Til Ka Tel in English: What Is Sesame Oil and Why Is It So Important in Indian Food Culture?
For generations, Indian households have used til ka tel, also known as sesame oil, in cooking, traditional recipes and everyday household practices.
From preparing pickles and tadka to using sesame oil in traditional rituals and massage practices, this humble oil has a long history across India.
But what exactly is til ka tel in English? What makes sesame oil different from other cooking oils? And what is the difference between traditional wood-pressed sesame oil and more processed varieties?
Let's explore.
What Is Til Ka Tel in English?
Til ka tel in English is called sesame oil. It is oil extracted from sesame seeds and is commonly used in Indian cooking, pickles, tadka and traditional food practices.
It is made by extracting oil from sesame seeds, also known as til.
Depending on the variety of sesame seeds and the extraction process, sesame oil can have differences in:
- Aroma
- Colour
- Flavour
- Texture
- Processing characteristics
Sesame oil is used in several regional Indian cuisines and traditional food preparations.
Til Ka Tel and Indian Food Traditions
Sesame has been part of Indian food culture for centuries.
Different regions use sesame and sesame oil in different ways, including:
- Pickles
- Tadka
- Cooking
- Traditional sweets
- Spice blends
- Regional recipes
In many households, til ka tel is also associated with traditional rituals and household practices.
This makes sesame oil more than just another cooking ingredient.
It is part of India's broader food heritage.
Why Is Sesame Oil So Popular in Indian Cooking?
One reason is its distinctive flavour.
Sesame oil can have a characteristic nutty aroma that works particularly well with recipes where a stronger oil flavour is desirable.
It can be used for:
Tadka
Sesame oil can add a distinctive aroma to tempering and traditional recipes.
Pickles
Sesame and mustard oils are both used in regional Indian pickle-making, depending on the recipe.
Everyday Cooking
It can be used for sautéing and other cooking applications according to the recipe and cooking method.
Traditional Recipes
Several regional dishes use sesame oil as part of their traditional flavour profile.
What Is Wood-Pressed Sesame Oil?
Wood-pressed sesame oil is made using a traditional wooden ghani or kolhu-style pressing method.
In this approach, sesame seeds are mechanically pressed to extract the oil rather than being subjected to a highly refined processing route.
The exact extraction and filtration practices can vary between producers.
One reason people choose wood-pressed oils is their characteristic aroma and flavour, along with an interest in traditional oil-making methods.
You can learn more in our guide to Cold-Pressed Oil vs Wood-Pressed Oil.
Wood-Pressed vs Refined Sesame Oil
The main difference is the processing approach.
Wood-Pressed Sesame Oil
Often associated with:
- Traditional wooden pressing
- Distinctive aroma and flavour
- Less intensive processing
- Traditional oil-making practices
Refined Sesame Oil
May involve additional processing steps designed to produce a more standardized colour, aroma and flavour.
Neither term alone should be treated as a guarantee of overall product quality.
When buying sesame oil, it is better to consider the source, ingredients, processing method, packaging and manufacturer information.
Sesame Oil in Traditional Indian Practices
Sesame oil has also been used outside cooking.
Traditional Indian practices have included sesame oil in:
- Body massage
- Hair and scalp oiling
- Certain Ayurvedic preparations
- Traditional household rituals
These uses are part of cultural and traditional practices and should not be confused with guaranteed medical outcomes.
For specific health or medical concerns, professional advice is more appropriate.
Sesame Oil and Ayurveda
Sesame oil has an important place in Ayurvedic traditions.
Classical Ayurvedic texts and practices have traditionally used sesame oil in various formulations and external applications.
Ayurvedic systems may describe sesame oil using concepts such as its warming and nourishing qualities.
These are traditional descriptions rather than modern clinical claims.
This distinction is important when reading online information about sesame oil and wellness.
How to Choose Good Sesame Oil
Whether you're looking for til ka tel, sesame oil or wood-pressed sesame oil, look at the complete product information.
1. Check the Ingredient
Look for clear information about what the product contains.
2. Understand the Extraction Method
Check whether the oil is wood-pressed, cold-pressed, refined or produced using another method.
3. Look at the Source
A transparent brand should provide useful information about the raw material and manufacturing process.
4. Check Packaging Information
Look for manufacturer details, batch information, date marking and storage instructions.
5. Consider Your Cooking Needs
Choose the variety and flavour profile that suits the recipes you regularly prepare.
Til Ka Tel vs Other Cooking Oils
Different oils have different flavours, culinary uses and processing methods.
Sesame oil — distinctive nutty aroma and common in several Indian regional recipes.
Mustard oil — stronger pungency and widely used in many traditional North and East Indian preparations.
Groundnut oil — mild, nutty flavour and versatile for everyday cooking.
Coconut oil — characteristic coconut aroma and commonly used in many South Indian recipes.
The best oil is often the one that fits the recipe, flavour preference and cooking method.
How to Use Sesame Oil in Everyday Cooking
You can use sesame oil in several traditional ways:
For Tadka
Use it to add aroma to dals, vegetables and regional dishes.
For Pickles
It can be used in recipes where sesame oil is traditionally preferred.
For Sautéing
Use according to the requirements of your recipe.
For Traditional Recipes
It works particularly well when its nutty flavour complements the dish.
Arth Wood-Pressed Sesame Oil
At Arth Agro Farms, our Wood-Pressed Sesame Oil is made using a traditional wooden pressing method.
We focus on:
- Carefully selected sesame seeds
- Traditional wood-pressing
- Careful handling
- Hygienic packaging
- Consistent product quality
Our aim is simple: bring traditional oil-making practices into modern Indian kitchens in a practical form.
Explore Arth Wood-Pressed Sesame Oil for everyday cooking and traditional recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is til ka tel called in English?
Til ka tel is called sesame oil in English.
Is til oil and sesame oil the same?
Yes. Til oil, sesame oil and sesame seed oil generally refer to oil made from sesame seeds.
What is wood-pressed sesame oil?
Wood-pressed sesame oil is extracted from sesame seeds using a traditional wooden press or ghani-style method.
Is sesame oil used for cooking?
Yes. Sesame oil is used in various Indian regional cuisines for cooking, tadka, pickles and traditional recipes.
What does sesame oil taste like?
Sesame oil can have a distinctive nutty aroma and flavour, although the exact taste depends on the sesame variety and processing method.
Can sesame oil be used for massage?
Sesame oil has traditionally been used for body and scalp massage in Indian household and Ayurvedic practices. Individual suitability can vary.
What should I check before buying sesame oil?
Check the ingredient information, extraction method, manufacturer details, packaging and storage instructions.
Final Thoughts
Til ka tel in English is sesame oil, but the story behind it is much bigger than a simple translation.
Sesame oil connects food, regional cooking traditions and generations of Indian household practices.
Whether you use it for tadka, pickles, everyday cooking or simply want to understand more about traditional Indian oils, knowing the difference between sesame oil, wood-pressed sesame oil and refined oil can help you make a more informed choice.
At Arth Agro Farms, we believe traditional ingredients deserve a place in modern kitchens.
Traditional ingredients. Thoughtful preparation. Everyday Indian food.
