The growing demand for natural and chemical-free oils has brought attention to traditional extraction methods like wood-pressed and cold-pressed oils. While these terms are often used interchangeably, there are important distinctions between the two. Understanding how these oils are extracted can help you make a better choice for your health, cooking, and wellness.
What is Cold-Pressed Oil?
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Extracted using a hydraulic press at room temperature
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The temperature does not exceed 40–45°C during the process
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Retains most nutrients as no heat is applied
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Often done using steel or metal machinery
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Faster and more scalable process
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May slightly lose some aroma and taste due to metal friction
What is Wood-Pressed Oil?
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Extracted using a wooden churner (ghani), usually made of neem or babul wood
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The temperature stays naturally low due to the slow rotation of the wooden pestle
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Involves no chemicals, solvents, or external heat
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A slower, traditional method that retains the oil’s aroma, nutrients, and antioxidants
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Wood prevents heat generation and oxidation
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Maintains high purity and freshness
Main Differences Between Wood-Pressed and Cold-Pressed Oils
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Extraction Tool: Cold-pressed uses steel/machine press; wood-pressed uses wooden churners
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Temperature Control: Both are low-heat, but wood-pressed maintains even lower temperatures naturally
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Oxidation Risk: Lower in wood-pressed due to wooden contact and slow speed
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Nutrient Retention: Slightly higher in wood-pressed oil due to gentler process
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Taste & Aroma: Wood-pressed oils are richer in natural aroma and flavor
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Shelf Life: Cold-pressed oils may have a longer shelf life due to commercial refinement (not always a plus for purity)
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Scale: Cold-pressed is often mass-produced; wood-pressed is small-batch and artisanal
Why Choose Wood-Pressed Oil for Your Kitchen?
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Better preservation of micronutrients, antioxidants, and fatty acids
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Supports traditional farming and ethical sourcing
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Contains no chemical refining, bleaching, or deodorizing
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Superior in purity, especially for daily cooking, baby food, and wellness use
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Ideal for those following Ayurvedic or clean-eating diets
Conclusion
While both wood-pressed and cold-pressed oils are better alternatives to refined oils, wood-pressed oil stands out for its authenticity, nutrient integrity, and natural flavor. It honors the slow, mindful process of oil making that our ancestors followed, offering a truly wholesome option for modern health-conscious consumers.
If purity, tradition, and taste matter to you—choose wood-pressed over cold-pressed every time.
