Can Portuguese olive oil be alternative to Sunflower oil?

Some olive oil producers have their eyes set upon the horizon looking at markets that are less explored. Despite the market where sunflower oil still is the dominant and much cheaper, due to its shortage supply, the consumers may be given a different option, the olive oil.

If we take a closer look to their distinctive characteristics the aroma is the first that comes to mind, the olive oil that has a stronger scent which is really appreciated on the Mediterranean region, among others. But are they really so different apart from this?

The answer is no. Both are vegetable liquid fats with a great content of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat acids that are beneficial to the human health, both resist to high cooking temperatures and both are recommended to be used with a certain moderation as they are fats.

The real difference that can be found is when we take a closer look at the kind of fats that each one has. Olive Oil has higher percentage of monounsaturated in comparison to polyunsaturated fats while Sunflower Oil is the exact opposite.
If producers are willing to present an attractive price to these consumers they may have a window of opportunity that possibly they never had.