Choosing cooking oil used to be simple.

You bought the oil your family had always used and cooked with it.

Today, the choices are much bigger. Walk into any store or search online and you will find refined oils, cold-pressed oils, wood-pressed oils, mustard oils, groundnut oils, sesame oils, coconut oils and almond oils.

With so many options, one common question comes up:

How do you choose the right oil for your kitchen?

This guide explains what wood-pressed oil means, how it differs from cold-pressed oil, what to look for when buying cooking oil and how to choose an oil according to your cooking needs.

What Is Wood-Pressed Oil?

Wood-pressed oil is extracted from oilseeds using a traditional wooden press, commonly known in India as a Lakdi Ghani or wooden kolhu.

In a traditional setup, seeds are slowly crushed to release the oil.

The method is valued for its traditional character and the distinctive aroma and flavour it can give to the finished oil.

Different producers may use different equipment and processing conditions, so it is always useful to check the product description and label to understand exactly how an oil is made.

Wood-Pressed Oil vs Cold-Pressed Oil

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they are not necessarily identical.

Cold-pressed oil generally refers to oil extracted without intentionally applying significant external heat during pressing.

Wood-pressed oil describes the type of press or extraction method — traditionally, a wooden ghani or kolhu.

A wood-pressed oil can therefore be produced under low-temperature conditions, but the exact process depends on the manufacturer.

When comparing cold-pressed oil vs wood-pressed oil, don't rely only on the name. Check:

• Extraction method
• Raw material
• Processing details
• Filtration
• Ingredients
• Packaging
• Manufacturer information

The more transparent the brand is, the easier it is to understand what you are buying.

Why Do People Choose Wood-Pressed Oils?

For many consumers, the appeal is connected to traditional food preparation.

Wood-pressed oils are often preferred because they can offer:

• Distinctive natural aroma
• Characteristic taste of the seed used
• Traditional extraction method
• Minimal processing approach
• Versatility in everyday Indian cooking

The final flavour still depends on the seed variety, sourcing, extraction method and storage.

How to Choose the Right Cooking Oil

There is no single “best oil” for every dish.

The right choice depends on what you cook, the flavour you prefer and how you use the oil.

Let's look at some common options.

1. Wood-Pressed Groundnut Oil

Groundnut oil has a naturally nutty flavour and is widely used in Indian cooking.

It can work well for:

• Tadka
• Sautéing
• Frying
• Deep-frying
• Traditional snacks
• Everyday Indian recipes

Its relatively neutral but nutty character makes it a versatile kitchen oil.

Best suited for:

Everyday cooking + frying

2. Wood-Pressed Mustard Oil

Mustard oil is known for its distinctive pungency and bold aroma.

It is particularly popular in many regional Indian cuisines and is commonly used for:

• Tadka
• Traditional vegetable preparations
• Pickles
• Regional recipes
• Frying

You may also find different mustard varieties, such as black mustard oil and yellow mustard oil, which can have different flavour profiles.

Best suited for:

Traditional cooking + pickling + regional recipes

3. Wood-Pressed Sesame Oil

Sesame oil has a characteristic nutty aroma and is used in many Indian culinary traditions.

It can be used for:

• Sautéing
• Tadka
• Traditional recipes
• Pickles
• Selected regional dishes

Sesame oil is also commonly used traditionally for massage and other non-food applications, depending on the product specification.

Best suited for:

Traditional cooking + pickles + recipes where sesame flavour works well

4. Wood-Pressed Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has a distinctive coconut aroma and flavour.

It is especially popular in cuisines where coconut is traditionally used.

It can be used for:

• Sautéing
• South Indian recipes
• Baking
• Selected frying applications
• Traditional food preparations

Best suited for:

Coconut-based cooking + regional recipes + selected everyday cooking

5. Wood-Pressed Almond Oil

Almond oil is different from the cooking oils listed above because many almond oils are marketed primarily for skin and hair care.

Before using any almond oil as food, always check the product label and intended use.

For cosmetic almond oil, common applications include:

• Skin moisturising
• Hair and scalp massage
• Body massage

Best suited for:

Skin & hair care when the product is specifically intended for cosmetic use

Which Wood-Pressed Oil Is Best for Everyday Cooking?

There is no universal answer.

Your choice should depend on your cooking style.

Instead of asking “Which oil is healthiest?”, a better question is:

“Which oil is suitable for the food I am preparing?”

That simple approach helps you choose more practically.

What Should You Check Before Buying Wood-Pressed Oil?

1. Check the Extraction Method

Look for clear information about whether the oil is wood-pressed, cold-pressed or produced through another method.

2. Check the Ingredients

The label should clearly state what the bottle contains.

3. Look for Proper Labelling

Check manufacturer details, batch information, net quantity and relevant food-safety information.

4. Understand the Intended Use

Some oils are designed specifically for cooking, while others are intended for cosmetic use.

This is especially important for products such as almond oil.

5. Check the Packaging

Good packaging helps protect oil from light, air and contamination.

6. Pay Attention to Storage Instructions

Follow the storage instructions provided by the manufacturer and keep the bottle properly sealed.

Wood-Pressed Oil and Traditional Indian Cooking

Traditional Indian cooking is closely connected with regional ingredients and preparation methods.

Different parts of India developed their own preferences for cooking oils.

Mustard oil became important in several northern and eastern cuisines.

Coconut oil became closely associated with many southern coastal cuisines.

Sesame and groundnut oils became important across different regions for cooking and traditional food preparation.

This diversity is one of the strengths of Indian food culture.

There isn't one oil that defines Indian cooking.

There are many.

Why Aroma and Taste Matter

Cooking oil is not just a technical ingredient.

It also influences the flavour of food.

A bold mustard oil can completely change a pickle.

A nutty groundnut oil can complement snacks and traditional recipes.

Sesame oil can add a distinctive aroma to a simple tadka.

Coconut oil can bring a characteristic flavour to regional dishes.

Choosing an oil based on the recipe can therefore make cooking more enjoyable.

Arth Agro Farms Wood-Pressed Oils

At Arth Agro Farms, our wood-pressed oil range is inspired by traditional Indian extraction practices.

Our range includes:

• Wood-Pressed Groundnut Oil
• Wood-Pressed Black Mustard Oil
• Wood-Pressed Yellow Mustard Oil
• Wood-Pressed Sesame Oil
• Wood-Pressed Coconut Oil
• Wood-Pressed Almond Oil

Each oil has its own character, flavour and intended use.

Our approach is simple:

Traditional extraction, careful sourcing and clear product information.

We believe consumers should be able to understand what they are buying instead of relying only on marketing claims.

Final Thoughts

Choosing cooking oil doesn't have to be complicated.

Start with three simple questions:

What am I cooking?

What flavour do I want?

How is the oil produced and labelled?

Once you understand these basics, choosing between groundnut, mustard, sesame, coconut and other oils becomes much easier.

Wood-pressed oils offer a connection to traditional Indian food practices while remaining practical for modern kitchens.

The best choice is the one that suits your recipe, your preferences and the intended use of the oil.

Arth Agro Farms — bringing traditional Indian food practices into modern kitchens.