What Is Cold-Pressed Oil? Is Wood-Pressed Oil The Same?

Loads of cooking oil options are available these days, which often leads to confusion in selection. Although the oil bottle or pouch might state the oil type, like cold-pressed or wood-pressed oil, knowing the key pointers about cold-pressed oil vs wood-pressed oil helps make an appropriate choice.

Let's check out the similarities and the differences between the two.

Cold Pressed Oil

Let us first understand what is cold-pressed oil!

What is Cold Pressed Oil?

Oil is pressed from seeds, nuts, or fruits without the use of heat or harsh chemicals, which is cold-pressed oil. Here, the key ingredient is mechanically (iron or steel machine) pressed and crushed in the extractor without generating heat to ensure the preservation of nutrients and flavour. The oils extracted using this method might contain some impurities that affect their nutritional benefits.

Benefits of Cold-Pressed Oil

• No added preservatives or chemicals 

• Rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamin E, vitamin K, and vitamin C.

• Minimises the risks of cholesterol in the body

• Reduces several health complications, such as fluctuations in blood pressure level

• Improves insulin sensitivity in diabetics

• Lowers the chances of cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer's and dementia

• Rich in antioxidants like tocopherols, sterols, carotenoids, and phospholipids 

• High in polyunsaturated fatty acids that can improve heart health, make the immune system stronger, and make the skin look more radiant.

Uses of Cold Pressed Oil

Different types of cold-pressed oils offer benefits for health, hair and skin. 

• Groundnut oil is perfect for frying, sautéing, salad dressings and making marinades.

• Coconut oil is ideal for baking, frying and salad dressings.

• Sesame oil is great for stir-fries, marinades, and salad dressings. 

• Mustard oil is ideal for sautéing and frying.

Wood Pressed Oil 

Wood pressed process is a centuries-old and natural way to extract oil, which is preferred for its unadulterated, unflavoured and health-boosting properties.

What is Wood Pressed Oil?

You might have been using this kind of oil, but you may not have known what is wood-pressed oil?

Wood pressed oil is extracted from seeds or nuts crushed in a wooden churner (often called "Ghani") where these are slowly ground without generating heat. Here, the setup consists of oil extraction made of a wooden pestle and a wooden collector to press and collect the oil. 

The low temperature of below 40 degrees is maintained throughout the process because the wood pestle absorbs any increase in temperature, and minimum heat is generated through friction.[1]

Benefits of Wood Pressed Oil

There are many wood-pressed oil benefits:

1. Contains Vitamin E and polyphenols that fight free radicals, reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.

2. Packed with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol.

3. Lowers inflammation related to diabetes, arthritis, and some types of cancer.

4. Nourishes skin and prevents wrinkles and premature ageing

5. Rich in antioxidants, it strengthens the jaws and prevents bleeding gums

6. Improves hair growth and revitalises damaged hair

Read more about the benefits of wood pressed oil for your skin

Uses of Wood Pressed Oil

Different types of wood pressed oils are available, including groundnut oil, sesame oil, coconut oil and mustard oil. Curious about - what is wood pressed oil used for?

It’s not just for cooking. These oils are ideal for sautéing and salad dressings. 

Also, these oils, which are unflavoured and unrefined, are used in ayurvedic treatment, body massage, hair care, and beauty care regimes. 

Know how to use wood pressed oil for baby massage. 

Similarities Between Wood Pressed and Cold Pressed Oil

If you’re wondering about the cold-pressed oil meaning and how it compares to wood-pressed oil, the truth is that they’re quite similar. Both methods do not use high heat or chemicals, which means they preserve all nutrients unaltered. Traditional methods like the wooden oil extraction machine are often used for wood-pressed oils, which grind the seeds slowly to retain purity and flavour. Cold pressed oils may also use gentle mechanical processes but both processes aim to produce healthy, unrefined oils.

Key Difference Between Cold Pressed and Wood Pressed Oil 

The extraction process isn’t the only key factor of cold-pressed oil vs wood-pressed oil. Both methods minimise heat generation during extraction to maintain nutrients. However, when it comes to taste, quality, and nutritional value, cold pressed vs wood pressed oils strike differences. 

Below is a summary chart of cold pressed oil vs wood pressed oil.

Tips for Storing Cold / Wood Pressed Oils

• Store cold-pressed and wood-pressed oil in a cool, dark spot away from direct sunlight and heat.

• Make sure the containers are sealed tightly to keep them fresh. 

• Use clean storage utensils to avoid moisture or foreign contaminants that might deteriorate the quality.

How to Choose Between Them?

When choosing between oils, it’s essential to understand the difference between cold-pressed and wood-pressed oil. The difference isn't just in extraction—  Texture, aroma, and shelf life also vary. Those looking for nutrient-dense, unrefined oil with high levels of antioxidants and healthy fats should choose cold-pressed oil. On the other hand, those who prioritise traditional and natural oils with maximum flavour and nutrient retention should opt for wood-pressed oil. 

Which Is Better, Wood Pressed or Cold Pressed?

Wood pressed oils have a strong flavour and contain more nutrients without extras like additives or preservatives. Also, they don’t have trans fats, so they're a healthier pick. Cold-pressed oils are also good for you, but usually taste milder. Choosing between the two comes down to what you prefer in flavour, health perks, and how you cook.

Conclusion

Are you looking for pure, natural, and chemical-free wood pressed oils? Canistel offers a variety of options that are 100% natural and unrefined. Our wood pressed mustard oil and other oils like coconut oil, groundnut/peanut oil, almond oil and sesame oil are extracted using traditional methods to preserve their natural nutrients. 

Check out our organic food store for a great selection of chemical-free oils for your cooking and self-care needs.

We also offer raw unprocessed honey and organic desi ghee for a chemical-free lifestyle..

FAQs on Wood Pressed Oils

1. What is cold-pressed oil also known as?

Cold-pressed oil is also known as cold-drawn or virgin oil.

2. Which is better, cold-pressed or wood-pressed oil for skin?

Both are beneficial, but wood-pressed oil may offer a richer texture for skin care.

3. Are Kachi Ghani and Cold Pressed the same?

No, there are differences between cold pressed and wood pressed or kachi ghani oils.

4. What are the disadvantages of cold-pressed oils?

It has a shorter shelf life and can be more expensive.

5. What is wood oil called?

Wood pressed oil is often called Kachi Ghani or Chekku oil.

6. Is wood cold pressed oil good for health?

Yes, it retains more nutrients and antioxidants, making it healthy.

7. What type of wood oil is best?

Wood-pressed mustard oil is widely considered to be one of the best for cooking and health.

8. Are wood-pressed oils healthier than cold-pressed oils?

Both are healthy, but wood-pressed oils may offer a richer nutrient profile.

9. Can I use wood-pressed oils for cooking?

Yes, it is ideal for cooking due to its rich flavour and health benefits.

10. How should I store wood-pressed and cold-pressed oils?

Store them in a cool, dark place, away from heat and sunlight.

11. What is the shelf life of wood-pressed and cold-pressed oils?

Both have a shelf life of 6-12 months, depending on storage conditions.

12. Are there any specific cuisines that traditionally use wood-pressed or cold-pressed oils?

Wood pressed oils are commonly used in Indian, Asian, and Mediterranean cuisines.

13. How do I choose between wood-pressed and cold-pressed oils for my cooking needs?

Choose based on flavour, nutritional content, and your specific cooking requirements.

References

[1]https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370130264_A_REVIEW_ON_WOOD_PRESSED_EDIBLE_OILS

Author bio:

Written by the Canistel editorial team. We bring together experts in traditional wellness and organic nutrition, combining research and everyday experience. We are committed to purity, safety and conscious choices for Indian homes.