🌿 Why Make Peanut/Groundnut Oil at Home?

Peanut oil, also known as groundnut oil, is one of the healthiest cooking oils when prepared without chemicals or heat. Unfortunately, most commercially available peanut oils are refined, bleached, and deodorized, which strips them of nutrients and flavor. By making peanut oil at home using the cold press method, you retain:

• ✅ All the natural vitamins and antioxidants
• ✅ Rich, nutty flavor
• ✅ No harmful chemicals or preservatives
• ✅ Better control over quality and purity

Plus, cold pressed peanut oil is known for its high smoking point, making it ideal for stir-frying, sautéing, and even deep frying.

🥜 Benefits of Pure Cold Pressed Peanut Oil

Before diving into the process, let's understand why pure peanut oil is worth the effort:

1. Heart Health: Rich in monounsaturated fats that help reduce bad cholesterol.
2. High in Vitamin E: Boosts immunity and skin health.
3. Good for High-Heat Cooking: Withstands temperatures up to 450°F.
4. Rich Aroma & Taste: Enhances the flavor of Indian curries, stir fries, and snacks.
5. Preservative-Free: 100% natural and safe for daily use.

🛠 Ingredients & Equipment Needed

To make peanut oil at home, you need fresh, high-quality ingredients and a few essential tools.

Ingredients

• Raw peanuts (groundnuts) – 3 kg for approx. 1 liter oil
• Clean, filtered water (for soaking & cleaning)

Equipment

• Manual wooden oil press (chekku) or electric cold press machine
• Large bowl for soaking peanuts
• Clean cotton/muslin cloth
• Glass jars or stainless steel container for storage

⚙️ Step-by-Step: How to Make Peanut/Groundnut Oil at Home

Step 1: Select & Clean the Peanuts

Choose fresh, good quality, pesticide-free peanuts. Remove shells if needed. Wash thoroughly to remove dust and dirt.

Step 2: Dry the Peanuts

Spread the peanuts under sunlight for 1–2 days until completely dry. Moisture in peanuts can spoil the oil and reduce shelf life.

Step 3: Light Roast (Optional)

For a deeper flavor, lightly roast the peanuts for 5–7 minutes on low flame. Do not overheat – excessive heat reduces nutrition.

Step 4: Cold Press Extraction

Place the dried peanuts into a wooden ghani (traditional oil press) or electric cold press machine. The pressing should be slow to prevent heating above 45°C, preserving nutrients.

Step 5: Filter the Oil

Pour the extracted oil through a clean cotton cloth to remove peanut residues.

Step 6: Settle & Store

Let the oil rest for 24 hours in a clean container so any remaining particles settle at the bottom. Transfer the clear oil into airtight glass bottles or stainless steel containers.

Storage Tips:

• Keep away from direct sunlight
• Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place
• Consume within 6 months for best quality

📊 Peanut Oil Yield & Cost Efficiency

On average, 3 kg of peanuts yield about 1 liter of oil. If you buy peanuts in bulk from a local farmer, the cost per liter can be much cheaper than market-bought cold pressed oil.

💡 Tips for Best Quality Peanut Oil

• Always use fresh, pesticide-free peanuts.
• Keep pressing speed slow to avoid heat buildup.
• Use a wooden oil press for the most authentic taste.
• Filter oil twice for extra clarity.

🍲 Ways to Use Homemade Peanut Oil

Your pure, cold pressed peanut oil can be used in many delicious ways:

• Sautéing vegetables
• Making Indian curries
• Deep frying pakoras and samosas
• Stir-frying noodles
• Homemade salad dressings

🔍 How to Identify Pure Peanut Oil

Pure, cold pressed peanut oil will have:

• Golden yellow color
• Natural nutty aroma
• Thicker texture than refined oil
• No chemical smell