What are Cold-Pressed Oils?
Cold-pressed oils (also known as Kachi Ghani or wood-pressed oils) are extracted by crushing oilseeds (like groundnuts, sesame seeds, or coconuts) at room temperature using a traditional wooden mortar and pestle (ghani). This mechanical process generates no heat and uses no chemical solvents, preserving the natural nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, and aroma of the seed.
Refined Oils vs. Cold-Pressed Oils
Unlike cold-pressed oils, refined oils undergo heavy industrial processing:
- High Heat Treatment: Seed pulps are heated up to 200°C, destroying essential fatty acids.
- Chemical Extraction: Solvents like hexane are used to extract maximum yield, which is later bleached and deodorized with toxic chemicals.
- Loss of Nutrients: Refining strips the oil of natural vitamins (Vitamin E) and phytosterols that regulate cholesterol.
Can We Use Cold-Pressed Oils for Deep Frying?
Yes. Traditional cold-pressed groundnut oil and sesame oil are excellent for deep frying.
- High Smoke Point: Cold-pressed groundnut oil has a natural smoke point of around 225°C, which is well above standard deep frying temperatures (170°C - 190°C).
- Structural Stability: Because they are rich in monounsaturated fats (MUFA) and natural antioxidants, cold-pressed oils do not easily break down into toxic polar compounds or trans fats when heated.