Cold Pressed Oil: Key Points
Many families are switching from refined oil to cold pressed oil, and it is hard to know if it really is better. This guide explains what cold pressed oil is, how it is made, and how it fits into daily cooking.
- Pressed mechanically, without added heat or chemical solvents
- No bleaching or deodorising, so the natural aroma and colour stay
- Naturally contains vitamin E and healthy fats
- Good for traditional Indian recipes
- Best used in moderation as part of a balanced diet
What Is Cold Pressed Oil?
Cold pressed oils are taken from seeds and nuts with a mechanical press, without added heat or chemical solvents. Because the oil is not refined, it keeps more of its natural flavour and aroma than most refined oils.
Cold Pressed vs Refined Oil
- Process: cold pressed oil is pressed slowly and filtered. Refined oil usually goes through heating, bleaching and deodorising to get a longer shelf life and a neutral taste.
- Flavour and aroma: cold pressed oils smell and taste of the seed or nut they come from, which suits traditional Indian recipes.
- Natural nutrients: cold pressed oils naturally contain vitamin E and other plant compounds. Refining can reduce some of these.
- Cost and shelf life: cold pressed oil is made in smaller batches, so it often costs more and is best used fresh.
Key Benefits Of Cold Pressed Oils
- Natural fats: groundnut oil is mainly monounsaturated fat, and coconut oil contains medium-chain fats. All oils are best used in moderate amounts.
- Natural vitamin E: vitamin E is an antioxidant that is found in many seed and nut oils.
- Fewer additives: cold pressed oil avoids chemical refining, bleaching and deodorising.
- Taste: the stronger natural aroma makes tadka, poriyal and sweets taste more traditional.
Best Uses In Daily Indian Cooking
Cold pressed groundnut oil is used for everyday South Indian cooking such as sambar, poriyal, tadka and shallow frying. Cold pressed coconut oil works well in curries, idli podi and traditional sweets, and many people also use it for hair and skin massage.
How Much Oil To Use
The amount of oil in your diet matters as well as the type. Health authorities generally advise keeping total oil intake moderate and using a variety of oils. Use cold pressed oils in sensible amounts alongside a balanced diet. This article is for education only and is not medical advice. If you manage blood sugar or another health condition, ask your doctor and read our guide on oil choices for diabetes.
How To Identify Good Quality Cold Pressed Oil
- Check the label for "cold pressed" or "wood pressed", a short ingredient list and an FSSAI licence number.
- Look for a natural colour and aroma. Very clear, odourless oil is usually refined.
- Choose small-batch, freshly packed oil from a producer who can tell you where and how it is made.
- Prefer dark or opaque packaging and store it away from light and heat.
Why Choose GoFarmDaily Cold Pressed Oils
GoFarmDaily makes groundnut and coconut oil in small batches in Tamil Nadu, without added heat or chemicals, and sends fresh stock across India. Read the details on our cold pressed groundnut oil and cold pressed coconut oil pages, or get the full picture in our complete guide to cold pressed groundnut oil.
Delivery In Bangalore And Across India
We deliver to Bangalore, Karnataka and other cities in India. Popular Bangalore areas:
- Groundnut oil in Koramangala
- Groundnut oil in Rajajinagar
- Groundnut oil in Malleshwaram
- Groundnut oil in Sahakaranagar
- Coconut oil in Whitefield
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cold pressed oil better than refined oil?
Cold pressed oil is processed less, so it keeps more of its natural aroma, colour and taste, and it is made without chemical solvents, bleaching or deodorising. Whether it suits you depends on your cooking and taste. Both types are best used in moderate amounts.
Can I fry with cold pressed oil?
Yes. Cold pressed groundnut oil is commonly used for everyday Indian cooking such as tadka and shallow frying. As with any oil, avoid heating it until it smokes.
Why is cold pressed oil more expensive?
Small-batch pressing without added heat or chemicals usually gives a smaller amount of oil from the same quantity of seeds, and the oil is not refined for a longer shelf life. This is why it often costs more than refined oil.
How do I store cold pressed oil?
Keep it in a clean, dry bottle in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, and close the lid after each use.
Where can I buy cold pressed groundnut and coconut oil?
GoFarmDaily sells cold pressed groundnut oil and coconut oil made in Tamil Nadu, delivered to Bangalore and across India. Order on WhatsApp or call 9087317013.
Ready to try? See our products or contact us to order cold pressed oils on WhatsApp.