Ever Wondered About Your Cooking Oil's Journey?
Have you ever thought about where your cooking oil comes from?
Cooking oils play a crucial role in our daily meals. We pour, sauté, and drizzle without much thought about the intricate journey these oils take from their source to our kitchens. Today, various methods are used to extract oils from seeds, including cold pressing, expeller pressing, solvent extraction, hydraulic pressing, and maceration. The technique chosen to extract your oil affects the oil’s taste, nutrition, and health impact.
While some methods use intense heat and pressure to extract oils, today, we will talk about a kinder & gentler method that has been used since ancient times in India: Cold-Pressing; a choice that has been part of mindful cooking for generations. We’ll explore why this matters for your well-being. After all, making informed choices about what goes into our meals is the first step towards a healthier lifestyle.
Cold-Pressing: A Healthier Choice?
Cold-pressed oils are oils extracted from seeds, nuts, vegetables or fruits through a mechanical pressing process that operates at lower temperatures, typically below 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius). This method avoids using heat or chemical solvents, preserving the source ingredients’ natural flavours, aromas, and nutritional qualities.
The process involves crushing the oilseeds or fruits and then mechanically pressing them to extract the oil. Traditional terms like ‘Chekku,’ ‘Ghani,’ and ‘Kolhu’ have been used to describe cold-pressed oils in India. Previously, oilseeds were extracted using a long cylindrical device called a ‘Ghani’.
What Sets Cold-Pressing Apart
A few features set the cold pressed oils apart from oils extracted using another method.
1. Extraction Method
Cold-pressed oils are extracted using a mechanical pressing process that involves crushing and pressing oilseeds or fruits at a relatively low temperature, usually not exceeding 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius).
In contrast, conventional extraction methods subject oils to high temperatures, around 200 degrees Celsius, breaking the very antioxidants that make them beneficial. This heat risks the breakdown of essential nutrients and leads to the formation of undesirable trans fats.
2. Avoidance of Heat and Chemicals
Unlike conventional oil extraction methods, cold-pressing does not involve heat or chemical solvents. This is a crucial factor in maintaining the oil’s natural properties of the source ingredients. The high heat, gases like hexane, synthetic antioxidants like TBHQ, and many other chemical solvents used in refined oils can alter the oil’s flavour, texture, and nutritional profile.
3. Preservation of Nutritional Content
Cold-pressing is known for preserving the natural nutrients present in oilseeds or fruits. The process minimises exposure to heat, which can degrade sensitive compounds like vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, which refined oils often lose during refining processes, such as degumming, winterisation, deodorisation and more. As a result, cold-pressed oils often retain a higher nutritional value than oils produced with heat-based methods.
4. Quality of Oil
The cold-pressing method is often associated with producing high-quality oils. The absence of heat and chemicals helps maintain the oil’s natural colour, flavour, and aroma which is intentionally removed or neutralised in the refining process.
5. Small-Batch Production
Cold-pressed oils are often produced in smaller batches to maintain quality and freshness. This approach allows for more precise control over the extraction process. It ensures that the oil is not exposed to prolonged periods of heat or light, which could compromise its integrity.
6. Rich Flavor Profiles
Cold-pressed oils often exhibit a more authentic flavour profile. The natural taste of the oilseed or fruit is better preserved, offering a distinct and flavorful experience.
7. No Chemical Residues
The absence of chemical solvents in the cold-pressing process eliminates the risk of chemical residues in the final product. This makes cold-pressed oils cleaner and more natural for those seeking minimally processed and chemical-free food products.
8. Emphasis on Artisanal and Sustainable Practices
Cold-pressed oils are often associated with artisanal production and a commitment to sustainable practices. Producers prioritising small-batch, environmentally friendly methods contribute to the unique identity and appeal of cold-pressed oils in the market.
Health Benefits of Cold-Pressed Oils
1. Rich In Antioxidants
Antioxidants are vital for overall health, as they contribute to the prevention of cellular damage and inflammation and support a healthy immune system. Cold-pressed oils retain essential antioxidants such as tocopherols and sterols. These compounds play a crucial role in protecting the body from oxidative stress by combating free radicals.
2. Retained Nutritional Value
Retaining the nutritional content ensures you receive the maximum health benefits from these oils. The cold-pressing method preserves the natural nutrients in oilseeds, including essential vitamins like Vitamin E and beta-carotene.
3. No Harmful Chemicals:
The absence of chemical residues ensures the oil’s purity, addressing concerns related to potential health risks associated with chemical processing. Cold-pressed oils are extracted without harmful chemicals such as hexane, phosphoric acid, or bleaching agents.
4. Enhanced Immunity
A strengthened immune system is crucial for preventing infections and maintaining overall health and well-being. Cold-pressed oils contain oleic acid and lauric acid, which are known to boost the immune system.
5. Improved Cholesterol Levels
Cold-pressed oils promote good cholesterol (HDL) and help remove bad cholesterol (LDL) from the body, contributing to heart health.
6. No Production of Free Radicals
Unlike commercial extraction methods that generate free radicals, cold-pressed oils are devoid of these potentially harmful compounds.
Choosing the Right Cold-Pressed Oil
When cooking with these oils, it’s crucial to consider their smoke points, Which refers to the temperature at which an oil begins to smoke and break down, leading to a loss of flavour and producing harmful compounds. Different oils have different smoke points, and choosing the right oil for your cooking method is essential. For high-heat cooking methods like frying, oils with high smoke points are preferable, while delicate oils with lower smoke points are better suited for low-heat cooking or drizzling.
Understanding Smoke Points
The smoke point can vary among different brands. Factors such as the sourcing of raw materials, production methods, and extraction processes can influence the overall composition of the oil and, consequently, its smoke point. Here are the smoke points for Satopradhan Cold Pressed Oils & the cooking methods they are suitable for
1. Coconut Oil
Smoke Point: Medium 350°F
Suitable for sautéing, baking, and light frying. Ideal for dishes with a mild coconut flavor.
2. Sesame Oil
Smoke Point: High 410°F
Suitable for stir-frying, deep-frying, and pan-frying. Adds a rich, nutty flavour to Asian dishes.
3. Mustard Oil
Smoke Point: High 480°F
Suitable for deep-frying, sautéing, and roasting. They are commonly used in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisines.
4. Groundnut (Peanut) Oil
Smoke Point: High 435°F
Versatile oil for frying, deep-frying, sautéing, and roasting. It has a mild flavor that complements various cuisines.
5. Sunflower Oil
Smoke Point: High 435°F
Versatile oil for frying, deep-frying, sautéing, and roasting. It has a mild flavor that complements various cuisines.
How to Use Them?
For optimal benefits, it’s advisable to use cold-pressed oils in their raw form to preserve their rich flavors and nutrition. However, selecting oils with high smoke points is essential if you opt to heat them. Always choose to heat at moderate temperatures to maintain the oil’s quality.
- Coconut Oil can be used for sautéing, stir-frying, and baking. It adds a mild coconut flavor to dishes. Use it in place of butter in baked goods, or spread some on your chapattis in place of ghee as a vegan alternative. It is best used as a natural moisturizer for skin and hair and as a makeup remover or lip balm. You can also practice oil pulling with coconut oil for oral health benefits. Swishing a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes is believed to help with oral hygiene.
- Sesame Oil: Use it in stir-fries and dressings for its rich, nutty flavor. Add a finishing touch to dishes like noodles or salads for extra flavor. Lightly toasted sesame oil is suitable for deep-frying due to its high smoke point. You can also use it as a moisturizer for dry skin, especially during winter. While not a replacement for traditional sunscreen, sesame oil has been used traditionally to provide some sun protection & is used for oil pulling.
- Mustard oil: Use it to temper spices and enhance the flavor of curries. It is also traditionally used in Ayurvedic practices for body massage. In certain traditional methods, mustard oil is used as a base for massages to alleviate joint and muscle pain. When mixed with other ingredients or essential oils, mustard oil can be used as a natural insect repellent.
- Groundnut (Peanut) Oil: It is suitable for deep frying due to its high smoke point. Use homemade dressings to add a nutty flavor.
- Sunflower oil: This light oil is often used as a base for various sauces and in baked goods like cakes and muffins. Combine sunflower oil with vinegar, lemon juice, or your favorite herbs to create a simple, light salad dressing. It can be used for skincare and haircare due to its moisturizing properties. Applied to the hair, sunflower oil can help moisturize and condition. It is often used in hair masks and treatments. Due to its light texture and neutral scent, sunflower oil is suitable for massages and provides a smooth and soothing experience.
