Introduction
What Are Wood Pressed Oils?
Top 5 Reasons to Switch to Wood Pressed Oils
3.1 Rich in Natural Nutrients
3.2 Better for Heart Health
3.3 Free from Chemicals & Refining
3.4 Enhances Taste & Aroma
3.5 Supports Sustainable Living
Popular Wood Pressed Oils in India
Final Verdict
FAQs
In recent years, there has been a massive shift toward natural and traditional food habits. As people become more aware of the importance of chemical-free cooking, wood pressed oils have gained popularity across India. Unlike refined oils that undergo high-heat processing, wood pressed oils retain natural nutrients, aroma, and purity—making them an excellent choice for everyday cooking.
Whether you prefer frying, sautéing, or making daily meals, switching to wood pressed oils can bring long-term health benefits. Let’s understand why they are worth adding to your kitchen.
Wood pressed oil (also known as kachi ghani oil) is extracted using a traditional wooden churner known as a ghani. This slow and cold extraction method ensures the oil does not heat up, preserving essential nutrients, antioxidants, and natural flavours.
Because there is no chemical refinement involved, wood pressed oils are considered one of the purest forms of cooking oils available today.
3.1 Rich in Natural Nutrients
Wood pressed oils are unrefined, meaning they retain Vitamin E, omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and other nutrients essential for immunity, heart health, and metabolism.
Refined oils, on the other hand, lose these nutrients due to high-temperature processing.
3.2 Better for Heart Health
One of the biggest reasons people shift to wood pressed oils is heart protection. These oils contain healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that support HDL (good cholesterol) and maintain cardiovascular strength.
For example, using wood pressed groundnut oil in your daily meals can help reduce inflammation and support heart health.
3.3 Free from Chemicals & Refining
Refined oils go through bleaching, deodorizing, and chemical treatments. These processes strip the oil of purity and may leave harmful residues.
Wood pressed oils are extracted naturally without heat or chemicals. This means you get 100% pure oil—chemical-free, additive-free, and safe for consumption.
3.4 Enhances Taste & Aroma
Traditional wood pressing keeps the oil’s natural flavour intact. This enhances the overall taste of your curries, chutneys, fried snacks, and stir-fries.
For instance, wood pressed mustard oil adds a bold aroma that is perfect for Indian cooking, while wood pressed sesame oil enhances South Indian and Asian dishes with its rich nutty flavour.
Wood pressed oils are produced through eco-friendly methods. The extraction technique consumes minimal energy and does not pollute the environment.
Moreover, farmers and small-scale producers often follow organic or chemical-free farming practices—making wood pressed oils a sustainable and ethical choice.
Here are the most commonly used varieties in Indian kitchens:
Groundnut Oil
Known for its mild flavour and high smoke point, it is suitable for everyday cooking and deep frying.
Mustard Oil
Popular in North and East India, it enhances flavour and offers antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Variants like wood pressed yellow mustard oil are gaining popularity as well.
Sesame Oil
Rich in calcium and antioxidants, sesame oil supports bone health and is ideal for sautéing, chutneys, and Ayurvedic uses.
Switching to wood pressed oils is one of the healthiest decisions you can make for yourself and your family. They are nutrient-rich, chemical-free, flavourful, and environmentally friendly. Whether it's groundnut, mustard, sesame, or yellow mustard oil, adding these pure and traditional oils to your daily diet can significantly improve your overall wellbeing.
1. Are wood pressed oils good for frying?
Yes, many wood pressed oils like groundnut and mustard oil have high smoke points, making them suitable for frying and deep-frying.
2. How can I store wood pressed oil properly?
Always store it in a cool, dark place in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent oxidation.
3. Do wood pressed oils help reduce cholesterol?
Yes, these oils contain heart-friendly fats that support good cholesterol levels and help reduce bad cholesterol.
4. Why are wood pressed oils more expensive?
They are produced in small batches, require more raw seeds, and follow a slow, natural extraction process. This ensures purity but also increases production cost.
5. Can wood pressed oils be used daily?
Absolutely! They are pure, chemical-free, and rich in nutrients—ideal for daily cooking in all Indian households.
