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One of the latest health trends has seen cold-pressed oils being promoted in place of regular refined oils for daily cooking. This is because cold-pressed oils are healthier alternatives to refined oils because of their manufacturing process. In India, traditionally, ghee, coconut oil, and mustard oil were the most commonly used oils in cooking, but lately, Indians have started exploring new varieties.
Cold-pressed oils are essentially oils that are produced without chemicals or heat, which gives them their name, 'cold-pressed.' The extraction process is called 'kacchi ghani' in Hindi. Cold-pressed oils are preferred over refined oils because, during the extraction process, the temperature does not get high enough to damage the ingredients. The heat that should be the limit during the extraction process shouldn't cross 49 degrees Celsius.
In cold-pressed oils, the natural aroma, flavour, and nutrients are still intact, thus making them a healthier alternative to refined oils.
In this article, we will look at the different types of cold-pressed oil that you can add to your daily cooking.
Cold-Pressed Olive Oil
Another term used for cold-pressed oils is extra virgin oils. This term is only used for cold-pressed oils. Here, the oil is extracted without the use of chemicals or heat from the olive, resulting in an oil that comprises all of its natural aroma, flavour, and nutrients.
You can use extra virgin olive oil when frying, baking, sautéing, or roasting. It will provide smoothness to your dishes while also imparting some flavour to them.
Cold-Pressed Groundnut Oil
Cold-pressed groundnut oil is another healthy option that is perfect for Indian cuisine due to its high smoking point. It retains all of its nutrients and would be a perfect addition to your diet.
It is known for its nutty taste and is a good addition when you are making dishes that require baking, frying, sautéing, or deep-frying.
Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil
It is one of the healthiest cold-pressed oils around. It has essential fats in it that have the potential to benefit your health. It is a multipurpose oil that can be used in various recipes thanks to its neutral flavour. It is best known for being able to withstand high-heat cooking without losing its flavour.
You can use coconut oil for searing, frying, and sauteing. It has also proven to be a great substitute for butter in cooking and functions exactly like butter.
Cold-Pressed Mustard Oil
Another popular oil that is widely used in India, especially in Bihar, is the result of the mustard seed plant. You definitely need time to get accustomed to the taste of mustard oil since it has some pungency and a robust flavour to it. But you will start enjoying it once you are used to it. It is used to make many regional delicacies and is a great option to have in your pantry.
Cold-Pressed Sesame Oil
This oil is known for its sweet flavour, which is packed with nutrients. They are a major ingredient in Indian cuisine, particularly in South India, and sesame oil is used to make many dishes like salads, meat dishes, desserts, stir-fries, and more.
Cold-Pressed Safflower Oil
This oil is extracted from safflower seeds, and the seeds contain good fat and protein. Safflower oil is basically colourless and flavourless, which makes it a great addition to many dishes because of its neutral flavour and colour. It is suitable for the winter season as it is a warm oil and is greatly beneficial for people who live in colder areas like Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, or Dehradun.
Cold-Pressed Sunflower Oil
Cold-pressed sunflower oil is a great option for your daily cooking. It is rich in nutrients, and any meal would greatly benefit from it. This oil is extracted by cold-pressing the sunflower plant seeds, which gives a golden-coloured oil while having a buttery appearance, earthy flavour, and a nutty scent. It is wonderful for deep-drying and for other high-heat meals.
