About The Author
Hello! From Chuchura (in Hooghly District) and a foodie, I created this blog with a mission to preserve the food of the land; with a message to encourage and promote clean and real food. I hope you enjoy and gain out of this blog, happy reading!
Looking forward to read and hear your feedback.
For hundreds of years, cold pressed mustard oil has been a base cooking oil in many regions across India.
Until industrialization happened and edible oil extraction started through machines that work on high heat, thereby spoiling the flavor and health benefits that mustard oil has to offer.
This distinctive zing from mustard oil can elevate the dish’s flavor profile and add essential nutrients.
The nutritional value of mustard oil is higher than several other oils available in the market, making it the staple for most Indian households. Mustard oil has Vitamin E, Omega 3 fatty acids, minerals, and antioxidants essential for a healthy body.
However, today most Indian homemakers use refined oil and machine-extracted mustard oil because alternatives are difficult to come by and awareness is poor.
- Problem with Machine Extracted Mustard Oil
- The Cold-Pressed Mustard Oil Narrative
- Cold Pressed Mustard Oil is Healthy
- Is Your Mustard Oil Pure – DIY Tests
- Storage Tips & Tricks, Optimizing Shelf Life of Cold Pressed Mustard Oil
- Most Often Asked Queries – Answered!
- The 10 Best Cold Pressed Mustard Oil Brands of India
- Adopt Mustard Oil for a Healthier Future
Problem with Machine Extracted Mustard Oil
I have discussed this in my best oil for Indian cooking blog as well.
In the heated method, the seeds are subjected to high temperatures to break them down and produce oil which is later purified and bleached using chemicals. The yield is high, the quality is poor for human consumption.
The high heat used to extract oil from mustard seeds, oxides the oil and creates free radicals.
Free radicals are harmful to human body and can damage the cells. Such oils have more trans-fat which is very unhealthy for human consumption and is considered one of the causes for life-threatening conditions.
With machine extracted oil, the flavor suffers, and the pungency is lost to a large extent.
Not just health, the dish’s flavor goes for a loss.
The Cold-Pressed Mustard Oil Narrative
When you think of the Indian kitchen, it is difficult to imagine it without a bottle of refined oil.
However, refined oil is a Western introduction.
There was a time when you would purchase a bottle of cold pressed mustard oil from the local mustard oil presses every single time.
Marketing and false campaign by refined oil companies removed the good oil from the shelves. The refined oils are mass-produced using heated method, so the price is significantly lower.
The refined oils do not have the essential nutrients required to lead a healthy life. Heating oil at an extremely high temperature to extract the maximum oil in minimal time oxidizes the oil and creates free radicals. These are dangerous for your central nervous system and can cause cardiovascular diseases.
Fortunately, today more and more people are increasingly discovering that there can be no replacement for the kachi ghani mustard oil.
As compared to refined oil, cold-pressed mustard oil (including other cold pressed oil) is full of essential nutrients.
In the case of cold-pressed oil, the seeds are broken, and the oil is produced by applying high pressure to the oil seeds.
During the process, there is limited or no usage of heat. The oil produced will be less than that produced by the heated method, but the quality of the oil is superior.
In the best cold-pressed mustard oil, you will have higher quantities of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). These are healthy fats.
The Making of Cold Pressed Mustard Oil
You know that mustard oil prepared through the heated method is bad for your health. Here’s how cold pressed mustard oil is made.
Wood Pressing Method
The oldest method involves the use of a wood press to extract oil from mustard seeds.
Wood press is called as Marachekku or Ghani.
In this method, the mustard seeds are placed in a wooden bowl, and the long wooden axis is rotated through the seeds. The pressure generated thus crushes the seeds, and the oil is then extracted by filtration. There is no use of chemicals or heat in extracting the oil.
The oil from this method is the best cold pressed mustard oil.
Hydraulic Press Method
A modern method of extracting mustard oil using a hydraulic press.
The hydraulic press replaces the manual extraction of mustard oil. In this process, the mustard seeds are placed in a drum and pressure is exerted through the hydraulic press.
This pressure extracts the oil from mustard seeds, and mustard cake (residue) is a byproduct.
In this method, the temperature is not allowed to rise beyond a threshold that would destroy the nutrient profile of the oil. And hence, even though this is a mechanized process, the oil is considered as a cold pressed oil.
Cold Pressed Mustard Oil is Healthy
A lot of disinformation clouds the internet and mustard oil has been a victim of false campaign for long.
In moderation, cold pressed mustard oil has several health benefits to offer.
Prevents Cardiovascular Diseases
Cold-pressed mustard oil prevents cardiovascular diseases because it contains monounsaturated fatty acids. This is known to increase the level of good cholesterol in your blood. Subsequently, it can help in improving your heart health.
Prevents Type 2 Diabetes
One of the significant causes of Type 2 diabetes is the presence of trans fat in cooking oils.
If you start using clod-pressed mustard oil as the cooking medium, it may significantly reduce your intake of trans fat, thus reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Effective in Preventing Allergies
You will find that children are often prone to allergies, and it is essential to avoid these allergies to develop strong respiratory systems.
Cold pressed mustard oil contains minerals like calcium, selenium, and magnesium, and coupled with the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated acids, the oil effectively plays an important role in preventing wheezing and asthmatic allergies.
Helpful in Improving Digestive Health
Mustard oil is known to improve the functioning of the digestive tract.
It can enhance the growth of the microbes that aid in the digestion of food. This is essential to strengthen the ability of your stomach to digest food.
Hence, if you are suffering from problems like indigestion, switching to the cold pressed mustard oil would be a good idea.
Possible Anti-Cancer Properties
An oil cannot prevent cancer but can help you manage it. While more research is needed on the anti-cancer effects of mustard oil, including healthy oils in your diet keeps your immune and metabolic system in good health.
Using wood pressed mustard oil as the cooking medium, you will take a step towards good health.
Mustard oil contains linoleic acid and phytonutrients such as glucosinolate which possess anti-carcinogenic properties.
Contains Antibacterial Properties
You must have heard that mustard oil has anti-inflammatory properties. This is why mustard oil is often rubbed on inflamed joints for relief. The same properties are enhanced in cold-pressed mustard oil, and Allyl Isothiocyanate in mustard oil prevents the growth of bacteria and fungus.
Is Your Mustard Oil Pure – DIY Tests
Unfortunately, in India we have very poor enforcement of laws and rules. The amount of adulteration in food items are extremely high in many cases.
Popular brands pass off substandard products to the customers and are never penalized. Sad!
Mustard oil is no difference.
If you are looking to include mustard oil in your daily diet regimen, I suggest that you consider the brands available near you and do the following tests (or follow our brand recommendations).
Freezing Test to Identify Your Best Cold Pressed Mustard Oil
This is the most straightforward test that you can do at home.
Take the mustard oil and pour it into an empty ice tray. Freeze the mustard oil to check for impurities.
If you find crystals in the oil or white spots appearing in the frozen oil cube after freezing, then the oil is contaminated.
Move on to another brand.
If you are trying this test, let us know in the comments section which brand you tested and how did the results turn out.
Rub the Oil on Your Hands
If you rub the oil vigorously on your palm, then it should emanate the pungent aroma you associate with mustard oil.
However, if you observe a change in color or see the presence of impurities, then you will know that it is not pure.
The Nitric Acid Test to Identify Pure Cold Pressed Mustard Oil
To do this test, take a spoonful of oil in a container and pour 5ml nitric acid into the oil.
Exercise caution when working with chemicals and acids. Nitric acid should not touch with your skin/body. Nitric acid (NA) is known to be a highly corrosive liquid, which on skin contact leads to severe burns, blisters and permanent scarring and its vapors can cause severe acid burns to the eyes, respiratory tract, and lungs.
If the mixture turns orange or yellow, it is a bottle of impure mustard oil.
Storage Tips & Tricks, Optimizing Shelf Life of Cold Pressed Mustard Oil
When you purchase mustard oil, always check the bottle’s manufacturing and expiry dates.
It is best to use the bottle before its expiration date.
Below are some tips & tricks to make your mustard oil stay good for long.
Storing Mustard Oil
To increase the shelf life of mustard oil, it is essential to store it away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity.
Keep the bottle cap tightly screwed to prevent oxygen from entering the bottle.
Refrigerating the Oil
If you want to store it for an extended period, you can refrigerate it.
However, this can thicken the oil; you must leave it outside for nearly one to two hours to allow the mustard oil to reach room temperature.
This will ensure that the oil becomes fluid again and suitable for cooking.
Checking the Oil
If a bottle of mustard oil goes bad, it will emit a rancid smell.
The color will also darken, and you may even find froth formation on the top of the bottle. If you observe these, discard the oil as it has in all probability gone bad.
Most Often Asked Queries – Answered!
Cold pressed mustard oil is evoking newfound interest and intrigue in equal measures. Here’s a few frequently asked questions.
FAQs on Cold Pressed Mustard Oil
Can you purchase cold-pressed mustard oil from the market?
Yes, several brands sell genuine cold-pressed mustard oil. In Indian metropolitan cities and major cities, supermarkets and hypermarkets may often stock them.
For smaller cities and towns cold pressed mustard oil may not be readily available in neighborhood shelves. In rural areas, it may be readily available if mustard is harvested locally or/and there are manyal
Nevertheless, you can always shop them online.
Can you use cold-pressed mustard oil in pickles?
Cold-pressed mustard oil should be your first choice for making pickles that require mustard oil.
Since cold pressed oil do not have any added chemicals, the flavor of the pickle is not compromised and the quality stays intact for a longer duration.
What is the basic difference between cold-pressed mustard oil and Kachchi Ghani?
In cold-pressed mustard oil, the mustard seeds do not get over-heated during the oil extraction process. This means there is no heat transfer in cold-pressed mustard oil extraction process. However, in the case of Kachchi Ghani, the press can get heated during the process, and as a result, the mustard oil can lose some of its nutritional value.
Is there any condition when you should avoid consuming mustard oil
It is important to consume cooking oils in moderation, and the same applies to mustard oil.
According to ayurveda, if there is excessive heat generation in the body, acid reflux, anger – mustard oil consumption should be controlled, if not avoided.
How can you remove the pungent smell from mustard oil while cooking?
Mustard oil has a unique smell, and many people find it pungent. The positive feature of the oil is that it has a high smoking point. Hence, if you heat the oil to a high temperature and find that the oil is releasing smoke, you can be assured that the pungent smell from the oil will reduce. I adore the pungent aroma of the mustard oil.
I have also seen seasoned chef splash water into the hot mustard. They say that is removes the pungency of the oil, however, it is a risky option and I have never tried it. Exercise extreme caution.
How do you choose your cold-pressed mustard oil?
If you want pure mustard oil in India, you first must look for the brand. A renowned brand will give you original cold-pressed mustard oil. However, there are certain factors that you must look for and these are as follows:
- You must check the color of the mustard oil when you purchase it. It should have a golden yellow hue, and there should not be any specks or discoloration.
- You must check whether the manufacturer mentions the source of the seeds. The grains are sourced reputably. The manufacturer employs organic farming and sustainable agricultural practices. In that case, you can be assured that they are one of the best quality cold-pressed mustard oils.
- The other method for evaluating the quality of the mustard oil would be to smell it. If it has a strong and pungent smell, you can be assured that it is a good quality wood-pressed mustard oil.
- If you have been using the cold pressed mustard oil for some time, you will know it has a specific taste and flavor. When you taste the oil, it should have a smooth, fresh, non-greasy taste.
If you find that the oil you purchase has all these features, you can be assured that you have purchased a good quality cold-pressed mustard oil.
The 10 Best Cold Pressed Mustard Oil Brands of India
In this section, you will find some of the best brands for mustard oil and read about why we recommend them.
Engine Brand Kachi Ghani Agmark Grade
- Cold Pressed: Yes
- Organic: No
- Wood Pressed: Unknown
- Packaging: Tin, PET jar, PET bottle, or pouch
- Seeds Source: Unknown
- Non-GMO: Unknown
More Details
Engine is one of the oldest and one of the most trusted brand of mustard oil, and the company has 65 years of legacy to prove it. This puts them on top of the list.
The brand claims to extract oil from the best mustard seeds, and you can identify the oil by its unique color and smell. You can purchase the Engine Brand Kachi Ghani Agmark Grade mustard oil in packs such as 50ml, 100ml, 200ml, 500ml, 1ltr, 2ltr, 5ltr and 15ltr.
The brand’s repute, and product availability at affordable price makes this as an ideal choice for any one looking to start on their mustard oil journey.
Jivo Premium Cold Pressed Kachi Ghani Pure Mustard Oil
- Cold Pressed: Yes
- Organic: Unknown
- Wood Pressed: Yes
- Packaging: PET jar, PET bottle
- Seeds Source: Unknown
- Non-GMO: Unknown
More Details
Jivo cold pressed mustard oil follows the old technique of pressing the seeds in wood presses.
Jivo claims that the oil is enriched with Vitamins A and E, Omega 3 and 6. The oil contains no chemicals or pesticides and made from the finest of mustard seeds.
This cold-pressed mustard oil can be used for both cooking and skincare. The oil is available in a 1-litre bottle and a 5-litre Jerry can. Depending on your requirements, you can purchase a suitable size of mustard oil.
Anveshan Wood Pressed Black Mustard Oil
- Cold Pressed: Yes
- Organic: Yes
- Wood Pressed: Yes
- Packaging: Glass bottle and tin can
- Seeds Source: Bharatpur and Hathras region of Uttar Pradesh
- Non-GMO: Yes
More Details
One of the very few companies that use wooden Kolhus to extract oil at low temperature.
Traditional techniques are followed to ensure the best quality output – seeds are allowed to dry in the sun to allow better taste and aroma. The oil extracted is allowed to sediment which happens over 2-3 days.
The oil can be used for cooking, hair and skin care.
Anveshan claims that they comply with 17 FSSAI mandated parameters for testing mustard oil and make sure that every batch of our cold-pressed mustard oil undergoes strict quality checks.
You can purchase a 1-litre glass bottle or a 5-litre tin can of mustard oil from the company.
Gulab Cold Pressed Black Mustard Oil
- Cold Pressed: Yes
- Organic: Yes
- Wood Pressed: Yes
- Packaging: PET Bottle, Jerry Can
- Seeds Source: Unknown
- Non-GMO: Unknown
More Details
The Gulab cold-pressed mustard oil is a market leader in Gujarat because of its excellent quality. You can purchase the oil in three different packages, such as 1liter, 5liter and 15liter. You can use this oil for cooking and even for external use. It is one of the few mustard oils you can apply to your scalp to improve hair growth.
Fortune Premium Kachi Ghani Pure Mustard Oil
- Cold Pressed: Yes
- Organic: No
- Wood Pressed: No
- Packaging: Pouch, PET bottle and Jerry Can
- Seeds Source: Unknown
- Non-GMO: Unknown
More Details
Fortune is one of the most renowned mustard oil brands belonging to the Adani Wilmar group.
The Fortune Kachi Ghani mustard oil is known for its pungent smell, dark brown color, and unique aroma. You can purchase the oil in packs such as 200ml and 500ml pouches, 1 and 2-litre PET bottles and 5 and 15-litre jerry cans.
If you are looking for an oil that gives your food an authentic Indian flavor, you may consider purchasing the oil as it is affordable like Engine brand mustard oil.
Village-Organica Cold Pressed Mustard Oil
- Cold Pressed: Yes
- Organic: Yes
- Wood Pressed: Yes
- Packaging: PET bottle and Jerry Can
- Seeds Source: Native
- Non-GMO: Yes
More Details
Available in packs of 250ml, 500ml, 750 ml, 1 liter, 1.5 liters and 5 liters, the Organica wood-pressed mustard oil has a strong, pungent smell you associate with original mustard oils.
The oil is pressed only once to maintain purity and top-notch quality.
You can use the oil for cooking, skincare, oil pulling and hair care. Also fit for babies and kids. This is the one for you if you want a multipurpose oil.
IndicWisdom Wood Pressed Mustard Oil
- Cold Pressed: Yes
- Organic: Yes
- Wood Pressed: Yes
- Packaging: PET bottle
- Seeds Source: Unknown
- Non-GMO: Yes
More Details
The IndicWisdom offers you two packages in PET bottles of 500ml and 1 liter.
The manufacturer allows farm visits and complete transparency in their process. It also provides employment to the tribal youth.
The website site claims that as part of the process, they use “specialized 2-Micron cotton cloth filters to ensure that the oil is packed without any foreign particles but doesn’t lose important natural waxes, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals”.
Pure & Sure Organic Mustard Oil
- Cold Pressed: Yes
- Organic: Yes
- Wood Pressed: Unknown
- Packaging: PET bottle
- Seeds Source: Unknown
- Non-GMO: Unknown
More Details
The company is nearly 20 years old and manufactures the oil without the involvement of any chemicals and pesticides.
They claim that their farm is organic certified.
Available in packaging of 500 ml, 1 liter, and 5 liters, the mustard oil is pungent and strong.
If you are looking for a mustard oil that gives the lost flavor that you are looking for, then try Pure & Sure organic mustard oil.
Vasara Cold Pressed Mustard Oil
- Cold Pressed: Yes
- Organic: Unknown
- Wood Pressed: Yes
- Packaging: PET bottles and Jars
- Seeds Source: Unknown
- Non-GMO: Unknown
More Details
Available in 1 liter and 5 liter PET bottles and jars, the company employees wood presses to extract cold pressed mustard oil that is rich in antioxidants and has antibacterial properties.
If you are looking for an oil that you can put to multiple uses, such as cooking, skincare, and mosquito repellant, this might be the oil for you.
WOODFRESS Cold Pressed Mustard
- Cold Pressed: Yes
- Organic: No
- Wood Pressed: Yes
- Packaging: Metal tin container
- Seeds Source: Unknown
- Non-GMO: Unknown
More Details
This wood-pressed mustard oil is made from black mustard seeds. The company offers the oil in 1 liter, 3 liters and 5 liters tin cans.
The company ensures that it uses 5kg mustard seeds to produce only 1 liter mustard oil. So, if you are looking for a premium quality mustard oil, consider buying WOODFRESS cold-pressed mustard oil.
The company ships the oil in 5, 7-ply 150GSM brown boxes, air-column bag of 10mm and 12mm foam sheets covering all 6 sides.
Adopt Mustard Oil for a Healthier Future
In a world of increasing pollution and environmental toxins, we have control over what we consume, what we eat, what we put into our body.
The use of cooking oil is a daily affair in our kitchen, and hence this is the first place where we can make a sensible and healthy intervention; also the easiest intervention!
Only you can stop yourself and continue to consume refined oils. Refined oil do not impact health over a period of couple of years, but certainly over a longer period.
Mustard oil has excellent properties, more health benefits, and the seeds used in India are mostly of native variety.
Not just an improvement in flavor; to lead a healthy life, overcome digestive problems, and see a marked improvement in skin and hair, increase immunity (growing children and elderly members?), you must start using cold-pressed mustard oil.
The choice is always yours!