Introduction
Walk into any supermarket today and you'll find an overwhelming variety of cooking oils.
Refined sunflower oil.
Rice bran oil.
Canola oil.
Olive oil.
Blended oils.
Heart-friendly oils.
Low-cholesterol oils.
Every bottle promises something different, making it difficult for consumers to know which one truly belongs in their kitchen.
Interestingly, our grandparents never faced this dilemma.
The choice of cooking oil wasn't influenced by advertising or food trends. It depended on where they lived, what crops were grown locally, and what had been passed down through generations.
Families in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh cooked with mustard oil.
Households in Gujarat preferred groundnut oil.
Tamil Nadu and Karnataka relied on sesame oil.
Kerala's kitchens were known for coconut oil.
These oils weren't chosen by chance—they reflected regional agriculture, climate, and culinary traditions developed over centuries.
As nutrition science evolves and consumers become more conscious about food quality, many people are rediscovering these traditional oils. The focus is shifting away from heavily processed products toward foods that remain closer to their natural form.
One such example is cold-pressed oil.
At BMS Naturals, we believe healthy cooking begins long before food reaches the kitchen. It starts in fertile soil, with responsible farming, careful harvesting, and gentle processing that preserves the natural character of every ingredient. Our commitment is to reconnect families with authentic Indian foods while supporting the farmers who grow them.
What Does "Cold-Pressed" Really Mean?
Cold pressing is one of the oldest methods of extracting oil from seeds and nuts.
Instead of using high temperatures or chemical solvents, the seeds are mechanically pressed to release their natural oils. Because the process generates much less heat than conventional refining, the oil retains its characteristic aroma, colour, and flavour.
Traditionally in India, this method was known as wood-pressed (Kolhu or Ghani) extraction, where a wooden or stone mill slowly crushed seeds to produce oil.
Modern cold-press technology follows the same principle while using improved equipment to ensure hygiene and consistency.
The result is an oil that undergoes minimal processing and remains closer to its natural state.
How Are Refined Oils Different?
To understand why cold-pressed oils are gaining attention, it helps to understand how refined oils are produced.
Refining typically involves multiple industrial steps designed to create an oil with a neutral colour, flavour, and aroma. These processes may include heating, filtering, bleaching, and deodorising.
The purpose of refining is to improve shelf stability and create a more uniform product.
Cold-pressed oils, on the other hand, undergo significantly less processing. Their natural flavour and aroma remain largely intact, making them popular for traditional recipes where the character of the oil contributes to the overall taste.
Neither processing method is inherently "good" or "bad"—they simply produce different types of oils with different culinary characteristics.
Why Traditional Oils Are Returning to Indian Kitchens
Consumers today are asking different questions than they did a decade ago.
Instead of simply asking:
"Which oil is cheapest?"
they increasingly ask:
- Where was this oil produced?
- How was it extracted?
- Is it minimally processed?
- Which farmers grew these oilseeds?
- Does this oil suit Indian cooking?
This shift reflects a growing interest in authenticity, transparency, and sustainability.
Traditional oils also connect people with regional food cultures. The pungent aroma of mustard oil in a Bengali fish curry or the rich flavour of sesame oil in South Indian cuisine is more than taste—it is part of India's culinary identity.
Exploring India's Traditional Oils
Mustard Oil
Mustard oil has long been a staple in North and East India.
Its distinctive aroma makes it ideal for pickles, curries, stir-fries, and marinades. It is deeply rooted in regional cuisines and has been used for generations in everyday cooking.
Groundnut Oil
Groundnut oil is popular in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and parts of Rajasthan.
Its mild flavour makes it suitable for a wide range of dishes, from sautéed vegetables to traditional snacks.
Groundnuts are also an important crop for many Indian farmers, making this oil an important part of regional agriculture.
Sesame Oil
Sesame oil has a rich history in South Indian cooking.
Often used for tempering, chutneys, pickles, and festive dishes, it brings a distinct nutty flavour that enhances traditional recipes.
Sesame seeds have been cultivated in India for thousands of years and continue to play an important role in sustainable farming systems.
Coconut Oil
In coastal India, particularly Kerala, coconut oil remains an integral part of everyday cooking.
Its use reflects the agricultural diversity of the region and demonstrates how local food traditions evolved around locally available resources.
Are Cold-Pressed Oils Healthier?
Rather than asking whether one oil is universally "healthier," it's better to think about how oils fit into an overall balanced diet.
Cold-pressed oils are appreciated because they:
- Undergo minimal processing.
- Retain their natural flavour and aroma.
- Encourage the use of traditional cooking practices.
- Support local oilseed farming.
However, all oils are energy-dense and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
The healthiest dietary pattern is one that includes a variety of wholesome foods, plenty of vegetables, pulses, whole grains, fruits, and appropriate amounts of healthy fats.
Choosing the Right Oil for Everyday Cooking
Different oils complement different cooking methods.
For example:
|
Oil |
Best Used For |
|
Mustard Oil |
Traditional curries, pickles, stir-fries |
|
Groundnut Oil |
Everyday cooking, sautéing |
|
Sesame Oil |
Tempering, chutneys, South Indian dishes |
|
Coconut Oil |
Coastal cuisine, curries, roasting |
Rotating oils according to regional recipes and cooking styles can add both variety and flavour to your meals.
Common Myths About Cooking Oils
Myth 1: One Oil Is Best for Every Family
Reality: Different oils have different culinary properties. Variety is often a practical approach.
Myth 2: Refined Oils Should Always Be Avoided
Reality: Refining changes the characteristics of oils. The right choice depends on your cooking methods, dietary needs, and preferences.
Myth 3: Traditional Oils Are Outdated
Reality: Many traditional oils remain popular because they complement Indian cuisines and support local agriculture.
Why BMS Naturals Chooses the Traditional Path
At BMS Naturals, we see food as more than a product—it is a connection between the farmer, the land, and the family enjoying the meal.
Our cold-pressed oils are sourced through partnerships with 150+ Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and over 1,00,000 farmers across India.
This allows us to:
- Promote traditional oilseed cultivation.
- Encourage sustainable farming practices.
- Preserve authentic processing methods.
- Ensure greater transparency from farm to fork.
- Deliver wholesome, minimally processed products to consumers.
When you choose BMS Naturals, you are not only choosing a cooking oil—you are supporting farming communities, traditional agriculture, and a food system built on trust.
Farm to Fork: Every Drop Has a Story
The journey of a bottle of cold-pressed oil begins months before it reaches your kitchen.
It starts with farmers preparing the soil, selecting quality seeds, nurturing crops through changing seasons, harvesting with care, and working collectively through Farmer Producer Organizations.
After harvest, the oilseeds are cleaned, mechanically pressed, filtered, and packaged with minimal processing before making their way to homes across the country.
Every bottle tells a story of patience, craftsmanship, and the people who grow India's food.
Key Takeaways
- Cold-pressed oils are extracted using mechanical methods with minimal processing.
- Traditional Indian oils have been part of balanced diets for generations.
- Different oils complement different regional cuisines and cooking styles.
- Choosing responsibly sourced oils supports Indian farmers and sustainable agriculture.
- BMS Naturals works directly with Farmer Producer Organizations to bring authentic, high-quality cold-pressed oils from farm to fork.
Conclusion
Cooking oil is more than just an ingredient—it influences the flavour of our meals, reflects our culinary traditions, and connects us to the farmers who cultivate the crops we depend on.
As more families seek wholesome, authentic foods, cold-pressed oils are once again finding their rightful place in Indian kitchens. Their appeal lies not only in traditional extraction methods but also in the values they represent: simplicity, transparency, and respect for nature.
At BMS Naturals, we are proud to preserve these traditions by partnering with farming communities across India to bring responsibly sourced, minimally processed oils to your home. Every meal prepared with care becomes more than nourishment—it becomes a celebration of India's agricultural heritage and a step toward a healthier, more sustainable future.
