events. Popular types of fried food in Indonesia include stuffed tofu, fried tempeh, fried bananas, bakwan, risoles, and many more.
However, there are some negative effects if you eat too much fried food. The process of soaking it in hot oil can increase the fat content in food which has the potential to interfere with the health of the body. The frying process can form trans fatty acids which are harmful to the body, because they can damage and clog blood vessels and increase levels of bad cholesterol in the body.
Saturated fat found in oil when frying also contributes negatively to the body. Foods that contain high saturated fat have the potential to form bad cholesterol in the body, so it needs to be avoided. In addition, fried foods are generally made from wheat flour or basic ingredients that are low in fiber. Consumption of low-fiber foods can cause digestive problems and lack of intake of essential nutrients for the body.
1. Using the right oil during the frying process is one way to avoid the negative effects of consuming fried foods. There are various types of oil that can be used in frying.
Palm oil is an oil that is often used by many people. This oil is obtained from palm fruit which is cultivated in the tropics, so it is not uncommon for us to find it in Indonesia. Palm oil that is consumed as cooking oil is available under various brands and not branded, known as bulk oil. Palm oil has a high content of saturated fatty acids, so it is easily oxidized nutritionally. However, this oil is the main choice for the community because the price is affordable, and the production is quite abundant.
Olive oil is the oil extracted from olives. This oil has a low saturated fatty acid content, so it has better nutritional value. This oil is also good for the frying process because it has a low melting point which means it is easy to store at lower temperatures. About 24 percent of olive oil consists of saturated fat, omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids. The oleic acid in olive oil is believed to help reduce inflammation. Many studies state that olive oil has various health benefits, including lowering bad cholesterol (LDL), preventing heart disease, helping to control blood pressure, preventing cancer, preventing stroke, and helping prevent obesity. However, olive oil is rarely the choice of the wider community because the price is quite expensive.
There are several other types of oil that can be used such as coconut oil (Coconut Oil), canola oil, sunflower oil, and so on. The use of healthier oils can be the right choice for Peekay friends who love to eat fried foods. Borges Olive Oil can be one of Peekay friends healthy choices in frying.
2. What is equally important in minimizing the dangers of fried foods is to avoid using oil repeatedly. More recommended, oil is only used once in frying..
3. Frying temperature is important to note, because oil temperatures that are too high can damage the oil and produce free radicals which are bad for health in the long run. So that the oil does not absorb into the food being fried, it is recommended to fry the food at a temperature of 176–190°C.
4. After frying or before consuming fried food, it is also recommended to drain food with a paper towel so that excess oil on the surface of the food can be absorbed.
While fried foods can be delicious and appetizing, it's important to eat them wisely. By paying attention to the use of the right oil, the correct frying temperature, and reducing excess oil, we can consume fried foods more healthily. Keep eating fried foods in a limited way as part of a balanced and varied diet, and always pay attention to proper nutritional intake, Peekay friends.