Daman, 19th October 2026 – Indian households are increasingly exploring traditionally extracted edible oils for everyday cooking. Groundnut, mustard, sesame, sunflower, and coconut oils are available in different forms, making it important to understand how extraction methods influence their characteristics.

One common comparison is wood pressed oil vs cold pressed oil. Although these terms are often used together, they describe different aspects of oil extraction.

Ekas Healthy Foods explains the differences to help consumers select suitable cooking oils based on processing methods, flavour, and household requirements.

What Is Wood Pressed Oil?

Wood pressed oil is extracted from seeds or nuts using traditional wooden ghani equipment, also known as a kolhu.
The pressing mechanism applies mechanical pressure to release oil from the raw material.

This traditional extraction method is commonly associated with minimal processing and the retention of characteristic natural flavours.

Wood pressed oils are available in several varieties, including groundnut, mustard, sesame, sunflower, and coconut oil.
Consumers interested in traditional extraction methods can explore wood pressed cooking oils from Ekas Healthy Foods.

What Is Cold Pressed Oil?

Cold pressed oil is produced through mechanical extraction while limiting excessive heat during processing.

The term describes the extraction conditions rather than the specific equipment used.

Cold pressing can involve different mechanical presses, including certain traditional ghani systems.

The actual extraction temperature may vary depending on the equipment, raw material, and applicable production standards.

Wood Pressed Oil vs Cold Pressed Oil: Key Differences
Feature
Wood Pressed Oil
Cold Pressed Oil
Main meaning
Describes the pressing equipment
Describes extraction conditions
Extraction method
Traditional wooden ghani
Mechanical pressing with limited heat
Equipment
Wooden ghani or kolhu
Different mechanical press designs
Temperature
Depends on operating conditions
Heat is controlled during extraction
Processing
Often minimally processed
Often minimally processed
Flavour
Retains characteristic seed or nut aroma
Retains characteristic seed or nut aroma
Nutritional value
Depends on source and processing
Depends on source and processing
Cooking suitability
Depends on the specific oil
Depends on the specific oil

The two methods are not mutually exclusive. An oil can be both wood pressed and cold pressed.

Does Wood Pressed Oil Have More Nutrients?

The nutritional composition of edible oil depends mainly on the seed or nut from which it is extracted.
Groundnut oil, for example, contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Sesame oil contains unsaturated fats and naturally occurring compounds associated with sesame seeds.
Sunflower oil's fatty-acid composition varies according to the sunflower variety.
Wood pressing does not automatically produce an oil with more nutrients than every other cold pressing method.
Processing temperature, filtration, storage, and raw material quality can also influence the final product.

Benefits of Traditionally Extracted Cooking Oils

1. Characteristic Natural Flavour
Minimally processed oils often retain more of the original aroma of their seeds or nuts.
This can complement traditional Indian recipes.

2. Fewer Refining Stages
Wood pressed and cold pressed oils generally undergo fewer processing stages than extensively refined oils.
However, the exact process depends on the manufacturer.

3. Variety of Fatty-Acid Profiles
Different oils provide different proportions of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats.
Choosing oils based on their composition can support a balanced dietary pattern.

4. Suitable for Traditional Recipes
Groundnut, mustard, sesame, and coconut oils are used in different regional Indian cuisines.
The most suitable option depends on the dish and cooking temperature.

Which Oil Is Better for Daily Indian Cooking?

When comparing wood pressed oil vs cold pressed oil, the choice should depend on the specific oil rather than the extraction terminology alone.

Wood Pressed Groundnut Oil
Groundnut oil offers a characteristic nutty flavour and is commonly used in Gujarati and Maharashtrian cooking.
It can be suitable for sabzis, curries, and tempering at appropriate temperatures.

Wood Pressed Mustard Oil
Mustard oil has a pungent aroma and is traditionally used in Bengali and North Indian recipes.
Consumers should select properly labelled food-grade mustard oil that meets applicable safety requirements, particularly because erucic acid levels vary by mustard variety.

Wood Pressed Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is appreciated in South Indian cuisine.
Its distinctive flavour complements vegetable preparations, chutneys, and selected tempering recipes.

Cold Pressed Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil has a relatively mild flavour.
Its cooking suitability depends on the sunflower variety, fatty-acid composition, and processing conditions.
Wood Pressed Oil vs Cold Pressed Oil for Heart Health
Both extraction methods can produce oils containing unsaturated fatty acids.
Replacing some saturated fats with unsaturated fats can help maintain healthy blood cholesterol levels.
However, the extraction method alone does not determine heart-health benefits.
For example, groundnut oil contains substantial amounts of monounsaturated fat, while coconut oil contains a high proportion of saturated fat.

The overall diet and quantity consumed remain important.

Can Wood Pressed and Cold Pressed Oils Be Used for Frying?

Some traditionally extracted oils can be used for frying, depending on their composition and recommended cooking temperature.
However, not every wood pressed or cold pressed oil is suitable for prolonged high-temperature frying.
Oil stability depends on several factors, including fatty-acid composition, freshness, and heating duration.
Consumers should avoid overheating oil and repeatedly reheating the same batch.

How to Choose Quality Wood Pressed or Cold Pressed Oil

Before purchasing, consumers should review several important factors.

Extraction Details: Look for clear information about wooden ghani equipment or cold pressing conditions.
Ingredient Declaration: Confirm the oil type and check for declared blends.
FSSAI Information: Review applicable licence details and manufacturer information.
Freshness: Check manufacturing and best-before dates.
Packaging: Choose properly sealed, food-safe containers.
Cooking Requirements: Select an oil appropriate for the intended cooking temperature.
Storage: Keep edible oils away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.

Why Choose Ekas Healthy Foods?

Ekas Healthy Foods focuses on traditional wooden ghani extraction and quality-conscious production practices.
The brand's approach includes:
Careful selection of seeds and nuts
Traditional wooden ghani extraction
Minimal processing
Retention of characteristic natural flavours
Hygienic handling and packaging
Attention to freshness and product quality
Families can explore traditionally extracted edible oils from Ekas Healthy Foods for different everyday cooking preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is wood pressed oil the same as cold pressed oil?

Not exactly. Wood pressed describes the equipment used, while cold pressed describes the extraction conditions. An oil may qualify as both.

Which is healthier, wood pressed or cold pressed oil?

Neither method is automatically healthier. Nutritional value depends mainly on the oil source, fatty-acid composition, and overall dietary use.

Can wood pressed oil be used daily?

Yes. Suitable wood pressed oils can be included in everyday cooking when used in appropriate quantities and at suitable temperatures.

Does wood pressed oil contain more nutrients?

Not necessarily. Nutrient retention depends on the raw material, extraction conditions, filtration, and storage.

About Ekas Healthy Foods

Based in Daman, India, Ekas Healthy Foods offers traditionally extracted groundnut, mustard, sesame, sunflower, coconut, and almond oils.

The brand also offers A2 Gir Cow Bilona Ghee and honey.

Ekas Healthy Foods focuses on traditional preparation methods, quality ingredients, and helping Indian families make informed cooking choices.

Contact Information

Company: Ekas Healthy Foods
Phone: +91 90812 38888
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.ekashealthyfoods.com/
Location: Daman, India