What Is Wood Pressed Oil? Benefits, Uses & Extraction Process Explained

If you have recently started looking for healthier and more traditional food options, you may have come across the term wood pressed oil. But what exactly does it mean, how is it made, and why are more people choosing it for their kitchens? 

Wood pressed oil is a traditionally extracted oil made by mechanically pressing seeds or nuts, often using a wooden press. Also known as lakdi ghani oil, it is becoming increasingly popular among consumers who prefer minimally processed food products.

In this guide, we will explain what is wood pressed oil, how it is extracted, its potential benefits, common uses, and what to consider when choosing one for your kitchen.

What Is Wood Pressed Oil?

So, what is wood pressed oil? 

Wood pressed oil is oil extracted from seeds, nuts, or other oil-bearing ingredients using a traditional wooden pressing system. The process involves mechanically crushing and pressing the raw material to release its natural oil.

Unlike highly refined oils that go through multiple industrial processing stages, wood pressed oils are produced using a more traditional extraction method. This allows the oil to retain much of its natural aroma, flavour, and characteristic properties.

Common varieties include wood pressed groundnut oil, mustard oil, sesame oil, coconut oil, and sunflower oil. 

What Is Lakdi Ghani Oil?

You may also hear wood pressed oil referred to as lakdi ghani oil.

"Lakdi ghani" refers to the traditional wooden oil extraction method used in India for generations. Oilseeds are crushed slowly in a wooden press, allowing the oil to be extracted mechanically.

This traditional method is different from modern industrial oil extraction and refining processes. For many consumers, lakdi ghani oil represents a return to traditional food preparation practices. 

How Is Wood Pressed Oil Extracted?

Understanding the extraction process helps explain why wood pressed oil is different from refined oil.

Step 1: Selection of Oilseeds 

The process starts with selecting suitable seeds or nuts. Depending on the oil, this could include groundnuts, sesame seeds, mustard seeds, sunflower seeds, or coconuts. 
The quality of the raw material is important because the quality of the final oil depends heavily on the ingredients used. 

Step 2: Cleaning

The seeds are cleaned to remove unwanted materials such as dust, stones, or other impurities.

Proper cleaning ensures that the raw material is suitable for the pressing process.

Step 3: Wooden Pressing 

The cleaned seeds are placed into a wooden press or ghani. Mechanical pressure is applied to crush the seeds and release their natural oil.

The traditional pressing process is generally slower than many modern industrial extraction methods.

Step 4: Filtration 

After extraction, the oil may contain small particles from the seeds. It can therefore be filtered to remove visible impurities before being bottled.

The exact processing and filtration methods can vary between producers.

Wood Pressed Oil Benefits 

There are several reasons why people are choosing traditionally extracted oils. Let's look at some commonly discussed wood pressed oil benefits.

1. Traditional Extraction Method

One of the biggest attractions is the traditional method used to extract the oil. People who prefer minimally processed food products may appreciate the traditional approach of wooden pressing. 

2. Natural Aroma and Flavour

Wood pressed oils often retain the characteristic aroma and flavour of the source seeds.

For example, sesame oil can have a naturally nutty aroma, while mustard oil has its distinctive pungent flavour. These characteristics can enhance traditional recipes.

3. Minimal Processing 

Compared with refined oils, traditionally pressed oils generally undergo fewer industrial processing steps. This makes them appealing to consumers who want to reduce highly processed products in their pantry. 

4. Variety of Options 

Wood pressed oil is available in several varieties. This allows households to select oils according to their cooking preferences.

Groundnut oil, sesame oil, mustard oil, coconut oil, and sunflower oil are some commonly available choices.

It is worth remembering that the nutritional characteristics of an oil depend on the source ingredient and the specific production process. 

Uses of Wood Pressed Oil

Wood pressed oil can be used in many everyday cooking applications. 

Everyday Indian Cooking

Cooking

Certain varieties can be used for sautéing vegetables, spices, and other ingredients.

Traditional Recipes 

Because of their distinctive aroma and flavour, wood pressed oils can work particularly well in traditional Indian recipes where the taste of the oil complements the dish.

Salad Dressings

Some varieties, particularly those with mild or nutty flavours, can also be used in homemade salad dressings.

Always consider the characteristics and recommended use of the specific oil you purchase.

Wood Pressed Oil vs Refined Oil 

The main difference between wood pressed oil and refined oil is the processing method.

Wood pressed oil is mechanically extracted through traditional pressing, while refined oil typically undergoes additional industrial processing to modify characteristics such as colour, aroma, and flavour.

Refined oil generally has a neutral taste, which makes it popular for many cooking applications. Wood pressed oil usually has a more noticeable natural aroma and flavour.

Neither option should be viewed as a magic solution for health. Cooking oil should be consumed in appropriate quantities as part of a balanced diet. 

How to Choose Good Wood Pressed Oil?

When purchasing wood pressed oil, look for: 

● Clear information about the extraction method

● Quality and freshness of the raw materials

● A transparent ingredient list 

● Properly sealed packaging

● Manufacturing and best-before dates

● Appropriate storage instructions

● A reliable and transparent brand

Avoid choosing an oil solely based on health claims. Understanding the product and its processing method can help you make a more informed decision. 

Final Thoughts

Now that you know what is wood pressed oil, it is easy to understand why this traditional oil is becoming popular among modern consumers.

From its traditional wooden extraction process to its natural aroma and distinctive flavour, wood pressed oil offers an alternative to highly processed cooking oils. Lakdi ghani oil can be used for a variety of everyday recipes, depending on the type of oil and your cooking requirements.

If you prefer traditional food products and want to explore minimally processed options for your kitchen, a good-quality traditional oil can be worth considering. Choose a reliable product, store it properly, and use cooking oil in moderation as part of a balanced diet.