In today’s day and age synthetic and processed kitchen ingredients dominate the market, but there is a quiet resurgence happening – a return to nature's purest essence. Among the practices reclaiming attention is the art of making wooden cold-pressed oil. This traditional method not only preserves the nutritional integrity of the oil but also retains its natural flavours and aromas, offering a sensory experience that transcends the ordinary.
As more people look for healthier, more authentic choices, it’s important to understand how cold-pressed oils are made. Let's dive into the process and see the care and craftsmanship that go into making these nutrient-rich oils.
The Process
Cold pressing involves extracting oil from seeds without the use of heat. Instead of relying on high temperatures, which alter the oil's chemical composition and degrade its nutritional value, this method employs mechanical pressure to extract oil from the source material.
Harvesting and Cleaning
The process begins with selecting high-quality raw ingredients. Whether it is sunflower seeds, mustard seeds, or coconut, the key is to start with the finest produce. After the seeds are harvested the next step is to clean any unwanted particles that may degrade the quality of the oil extracted.
Extraction
After cleaning, comes the next stage of oil extraction. In this step, the seeds are placed in the wooden kohlu after which the pestle starts pressing the seeds to extract oil from it. With cold-pressed oil, it is made sure that the process temperature does not cross the temperature of 50 degrees Celsius. This is done to make sure that the nutrient value of the oil stays intact.
Sedimentation and Straining
Once the once-fresh seeds turn into seed cakes and every drop of the oil has been extracted, the oil is kept separately for a certain period. This is done so that the remnants, due to being heavier, get settled down naturally with the help of gravity. The extracted oil is strained through sieves to remove residues. This process is the single filtration process and is one of the parameters that differentiates cold-pressed oils from refined oils.
The Final Step
The last step before the oils are sent for quality control tests is packaging. The final product is packed into variable sizes in food-grade containers which after passing the required tests are sent to the grocery markets.
Why Is It Better?
- Nutrient-Rich: Cold-pressed oil boasts nutritional superiority. By avoiding heat exposure, the oil retains essential nutrients such as vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids. These oils are also rich in monosaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are good for heart health. This makes cold-pressed oils not just a flavourful addition to our daily lives but also a health-conscious choice.
- The Artisanal Touch: The heart of cold pressing lies in the craftsmanship involved. The seeds are carefully placed in a machine-operated wooden kohlu, with controlled pressure. This pressure slowly crushes the material, releasing the oil without subjecting it to excessive heat. The resulting oil is then collected and allowed to settle.
One of the distinctive characteristics of cold-pressed oil is its vibrant colour and robust flavour. Unlike refined oils, which often undergo bleaching and deodourising processes that strip away natural pigments and aromas, cold-pressed oils retain their true essence. Whether it is the pleasant scent of cold-pressed sunflower oil or the nutty aroma of mustard cold-pressed oil, each variety carries a distinctive imprint of its source.
- Traditionality in Modernity: The resurgence of cold-pressed oil represents a return to traditional wisdom. It is a reminder that the best things in life take time and care to produce. By embracing the art of cold pressing, we reconnect with the age-old practices that have sustained communities for generations.
Why God Choice should be your choice for Cold-Pressed Oils?
We follow all the steps involved in making the cold-pressed oils, from harvesting to the testing, religiously. Apart from following all the protocols, we produce small batches to focus on quality. But if these reasons are not good enough to make God Choice oils your go-to products, then the rest will convince you and make us your forever choice:
Minimal Environmental Footprint
One of the significant advantages of using God Choice cold-pressed oils is the gentle extraction process it undergoes. We have installed wooden kohlus that do not operate at high speeds which means that the oils are extracted at normal temperatures, thus keeping their nutritional profiles intact. As a result, the process produces minimal waste and has a lower environmental footprint reducing pollution and preserving natural resources.
No Harmful Chemicals
Mass-manufactured refined oils are produced using solvents and with the use of harsh chemicals. This has a negative impact both, on our health as well as the environment. In contrast, God Choice cold-pressed oil extraction is entirely chemical-free and done in small batches using a traditional wooden kohlu. This means no harmful substances are released into the air, water, or soil during production, contributing to cleaner ecosystems as well as a clean diet.
Supporting Sustainable Farming Practices
We source oilseeds from organic and non-GMO farms, taking care that every batch goes through proper testing before we send them to our organic kitchen. By doing so, we make sure to foster a cycle of eco-conscious farming methods. Sustainable farming helps in conserving the environment and promoting biodiversity.
Biodegradable By-Products
Where our oils feed humans, our by-products feed the cattle and the soil. The by-products produced by the oil extraction process such as oil cakes are used as animal feed or fertilisers. This helps our farmers who grow organic produce as well as minimises waste.
Single-Filtration
Single-filtration means that the oil has been filtered once to remove the suspended particles after which they are directly packed. This simply means that they have a higher nutrient value. Also known as unrefined oils, single-filtered cold-pressed oils retain the aroma and flavour of the seeds from which they are extracted and are cloudy in appearance.
FAQ
What is the difference between cold-pressed and refined oils?
Refined oils are coloruless, odourless & flavourless oils with a longer shelf life, These oils undergo various chemical processes like degumming, bleaching & deodorization at very high temperatures of 200 - 240°C. The Refined oils are devoid of natural Nutrients and have a very unhealthy fat ratio which increases the bad cholesterol in the body.
Whereas, our cold pressed Yellow Mustard Oil is extracted by pressing and grinding the organic oil seeds in the wooden kohlus at less than 50°C temperature and filtering the oil only once. The process is carried out in small batches. The oil so produced has healthy fats & retains its natural flavour, colour, vitamins, nutrients, and minerals.
Wood-pressed or expeller oil, which is 100% cold-pressed oil?
An expeller is a mechanical machine with a steel pressing device that exerts high pressure on seeds at elevated temperatures, resulting in lower-quality oil compared to wood-pressed oil.
In contrast, oil extracted in wooden kohlus is of much superior quality because the wooden device exerts lower pressure (below 50°C) on the seeds and generates significantly less heat, thus preventing the spoilage of any vitamins and antioxidants in their natural form.
Conclusion
The art of making cold-pressed oil is a proof to the harmony between humans and tradition. It is a celebration of craftsmanship, flavour, and nutrition. In a world where mass production sacrifices quality for quantity, God Choice cold-pressed oils stand as a beacon of authenticity and excellence. So, the next time you reach for a bottle of oil, consider the difference that cold pressing can make. It is not just oil; it is nature's pure essence, captured and preserved for your health. Cold-pressed oil stands as an eco-friendly alternative to conventionally refined oils, fostering a healthier and more sustainable future. By choosing cold-pressed oil, you support producers who prioritize environmentally conscious practices, promoting biodiversity, reducing pollution, and conserving natural resources.