Difference between wood pressed groundnut oil and refined groundnut oil

What is the difference between Wood pressed groundnut oil and refined groundnut oil?

WOOD COLD PRESSED OIL

Naturally, oil seeds can be pressed to extract oil (Like pressing juice from a fruit).

Sesame seeds, Coconut, Groundnut/Peanut, Olive, etc are a few from which oil can be extracted by just pressing, which is a natural process.

“Chekku”, “Ghani” & “Kolhu” oil are some colloquial words used in India to describe Cold Pressed Oil machines. This is THE NATURAL METHOD OF EXTRACTING OIL. Since no heat is applied during the extraction (unlike refined oils) this natural method is known as COLD PRESSED.

In ancient times, a bullock was used to grind oil seeds to make oil. These days we use a mechanical oil pressing machine.

REFINED OIL

Other oils seeds such as rapeseed (canola), soybean, corn, sunflower, safflower, etc CANNOT yield oil through natural extraction techniques. These vegetable oils were non-existent until the early 1950s, when chemical treatment and processing (refining) techniques allowed them to be extracted. Because these oils are chemically extracted, they need to be refined. Our bodies weren’t meant to consume chemically extracted refined oil.

This process kills all the nutrition and alters the molecules in unfavourable ways – making it very unhealthy. This chemical process yields “oil” that is very unhealthy, but very consistent in terms of colour, smell, odour and shelf life.

When you take a natural food product and expose it to multiple chemical processes, how can it be natural and healthy?

Multiple studies have linked consumption of refined oils to many chronic diseases. Chemically extracted oils lead to inflammation within the body, elevated blood triglycerides and an impaired insulin response, etc.

Here’s a detailed comparison:

Cold-Pressed Groundnut Oil

• Extraction Method:
  - Made by mechanically pressing groundnuts (peanuts) without the use of heat.
  - This method retains more of the oil's natural properties.
• Flavor and Aroma:
  - Has a stronger, more intense flavor and aroma due to the minimal processing.
  - Often considered more flavorful, making it suitable for dressing and finishing dishes.
• Nutritional Content:
  - Retains more nutrients, including antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats.
  - Has a higher content of beneficial compounds like resveratrol.
• Smoke Point:
  - Generally has a lower smoke point (around 320°F or 160°C).
  - Best used for low to medium-heat cooking, salad dressings, and drizzling.
• Color and Appearance:
  - Typically has a darker color, ranging from golden to amber.
• Shelf Life:
  - Shorter shelf life due to the presence of natural compounds that can oxidize.

Refined Groundnut Oil

• Extraction Method:
  - Extracted using heat and chemical processes (like hexane extraction).
  - Involves refining steps such as bleaching and deodorizing.
• Flavor and Aroma:
  - Has a neutral flavor and aroma, making it versatile for various culinary uses.
  - Does not impart much taste to dishes.
• Nutritional Content:
  - Loses some nutrients during the refining process.
  - Often has a more consistent fat profile but may lack some health benefits found in cold-pressed oil.
• Smoke Point:
  - Higher smoke point (around 450°F or 232°C).
  - Suitable for high-heat cooking methods like frying and sautéing.
• Color and Appearance:
  - Typically light yellow and clear due to the refining process.
• Shelf Life:
  - Longer shelf life due to the removal of impurities and natural compounds that can spoil.

In conclusion, the key differences between wood-pressed (cold-pressed) groundnut oil and refined groundnut oil lie in their extraction processes, nutritional content, flavor profiles, and cooking applications. Cold-pressed groundnut oil is made naturally by pressing groundnuts without heat or chemicals, retaining its nutrients, antioxidants, and rich flavor. This makes it ideal for low to medium-heat cooking but gives it a shorter shelf life. In contrast, refined groundnut oil is processed with heat and chemicals, resulting in a neutral flavor, longer shelf life, and higher smoke point—perfect for high-heat cooking methods like frying. However, the refining process can reduce nutrients and may contribute to health risks.

For those seeking a nutrient-dense, minimally processed option, Seedlings cold-pressed groundnut oil is a healthier choice.