Olive oil vs Sunflower oil.

Question

Why is Olive oil so much in demand and high in price compared to Sunflower oil, which has the same characteristics(fat distribution) but much cheaper

Answer 1

Sunflower Oil has a much higher burn rate, so it is used more for foods requiring excessive heat like flambéing. The average home cook probably doesnt cook with so much heat or such techniques so naturally olive oil, which lends an extrodinary flavor to a wide variety of foods, is used instead. Sunflower Oil also has a very unique and strong flavor which is unfamilure to home cooks and thus makes it less appealing. It's sad really. I wish more cooks were willing to be experimental with their food.

Answer 2

olive oil is seen as a luxury oil as a flavoring more in the west than should be..

luckily I live in the middle east and our diet is majority like the mediteraneans we use olive oil for everything.. so its cheaper in our markets.... Also depends on how its manufactured where you live.. Maybe its an import and thats why its more expensive than sunflower, which sunflowers grow anywhere...