Wood Pressed Groundnut Oil: Benefits, Traditional Process & How It Compares to Refined Groundnut Oil.

Groundnut oil has been a familiar part of Indian kitchens for generations. From crispy pakodas and flavourful sabzis to traditional pickles and everyday tadkas, its mild, nutty flavour makes it a versatile cooking companion.

But have you ever wondered how the groundnut oil in your kitchen is made?

Today, many commercially available groundnut oils are refined to achieve a neutral taste, uniform colour and longer shelf life. At the same time, traditional methods of extracting oil using a wooden ghani are finding their way back into modern kitchens.

This is where wood pressed groundnut oil comes in.

Made by slowly pressing groundnuts using a traditional wooden press, this oil offers a different experience of cooking. Its natural aroma, flavour and minimal processing make it an interesting choice for people who want to understand more about the ingredients they use every day.

So, what exactly is wood pressed groundnut oil? How is it made? What are its benefits? And how does it compare with refined groundnut oil sold by national brands?

Let's explore.

What Is Wood Pressed Groundnut Oil?

Wood pressed groundnut oil is extracted from groundnuts (peanuts) using a traditional wooden press, commonly known as a ghani or kolhu.

Instead of using intensive refining processes, the oil is extracted mechanically by crushing the groundnuts slowly.

The resulting oil is then allowed to settle and filtered to remove solid particles before bottling, depending on the manufacturer's process.

Unlike refined groundnut oil, which undergoes additional processing to remove colour, odour and other components, wood pressed groundnut oil generally retains more of its characteristic groundnut flavour and aroma.

It is also commonly referred to as:

• Cold pressed groundnut oil
• Wood pressed peanut oil
• Kachi ghani groundnut oil

However, it is important to understand that these terms may not always describe identical production methods. Consumers should check the manufacturer's actual extraction and filtration process rather than relying on the name alone.

Explore Vedriti Wood Pressed Groundnut Oil and discover an oil made for the flavours and traditions of Indian cooking.

How Is Wood Pressed Groundnut Oil Made?

The process of making wood pressed groundnut oil is simple in concept but requires careful handling of the raw material.

1. Selecting the Groundnuts

The process begins with selecting good-quality groundnuts.

The nuts are cleaned to remove dust, stones, damaged kernels and other unwanted material.

The quality of the raw groundnuts matters because the flavour and characteristics of the oil depend partly on the seeds from which it is extracted.

2. Slow Extraction Using a Wooden Ghani

The cleaned groundnuts are placed inside a wooden press or ghani.

The press applies mechanical pressure to crush the groundnuts and release their oil.

Unlike high-throughput industrial extraction, traditional wood pressing is generally slower and relies on mechanical pressure rather than solvent extraction.

The temperature during pressing depends on the equipment, speed, friction and operating conditions. A genuine cold-pressed process aims to avoid excessive heat during extraction.

3. Natural Settling

After extraction, the oil may contain tiny suspended particles from the groundnuts.

The oil is allowed to settle so that heavier particles can separate naturally.

This helps prepare the oil for filtration.

4. Filtration

The oil is filtered to remove suspended solid particles.

Filtration improves clarity while allowing the oil to retain its characteristic aroma and flavour.

Unlike refining, filtration alone does not involve the same series of processes used to remove colour, odour and other components.

5. Bottling

Once the oil is ready, it is packed into suitable food-grade containers.

It should be stored away from direct sunlight and excessive heat to help maintain its quality.

The result? An oil with a natural groundnut aroma, a mild nutty flavour and a traditional character that can add something special to everyday cooking.

Source: NIFTEM, PMFME – Peanut Oil Processing. The document discusses oil extraction methods and differences between cold-pressed and hot-pressed oil.

Read the NIFTEM peanut oil processing document

Wood Pressed Groundnut Oil Benefits

Groundnut oil is valued for its flavour, versatility and fatty acid composition.

While the benefits of groundnut oil depend on the overall diet and how it is used, its naturally occurring characteristics make it a popular cooking oil.

1. Naturally Contains Unsaturated Fats

Groundnut oil contains monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA).

One of its important fatty acids is oleic acid, a type of MUFA.

Unsaturated fats can be used in place of saturated fats as part of a balanced diet. The overall dietary pattern, quantity consumed and cooking practices matter more than any single oil.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) recognises that groundnut oil contains MUFA and omega-6 PUFA.

Source: FSSAI Advertising and Claims Regulations

2. Contains Naturally Occurring Vitamin E

Groundnuts naturally contain tocopherols, a group of compounds that includes vitamin E.

Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant in the body.

The amount retained in the final oil depends on the groundnut variety, growing conditions and processing method.

Wood pressing and minimal processing can help retain some naturally occurring oil components that may be reduced during refining.

However, the exact vitamin E content should be confirmed through a laboratory analysis of the specific oil.

3. Retains Its Natural Aroma and Flavour

One of the most noticeable characteristics of wood pressed groundnut oil is its natural nutty aroma.

Because it is not deodorised in the same way as refined oil, its flavour remains more recognisable.

This makes it particularly appealing for traditional Indian dishes where the flavour of the cooking oil contributes to the overall taste.

Think of a freshly prepared vegetable sabzi, a comforting dal tadka or a batch of homemade pakodas.

The oil becomes more than just a cooking ingredient. It becomes part of the flavour.

4. Offers a Traditionally Inspired Cooking Experience

Wood pressed groundnut oil brings back the familiar taste of traditional cooking.

Many regional Indian cuisines use groundnut oil for everyday cooking, especially in parts of Maharashtra, Gujarat and other regions.

Its mild flavour makes it suitable for a variety of dishes without overpowering the spices.

For people who enjoy traditional flavours, switching to wood pressed groundnut oil can be a simple way to bring a familiar cooking style into the modern kitchen.

5. A Versatile Choice for Everyday Indian Cooking

Groundnut oil can be used for a wide variety of cooking methods, including:

• Tadka and tempering
• Sautéing vegetables
• Shallow frying
• Cooking curries and gravies
• Preparing traditional snacks

Its versatility is one reason groundnut oil continues to be a popular choice in Indian households.

Bring the natural flavour of groundnuts into your everyday meals with Vedriti Wood Pressed Groundnut Oil.

Wood Pressed Groundnut Oil vs Refined Groundnut Oil

Many national brands sell refined groundnut oil, which is widely used in Indian kitchens.

Wood-pressed groundnut oil undergoes minimal processing, which may help retain some naturally occurring minor compounds, depending on the extraction and storage conditions. Refined groundnut oil undergoes additional processing to improve its colour, flavour, odour, and stability, which can reduce certain naturally occurring compounds, including some antioxidants.

When it comes to heart health, the type of fat consumed and the overall dietary pattern matter more than whether an oil is refined or wood-pressed. Groundnut oil contains unsaturated fats, which can support heart health when used in place of saturated fats. Choose good-quality oil, use it in moderation, and avoid repeatedly overheating or reusing frying oil.

Understanding these differences can help you choose the oil that suits your cooking preferences.

What Is Refined Groundnut Oil?

Refined groundnut oil is produced through extraction followed by refining processes.

Depending on the manufacturer, the oil may be extracted through mechanical pressing, solvent extraction or a combination of methods.

Refining may include processes such as degumming, neutralisation, bleaching and deodorisation.

These steps help remove impurities and unwanted components, reduce colour and odour, and produce an oil with a more neutral flavour.

The result is generally a consistent oil that is convenient for everyday cooking.

Comparison Table

Feature	Wood Pressed Groundnut Oil	Refined Groundnut Oil
Extraction	Mechanical pressing using a wooden ghani	Mechanical and/or solvent extraction
Processing	Generally minimally processed	Further refined
Aroma	Natural groundnut aroma	Usually neutral
Flavour	Mild, nutty flavour	Mild, neutral flavour
Colour	May retain natural colour	Generally lighter and more uniform
Natural components	May retain more of some naturally occurring components	Some components may be reduced during refining
Cooking	Everyday Indian cooking, tadka, sautéing and frying as suitable	Everyday cooking, including applications needing a neutral oil
Shelf life	Depends on processing, packaging and storage	Often longer due to refining and product formulation
Price	Often higher	Often more economical

Is Refined Groundnut Oil Bad?

No.

Refined groundnut oil is not automatically unhealthy or unsafe simply because it is refined.

Refining is a recognised food-processing method. It helps produce an oil with specific characteristics, such as a neutral flavour and consistent appearance.

The Government of India's comparative testing of groundnut oils has evaluated both refined and filtered oils against applicable quality requirements.

The key point is that refined and wood pressed oils offer different characteristics, rather than one automatically being good and the other bad.

Source: Department of Consumer Affairs – Comparative Testing of Groundnut Oils

Why Do Some People Prefer Wood Pressed Groundnut Oil?

Many consumers prefer wood pressed oils because they want:

• A more natural groundnut aroma
• A traditional extraction method
• Less processing after extraction
• A distinctive flavour for Indian dishes
• Greater awareness of how their cooking oil is made

The choice often comes down to personal preferences, cooking habits and the kind of oil experience you want in your kitchen.

Which Groundnut Oil Is Better for Cooking?

The answer depends on what you are cooking.

For Everyday Indian Cooking

Wood pressed groundnut oil can be a good option for:

• Dal tadka
• Vegetable sabzi
• Paneer bhurji
• Poha
• Upma
• Vegetable curries

Its natural aroma can complement the flavours of Indian spices.

For Deep Frying

Groundnut oil is widely used for frying because its fatty acid composition and physical properties make it suitable for many frying applications.

However, the suitability of a specific wood pressed oil for high-temperature frying depends on its quality, filtration, free fatty acid level and smoke point.

Avoid overheating any oil until it smokes, and do not repeatedly reuse oil that has become dark, thick, foamy or has an unpleasant smell.

For high-temperature cooking, always follow the manufacturer's guidance for the specific oil.

Indian Recipes That Work Beautifully With Groundnut Oil

Groundnut oil is a versatile ingredient in Indian cooking. Its mild nutty flavour works particularly well with dishes that use spices, vegetables and traditional cooking techniques.

Here are a few dishes where it can be used:

1. Sabudana Vada

A popular Maharashtrian snack made with sabudana, mashed potatoes, peanuts and spices. Fried in groundnut oil, these vadas turn crispy on the outside while remaining soft inside.

2. Bharli Vangi

A traditional Maharashtrian dish featuring brinjals stuffed with a flavourful mixture of peanuts, coconut and spices. Groundnut oil complements the rich masala and enhances the dish's traditional taste.

3. Gujarati Handvo

A savoury Gujarati cake made with lentils, rice and vegetables, seasoned with aromatic spices. Groundnut oil is used for the flavourful tadka that gives Handvo its delicious, crispy crust.

4. Moong Dal Kachori

A crispy, flaky Indian snack filled with a spicy moong dal mixture. Groundnut oil is ideal for frying these kachoris, helping create their golden exterior and satisfying crunch.

5. Aloo Puri

A classic Indian breakfast featuring fluffy puris served with a flavourful potato curry. Groundnut oil can be used for frying the puris and cooking the curry, making it a versatile choice for this comforting meal.

 

Good food begins with good ingredients.

Explore more cooking inspiration and discover how Vedriti Wood Pressed Groundnut Oil can become part of your kitchen.

How to Choose Good Quality Wood Pressed Groundnut Oil

When buying wood pressed groundnut oil, don't just look at the label.

Here are a few things worth checking:

1. Check the Extraction Method

Look for clear information about whether the oil is mechanically pressed, cold pressed or refined.

The term "wood pressed" should be supported by details about the actual production process.

2. Check the Ingredients

A groundnut oil product should clearly identify the oil and any permitted ingredients or additives.

3. Look for Food Safety Information

Check for the FSSAI licence details, manufacturing information, batch number and best-before date.

4. Check the Packaging

Choose properly sealed food-grade packaging and avoid bottles that appear damaged or have been exposed to excessive sunlight.

5. Store It Properly

Keep the oil in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Close the cap properly after use and follow the storage instructions on the label.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is wood pressed groundnut oil the same as cold pressed groundnut oil?

The terms are often used together, but they are not necessarily identical. Wood pressed describes the type of press, while cold pressed refers to the extraction conditions. Check the manufacturer's process details.

Can wood pressed groundnut oil be used every day?

It can be used for everyday cooking as part of a balanced diet. The quantity of oil consumed and the overall dietary pattern matter.

Does wood pressed groundnut oil contain vitamin E?

Groundnut oil naturally contains tocopherols, including vitamin E. The amount in a particular product depends on the raw material and processing.

Is refined groundnut oil unhealthy?

Not automatically. Refined groundnut oil is a recognised edible oil. The difference is primarily in processing, flavour, aroma and certain naturally occurring components.

Can groundnut oil be used for frying?

Groundnut oil is commonly used for frying. The specific oil's quality and suitability for high-temperature cooking should be considered, and oil should not be overheated or repeatedly reused.

Conclusion: Rediscover the Natural Flavour of Groundnuts

Groundnut oil has always had a place in Indian kitchens.

From everyday tadkas to crispy snacks and traditional curries, it brings a familiar flavour that many of us grew up enjoying.

Wood pressed groundnut oil offers a traditional way of extracting this familiar ingredient, with a focus on mechanical pressing and retaining its natural aroma and flavour.

While refined groundnut oil continues to be a convenient choice for many households, wood pressed groundnut oil offers a different experience for people who appreciate traditional extraction and a more characteristic groundnut flavour.

The choice is yours. What matters is understanding what goes into your cooking oil and choosing one that suits your kitchen.

Bring home the natural flavour of groundnuts.

Discover Vedriti Wood Pressed Groundnut Oil and make it part of your everyday cooking.

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