Best Cold Pressed Oils for Indian Cooking

Best Cold Pressed Oils for Indian Cooking
Indian cuisine is celebrated for its rich flavors and traditional cooking methods. When it comes to choosing the best oil, cold pressed oils are winning hearts for their purity, nutrition, and authentic taste. In this blog, we’ll explore the top cold pressed oils ideal for Indian cooking, their health benefits, and how to use them in everyday meals.
What is Cold Pressed Oil?
Cold pressed oil is extracted from seeds or nuts using a wooden or mechanical press without the use of heat or chemicals. This ensures that the oil retains its natural aroma, nutrients, and antioxidants. It is a healthier, more traditional alternative to refined oils.
Top 5 Cold Pressed Oils for Indian Cooking
1. Cold Pressed Groundnut Oil (Marachekku Kadalai Ennai)
This is one of the most commonly used oils in South India. Cold pressed groundnut oil has a high smoke point, making it ideal for deep frying and tempering. It adds a rich, nutty flavor to poha, upma, and traditional curries.
2. Cold Pressed Coconut Oil
Especially popular in Kerala and coastal India, cold pressed coconut oil is perfect for sautéing vegetables, making coconut-based gravies, and even sweets like laddoos. It’s rich in lauric acid and supports digestion and immunity.
3. Cold Pressed Sesame Oil (Gingelly / Til Oil)
Seductive in aroma and deep in flavor, sesame oil is often used in Tamil cuisine for tamarind rice, pickles, and gravies. It is also used for oil pulling and massages due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
4. Cold Pressed Mustard Oil
Commonly used in Bengali and North Indian kitchens, mustard oil gives a pungent kick to dishes like fish curry, aloo chokha, and saag. When cold pressed, it retains all its beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.
5. Cold Pressed Sunflower Oil
A neutral-flavored oil that’s perfect for daily cooking, sunflower oil is great for stir-fries, rotis, and even baking. Its high Vitamin E content makes it skin-friendly as well.
Why Choose Cold Pressed Oils Over Refined Oils?
- ❌ No Chemicals or Bleaching Agents
- ✅ Retains Natural Nutrients & Flavors
- ✅ Rich in Good Fats & Antioxidants
- ✅ Supports Heart, Skin, and Brain Health
How to Select the Right Cold Pressed Oil?
Pick your oil based on:
- Cooking Style: Coconut for sautéing, Groundnut for frying, Sesame for tempering.
- Health Needs: Mustard for heart health, Sunflower for skin benefits.
- Regional Cuisine: Match oil to your traditional recipes for best results.
Storage Tips for Cold Pressed Oils
Store in a cool, dark place in glass or steel containers. Always seal the lid after use. Avoid plastic packaging and exposure to direct sunlight.
Where to Buy the Best Cold Pressed Oils?
You can find high-quality wood pressed and cold pressed oils on Sutrakart’s Cold Pressed Oil Collection. They deliver fresh, chemical-free oils across India.
Final Thoughts
Cold pressed oils are not just a cooking medium—they’re a return to our roots. For every tadka, every deep fry, every masala – there’s a perfect oil to elevate your dish naturally and nutritiously. Make the switch today!