Have you ever wondered how your favourite cooking oils are made, particularly those with the ‘wood pressed’ label? Wood pressed oils, also known as cold-pressed oils, are gaining attention worldwide for their health benefits and superior quality. Unlike regular oils that undergo heat and chemical treatment, the wood pressed oil manufacturing process is entirely natural, ensuring that the oil retains its nutrition value and pure flavour.
You may have noticed that wood pressed oils are pricier than their regular counterparts. This difference in price is due to the meticulous production process which guarantees the highest quality, and the limited quantity as the output of wood pressed oil per unit of raw material is lower than that of other oils. The unique taste, aroma, and health benefits of wood pressed oil are well worth the extra cost.
Let’s see the finished product in your kitchen
The History of Wood Pressed Oil
The history of wooden cold pressed oil dates back to thousands of years. The ancient civilizations in Egypt, Rome, and Greece used wooden presses to extract oil from olives. This manual process involved pressing the olives between two wooden slabs, slowly extracting the oil. The oil was then collected and stored in clay pots for future use.
With the advent of industrialization, the manufacturing process of oil evolved significantly. Modern machinery and chemical processes replaced the traditional wood press method, leading to mass production and lower costs. However, this shift compromised the quality and nutritional value of the oil. Today, as health consciousness increases, there is a revival of the traditional wood pressed oil manufacturing process.
The comeback of wood pressed oil celebrates the wisdom of our ancestors and their emphasis on quality and health. This nostalgia, combined with the proven health benefits of wood pressed oils, has led to their growing popularity in contemporary kitchens.
What Makes Wood Pressed Oil Special?
When you're choosing cooking oil, what factors do you consider? Is it the taste, the health benefits, or both? Wood pressed oil excels in both these aspects. The unique taste and aroma of wood pressed oil can elevate your dishes to a whole new level. Since the oil is extracted without any heat or chemical treatment, it retains the original flavour of the raw material, be it olives, coconuts, or sesame seeds.
The health benefits of wood pressed oil are another significant factor that sets it apart. Unlike regular oils, wooden cold pressed oil retains all the natural nutrients, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids of the raw material. These nutrients are often lost in the conventional oil extraction process due to heat and chemical treatment.
Moreover, the process of wood pressed oil is eco-friendly. It does not involve any harmful chemicals or generate toxic waste. This sustainability aspect is another reason why more and more consumers are switching to wood pressed oils.
How Wood Pressed Oil is Made: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process of making wood pressed oil is both an art and a science. Here's a step-by-step guide on how wood pressed oil is made:
Step 1: Selection and Cleaning of Raw Material
The first step involves selecting high-quality seeds or nuts. The seeds are then lab tested for moisture and are thoroughly cleaned to remove any impurities or dirt.
Step 2: Drying
Once they pass the quality check, the seeds or the nuts are dried naturally under the sun. This natural drying process helps in retaining the nutrition of the oil and.
Step 3: Pressing
The seeds or nuts are then loaded into a wooden press (kachi ghani), where they are crushed under pressure at low temperatures. The grinding pressure releases pure oil from the seeds or nuts. Since there is no heat or chemicals involved, the yield is full of nutrients, natural aroma, and taste.
Step 4: Filtration and Collection
The wood pressed oil from the kachi ghani is collected in a container through filtration using traditional methods. The oil is allowed to settle, and any remaining impurities are removed.
Step 5: Packaging
The pure, unrefined oil is then bottled into food grade packaging materials and is ready for use.
Quality Control in the Process of Wood Pressed Oil
Quality control is an integral part of the wood press oil manufacturing process. From the selection of raw materials to the final bottling, every step is carefully monitored to ensure the highest quality of oil.
The selection of raw materials is the first step where quality control comes into play. Only the best quality seeds and nuts are chosen for oil extraction. These are then cleaned thoroughly to ensure that no impurities are present.
During the pressing process, the temperature is maintained below 50 degrees Celsius. This low temperature ensures that the oil does not lose its nutritional value. The collected oil is then allowed to settle naturally, which helps in removing any remaining impurities.
Before bottling, the oil undergoes several quality checks. These checks ensure that the oil meets the highest standards of purity, taste, and nutritional value. The oil is then stored in dark glass bottles to protect it from light, which can degrade the oil's quality over time.
Health Benefits of Wood Pressed Oil
The health benefits of wood pressed oil are numerous. The high nutritional value of the oil can boost your immunity, improve your skin and hair health, aid in digestion, and even help in weight management.
Retains Nutritional Value
Because the wood pressed oils are extracted without the use of heat, it helps retain the nutritional value of the oil. They are rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a healthier option compared to oils extracted using high heat or chemicals.
Rich in Antioxidants
Wood pressed oils are known to contain natural antioxidants that help neutralise harmful free radicals in the body. Antioxidants play a vital role in protecting cells from oxidative stress and reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Heart Health
Some heart friendly oils such as wood pressed coconut oil and wood pressed sesame oil, due to their high content of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, help in lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Digestive Health
Wood pressed oils, such as wood pressed groundnut oil and wood pressed castor oil, have a high fibre content that aids digestion and promotes a healthy digestive system. These oils also have anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe digestive disorders like gastritis and ulcers.
Skin and Hair Health
Wood pressed oils, including wood pressed almond oil and wood pressed olive oil, are often used in skincare and hair care due to their moisturising and nourishing properties. These oils help improve skin elasticity, reduce dryness, and promote healthy hair growth.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Wood pressed oils contain natural compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, such as omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols. These properties can help reduce inflammation in the body, potentially alleviating symptoms of inflammatory conditions like arthritis and promoting overall well-being.
Natural Flavour and Aroma
Wood pressed oils are known for their distinct flavour and aroma, which enhances the taste of food. The natural and unrefined nature of these oils contributes to their unique sensory qualities.
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Conclusion: Why Choose Wood Pressed Oil?
Well, the answer lies in the quality, taste, health benefits, and eco-friendliness of the oil. The meticulous process of wood pressed oil ensures that you get the purest and most nutritious oil.
The unique taste and aroma of the Iriola oils by Nayesha Oil Mills can enhance your culinary creations. Moreover, by choosing Iriola wood pressed oil , you're choosing sustainability. Our traditional eco-friendly process does not harm the environment and supports local farmers.
Switching to pure and chemical free kachi ghani oil will be one of the best decisions you make for your health and the environment. So, what are you waiting for? Order now
