Cold Pressed vs Kachi Ghani vs Expeller: Best Oil
Cooking oil is one of the most essential ingredients in every Indian kitchen. But choosing the right oil goes beyond taste—it impacts your health, nutritional intake, and overall well-being. While India uses different oils region-wise (groundnut in the West, coconut in the South, mustard in the North, sesame in the East), the real difference lies in how the oil is extracted.
Today, the most common natural extraction methods are Cold Pressed, Kachi Ghani, and Expeller Pressed. Though they may look similar on the shelf, they differ in temperature, processing, nutrition, and ideal usage. This guide breaks down each method so you can choose the best oil for your kitchen.
What Are Cold Pressed Oils? (Low-Heat, Nutrient-Rich Extraction)
Cold pressed oils are extracted by crushing seeds or nuts at low temperatures, usually below 40°C–50°C, without external heat or chemicals. This helps the oil retain:
- Natural antioxidants
- Vitamin E
- Omega fatty acids
- Aroma and flavor
- Bioactive compounds
Unlike refined oils (processed at 200–320°C with chemicals), cold pressed oils preserve the natural nutrition of the seed.
Benefits of Cold Pressed Oils
- High in nutrients
- Rich in natural flavor and aroma
- Supports heart, skin, and hormonal health
- Best for everyday Indian cooking
Best Use
- Tadka
- Stir-frying
- Daily cooking
- Raw consumption (coconut oil, sesame oil)
What Is Kachi Ghani (Kolhu-Pressed) Oil?
Kachi Ghani, also known as Kolhu oil, is India’s traditional cold-pressing technique. Seeds are crushed in a slow, wooden or stainless-steel churner (Kolhu), maintaining temperatures below 40°C
This method produces oil in its purest, most natural form, retaining maximum enzymes, antioxidants, and flavor.
Special Features of Kachi Ghani Oil
- Slow pressing = very low heat
- Zero chemicals, zero preservatives
- Contains natural sediments
- Rich, robust aroma (true sign of purity)
Example:
Kachi Ghani mustard oil is famous for its strong flavor, pungency, and health benefits like improving digestion and boosting metabolism.
Best Use
- Indian curries
- Pickles
- Stir-fries
- High-flavor recipes
What Is Expeller-Pressed Oils?
Expeller-pressed oils are also made without chemicals, but because the machine rotates at high speed, it generates heat naturally, reaching 70°C–100°C.
These oils are still natural but have:
- Slightly lighter flavor
- Better heat stability
- Longer shelf life
Benefits of Expeller-Pressed Oils
- Good nutrient retention
- More stable for high-heat cooking
- Better for deep-frying
Best Use
- Deep frying
- Roasting
- Grilling
- Baking
Refined Oils vs Natural Oils: The Real Difference
Refined oils undergo:- Bleaching
- Neutralizing
- Deodorizing
- High heat (up to 320°C)
- Chemical solvents
Why Choose Natural Cold Pressed Oils Instead?
- Zero chemicals
- Retain nutrient profile
- Better digestion
- Authentic aroma and taste
- Higher health value
Comparison: Cold Pressed vs Kachi Ghani vs Expeller vs Refined
| Oil Type | Temperature | Nutrient Retention | Best Use | Flavor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kachi Ghani | < 40°C | Highest | Indian dishes, pickles | Strong & earthy |
| Cold Pressed | < 40–50°C | High | Daily cooking, tadka | Natural & aromatic |
| Expeller Pressed | 70–100°C | Moderate | Frying, roasting | Mild & neutral |
| Refined | 200–320°C | Very Low | Commercial cooking | Flat & odorless |
Health Benefits of Using Natural cold pressed Oils
Cold pressed and Kachi Ghani oils provide multiple health benefits:1. Heart Health
Rich in monounsaturated fats that reduce LDL (bad cholesterol)2. Supports Immunity
Natural antioxidants fight inflammation and protect cells.3. Better Digestion
Cold pressed Mustard, sesame, and ground nut oils improve metabolism.
4. Skin & Hair Nutrition
Healthy oils keep skin soft and hair strong due to their vitamin E content.5. Hormone Balance
Essential fatty acids support hormone production.Why Choose Sekkadi Oils? (Purity You Can Trust)
At Sekkadi, we combine traditional extraction with modern hygiene.
What Makes Sekkadi Special?
- Oils cold pressed below 40°C
- Extracted using stainless steel Kolhus
- No chemicals, no preservatives
- Small-batch processing for freshness
- Sourced directly from Indian farmers
- Every batch tested for purity
- QR code traceability on each bottle
Our Natural Oil Range
- Cold Pressed Groundnut Oil – perfect for everyday cooking
- Cold Pressed Coconut Oil – for cooking & skincare
- Cold Pressed Sesame Oil – ideal for Asian & South Indian dishes
- Pure Cow Ghee – traditional, rich, aromatic
- Mountain Honey – unprocessed & natural
- Brown Sugar – chemical-free & minimally processed
Pro Tips for Using & Storing Oils
- Store oils in dark glass bottles
- Keep away from sunlight
- Avoid overheating cold pressed oils
- Do not reuse fried oil
- Buy smaller batches for freshness
- Use specific oils for specific cuisines
Frequently Asked Questions
Kachi Ghani is a traditional form of cold pressing. Both are low-heat methods, but Kachi Ghani usually preserves nutrients slightly better.
Best for light frying. For deep frying, expeller-pressed oils are more heat-stable.
Yes. Genuine cold pressed oils are always unrefined.
Because they contain natural plant sediments — a sign of purity.
Strict low-temperature extraction, farmer sourcing, purity testing, and batch-level traceability.
