The comparison of three different extraction methods of cooking oils: cold pressed versus wood pressed to refined oil processing. The most basic method of extracting oil is through mechanical processes at low temperature (cold pressed); the traditional method of wood pressed oil extraction uses wooden rollers; and refined oils are extracted through various heating, chemical and distillation methods. Each of these methods will have a significant impact on the flavour, composition and the suitability for cooking on a daily basis.
Cold Pressed oils have become a frequent topic of discussion as people have become increasingly interested in the origin of their cooking oils, even though many look identical on the shelf. The process for extracting anything from the raw material to the bottled product is what defines the overall characteristics of the product including aroma, texture and performance in the kitchen for any cooking oil. This paper will provide an overview of the cold, wood and refined processing methods so that an individual can make an informed decision on the final product.
The Methods of Extracting Oil
The method by which oil is extracted has changed over the years, from traditional methods of extraction to the use of machinery for large-scale industrial production. Currently, the three oil extraction methods that are most widely discussed and promoted are cold pressing, wood pressing, and refining. Each of the three methods offers different approaches to extracting oil based on a variety of cooking applications.
At Tata Simply Better, understanding how oil is extracted is a necessity to provide products that meet both the traditional values of cooking with oil and the modern cooking of oil.
What Is Cold Pressed Oil
Cold pressed oil comes from nuts and seeds that have been mechanically pressed to produce oil without the use of high heat and chemical solvents. During the process of cold pressing, the temperature at which the nut and seed are pressed is controlled, allowing the oil to keep its original smell, taste and chemical structure. As a result, cold pressed oils do not go through the processes of bleaching or deodorizing and remain in a form that is very close to their original state. Cold pressed oils derived from seeds and nuts are often considered among high protein cooking oils, supporting a more balanced nutritional intake. Cold pressed oils can include oils such as coconut, ground nut, mustard, sesame, sunflower and olive oil. Cold pressed varieties are widely regarded as cooking oils with good fats, thanks to their minimal processing and retained structure.
Cold pressed oils offer both consistency and purity when compared to other types of oil, and therefore are the type of oils that many consumers look for when making a decision regarding the clarity of where their oil comes from and how it was processed.
An Overview of the Traditional Wood Press: How is Wood Pressed Oil Made?
When you think of traditional ghani oil (the traditional way to extract oil from seeds), you most likely think of using a wooden churner that is either hand or machine powered to press the seeds. The amount of friction generated while pressing is low enough that using water to control the temperature of the seed will sometimes be required.
Wood pressed oils are an indigenous oil extraction method with deep cultural roots in Indian kitchens, and they were the predominant method of extracting oils, until recently.
Wood pressed oils are aromatic, thick and have a low yield, with differing consistencies, depending on how they were extracted and the scale of the extraction.
While the tradition of wood pressed oils is respected, they are not as standardised as cold pressed oils, making it much more difficult to control the quality of large quantities of wood pressed oils.
Refined Oil Manufacturing Process
Refined oils are manufactured through a multi-stage commercial extraction and treatment process that emphasises volume, uniformity and shelf stability. The manufacturing process begins with the extraction of oil from the seeds through one of two extraction methods; most commonly either solvent extraction or expeller pressing.
After extraction of the oil, the following four treatment stages will occur:
- Degumming – physical degumming removes naturally occurring emulsifying compounds.
- Neutralisation – chemical neutralisation uses agents to neutralise the acid content in the oil.
- Bleaching – chemical bleaching is used to remove colour from the oil.
- Deodorisation – physical deodorisation at high temperature odorises the oil.
The result is an oil that is clear, has a bland flavour, and will perform reliably under high temperature conditions; however, the treatment that oil goes through during the four stages significantly alters the characteristics of the oil. Less processed options are often preferred as cooking oils for cholesterol control, as they retain their natural composition.
Cold Pressed Oil vs Wood Pressed Oil
The difference between these two types of oil is how they are processed and their respective flavours come about through controlling the way the oil is extracted and refined.
Cold pressed oils are produced through modern appliances that assist in controlling the temperature and ensuring cleanliness during extraction. Because of this controlled extraction, the end product is able to maintain its natural qualities and remain consistent from one batch to the next.
Wood pressed oils, on the other hand, are produced using mostly manual methods of extraction and as such can have some variation with regards to flavour, texture, and shelf stability. Consumers seeking to find an ingredient with traditional characteristics but still want the product to have modern functionality will find that cold pressed oils typically represent a happy medium between the two.
Summary of the Three Types of Oil Processing
Cold Pressed Oils- mechanized extraction of oil at a low heat results in consistent quality with natural aromas.
Wood Pressed Oils- traditional (i.e. wooden) extraction of oil creates divergent flavour and may differ between batches.
Refined Oils- chemically treated oils have a neutral flavour but provide high uniformity in quality and consistency.
Each type of oil will have its own special uses and purposes, and with the increased interest in less processed food; cold pressed oils have found themselves in the spotlight.
Culinary Use of Each Type of Oil
Cold pressed oils are considered very versatile; they may be used in any manner, including: frying, sautéing, drizzle, bake, etc. When using cold pressed oils, a cook is able to select the appropriate oil to pair with the meal being prepared.
Wood pressed oils are typically only used in specific traditional recipes that require a very strong flavour.
Commonly used in commercial kitchens or with applications requiring high-heat stability, refined oils have a fine characteristic profile (i.e., there is no taste) and are therefore often found in these types of kitchens/applications.
Selecting the best oil for daily diet ultimately depends on how well the oil aligns with your regular cooking habits and food choices. The differences between different oils allow households to have an informed choice on how to use them based on their cooking style rather than just convenience.
Choosing minimally processed options like cold pressed variants can also help identify the best oil for weight loss cooking when used in controlled quantities.
Tata Simply Better’s View on Cold Pressed Oils
At Tata Simply Better, our approach to producing cold pressed oils combines both traditional extraction methods with modern quality standards. Each of our oils is produced using fresh ingredients sourced with care and controlled cold pressed methods to ensure that every oil is consistent and reliable.
We’ve developed a range of oils including Coconut, Mustard, Groundnut, Sesame, Sunflower, and Olive Oil, from which the consumer can select an oil that best complements their cooking application while maintaining the purity and integrity of the oil.
By putting focus on process transparency, Tata Simply Better has created a platform for informed decisions for the everyday kitchen.
Interpreting the Oil You Use
The discussion with respect to cold pressed oils, wood pressed oils, and refined oils is really about understanding how the processing of the oil was done and how that will affect what ends up on your plate. Refined oils are processed with a strong emphasis on the efficiency of the production process and therefore are produced in a consistent manner (there will be very little deviation from batch to batch). On the other hand, traditional methods produce the oil in a way that will maintain the oil’s traditional characteristics.
A common consideration for many households today is understanding which oil is good for heart health while maintaining everyday cooking preferences.
As the consumer becomes more aware of the different types of oils available, cold pressed oils will continue to emerge as a viable alternative that respects traditional extraction and at the same time, produce oil that has a high degree of consistency appropriate for use in modern kitchens.
As awareness grows, cold pressed oils continue to stand out as a thoughtful middle ground, respecting traditional extraction while offering consistency suited to modern kitchens. This balance has positioned them as a preferred choice for those who value both process and performance.
ThePrint BrandIt content is a paid-for, sponsored article. Journalists of ThePrint are not involved in reporting or writing it.