Wood Pressed vs Cold Pressed Oils – What’s the Real Difference?
Wood Pressed vs Cold Pressed Oils – What’s the Real Difference?
As health-conscious Indians shift from refined to natural oils, the terms cold pressed and wood pressed are everywhere. But are they the same? Is wood pressed peanut oil better than cold pressed oil? Let's decode the difference and help you make an informed choice for your kitchen and health.
What is Cold Pressed Oil?
Cold pressed oils are extracted by crushing seeds at room temperature using mechanical presses. No external heat or chemicals are used, which preserves the oil’s natural flavor, aroma, and nutrients.
Key Characteristics:
- Uses steel or rotary metal press machines
- No heat (under 40°C), preserving antioxidants and vitamins
- Ideal for light cooking and dressing
What is Wood Pressed Oil?
Wood pressed oil (also known as Marachekku Ennai in Tamil or Ghani Oil in Hindi) is a traditional method of extracting oil using a wooden press. Seeds are slowly crushed in a wooden pestle-and-mortar setup, often rotated by a bullock or electric motor.
Key Characteristics:
- Uses wooden churners (chekku)
- Temperature remains low due to natural friction
- Slower process → more flavor, better nutrient retention
- Most commonly used for groundnut, coconut, sesame oils
Wood Pressed Peanut Oil – Why It’s Special
Wood pressed peanut oil retains all the natural aroma and nutritional value of groundnuts. It’s high in monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, and plant sterols—making it perfect for Indian cooking styles like deep frying, sautéing, and tadka.
Benefits of Wood Pressed Groundnut Oil:
- Boosts heart health
- Reduces bad cholesterol
- Rich in antioxidants
- Natural aroma enhances traditional dishes
Cold Pressed vs Wood Pressed – What's the Real Difference?
| Parameter | Cold Pressed Oil | Wood Pressed Oil |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Steel/Metal press (rotary) | Wooden churner (chekku/ghani) |
| Heat Generation | Minimal (under 40°C) | Natural friction – very low |
| Seed Crushing Speed | Faster | Slower |
| Nutrient Retention | High | Very High |
| Commonly Used For | Sunflower, Rice Bran, Flaxseed | Groundnut, Coconut, Sesame |
Which One Should You Choose?
Both cold and wood pressed oils are great alternatives to refined oils. But if you prefer a more traditional, flavorful, and nutrient-rich option, go for wood pressed oils. Especially if you’re cooking Indian dishes, wood pressed peanut oil is an unbeatable choice for aroma and health.
Where to Buy Authentic Wood Pressed Oils?
Look for trusted suppliers that mention:
- No added preservatives
- No heat processing
- Freshly extracted oils (not stored long-term)
Explore Sutrakart’s Wood Pressed Oils – hygienically extracted, lab tested, and delivered across India.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between cold pressed and wood pressed oils can transform your daily cooking. Both are healthy, but wood pressed peanut oil stands out for its traditional method and rich benefits. Switch today to better oils for better health.
