Cooking with Cold Pressed Oils in India: Enhancing Flavor and Nutrition in Your Dishes
By TATA Simply Better
In the complex tapestry of Indian cuisine, the choice of oil influences both the flavour and nutritional composition of the meals. Cold-pressed oils in India are becoming increasingly popular due to their numerous health advantages and great flavour. This ancient process of oil extraction, which involves pressing the oil seeds at moderate temperatures, preserves the oil's original flavour, fragrance, and nutritional content.
What are cold-pressed oils?
Cold-pressed oils are extracted mechanically, without the use of heat. This procedure, also known as cold pressing, retains the important minerals, antioxidants, and fatty acids that are sometimes lost during the refining process of traditional oils. Cold-pressed oils in India are made from a range of seeds and nuts, including sesame, coconut, mustard, and groundnut, each with its own set of health advantages and culinary applications.
Health Advantages of Cold-Pressed Oils in India
Rich in Nutrients: Cold-pressed oils retain their natural vitamins and minerals, making them a healthier option. For example, cold-pressed coconut oil contains a high concentration of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can enhance metabolism and energy levels.
High in Antioxidants: These oils include antioxidants such as vitamin E, which assist the body resist free radicals, lowering inflammation and the risk of chronic illnesses.
Heart Health: Cold-pressed oils in India, such as mustard oil and groundnut oil, contain beneficial lipids that can benefit heart health by lowering bad cholesterol and raising good cholesterol.
Improved Digestion: Many cold-pressed oils, particularly sesame and coconut oil, offer characteristics that aid digestion and intestinal health.
Culinary Applications of Cold-Pressed Oils in India
Cold-pressed oils in India are valued not just for their health advantages but also for their capacity to improve the flavour of foods. Here are a few ways to use these oils in your cooking:
Salad Dressing: Cold-pressed oils in India are a good basis for salad dressings. Their rich flavours enhance fresh veggies and greens. A simple dressing of cold pressed olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs, for example, may transform a plain salad into a gourmet feast.
Cooking and Sautéing: While some cold-pressed oils in India have a lower smoke point, many are safe to fry and sauté. Cold-pressed coconut oil, for example, is excellent for sautéing vegetables or cooking Indian curries, adding a delicate, nutty flavour.
Baking: Replace refined oils with cold-pressed alternatives in baking recipes. Cold-pressed almond oil may impart a subtle flavour to cakes and pastries while increasing their nutritious value.
Finishing Oils: Drizzle cold-pressed oils over completed foods to improve their flavour. Cold-pressed sesame oil, with its powerful, nutty flavour, is ideal for spreading over Asian-inspired recipes or roasted vegetables.
Marinades and Sauces: Marinades and sauces benefit from the use of cold-pressed oils in India, which provide depth and complexity. Mustard oil, with its pungent and somewhat spicy flavour, may modify marinades for meats and vegetables, adding a genuine Indian twist.
Popular cold-pressed oils in India
Cold Pressed Sesame Oil: Sesame oil, known for its unique flavour and several health advantages, is a mainstay in many Indian homes. It is high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making it an excellent cooking and finishing oil.
Cold Pressed Coconut Oil: This versatile oil is often utilised in South Indian cuisine. Its high concentration of lauric acid and MCTs makes it ideal for cooking, baking, and even skincare.
Cold Pressed Mustard Oil: Mustard oil has a rich, pungent flavour that distinguishes many Indian recipes. It is rich in monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health and reduce inflammation.
Cold Pressed Groundnut Oil: Also known as peanut oil, groundnut oil has a moderate flavour and works well for frying and sautéing. It contains monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, making it a healthy option for regular cooking.
Are cold-pressed oils good for Indian cooking?
Incorporating cold-pressed oils in India into your culinary practice is a simple yet efficient approach to boosting the flavour and nutritional content of your meals. These oils, with their rich taste and countless health advantages, demonstrate the wisdom of ancient Indian cooking methods. Choosing cold-pressed oils over refined alternatives not only promotes a healthy lifestyle but also embraces the genuine flavours that make Indian food so unique and delicious. So, the next time you create a meal, opt for cold-pressed oils in India and see how they might improve your cuisine.
With Tata Simply Better, Tata Consumer Products has entered into a new category, with a range of cold-pressed oils aimed at consumers who want to include cold-pressed oils in their kitchens. Tata Simply Better has come with various cold-pressed oils- Groundnut, Virgin Coconut, Sesame, and Mustard, to provide a healthier and more nutritious alternative to traditional cooking oils.
These oils are carefully extracted to retain their natural goodness, and they are free from trans fats and cholesterol. By using the finest A1-grade ingredients, Tata Simply Better ensures that its products offer a superior culinary experience while promoting overall well-being.
