Heating cold pressed oil requires careful temperature control to preserve its natural nutrients and avoid harmful compounds. Unlike refined oils, cold pressed oils have lower smoke points and are more sensitive to heat. Safe cooking methods include using low to medium heat, avoiding reuse, and selecting suitable techniques like tempering or roasting. Tata Simply Better offers a range of high-quality cold pressed oils- including coconut, groundnut, mustard, sesame, sunflower, and extra virgin olive oil - that are minimally processed, nutrient-rich, and ideal for mindful cooking.

Heating cold pressed oil is a topic that often raises questions among conscious cooks and food lovers alike. At Tata Simply Better, we understand your desire to use oils that are not only pure and nutritious but also versatile enough to handle everyday cooking. So, how do you heat cold pressed oil safely without compromising its nutritious benefits or flavour? This blog uncovers everything you need to know about heating cold pressed oil, the safe temperatures to observe, and smart techniques to get the best out of these precious oils.

Why Heating Cold Pressed Oil Needs Special Attention

Cold pressed oils, unlike refined oils, are minimally processed to preserve their natural nutrients, aroma, and flavour. Heating cold pressed oil requires extra care because excessive heat can break down the delicate compounds, reduce nutritional value, and create unwanted flavours or even harmful substances.

The good news? You can still enjoy cooking with cold pressed oils if you know the right temperatures and techniques to use. Whether you’re stir-frying your favourite veggies or tempering spices for an Indian curry, Tata Simply Better oils are designed to give you the best of nature - when handled wisely.

What Exactly Happens When You Heat Cold Pressed Oil?

When you heat any oil, the molecules start to break down. But cold pressed oils are more sensitive because they retain natural antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids that are easily damaged by high temperatures. Overheating can lead to:

• Loss of beneficial nutrients like vitamin E and polyphenols
  
  

• Formation of free radicals and trans fats (which are harmful)
  
  

• Change in flavour, sometimes turning bitter or burnt
  
  

• Reduced smoke point, making the oil unsafe to cook at very high heat
  
  

So, heating cold pressed oil safely means knowing the smoke point and using cooking techniques that keep the oil stable.

Understanding Smoke Points: The Key to Heating Cold Pressed Oil

The smoke point is the temperature at which oil starts to smoke and break down. Each oil has its own smoke point, and for cold pressed oils, this is usually lower than refined ones. Here are some common Tata Simply Better cold pressed oils and their approximate smoke points:

• Cold Pressed Coconut Oil: ~170°C (338°F)
  
  

• Cold Pressed Groundnut Oil: ~160°C (320°F)
  
  

• Cold Pressed Mustard Oil: ~180°C (356°F)
  
  

• Cold Pressed Sesame Oil: ~177°C (350°F)
  
  

• Cold Pressed Sunflower Oil: ~107°C (225°F) – relatively low
  
  

• Cold Pressed Olive Oil (Extra Virgin): ~160°C (320°F)
  
  

Knowing these numbers helps you avoid overheating and keeps your cooking safe and nutritious.

Smart Techniques for Heating Cold Pressed Oil

Here are some easy-to-follow tips for heating cold pressed oil while preserving its goodness:

1. Use Low to Medium Heat

Cold pressed oils are best heated gently. Use low or medium flame when sautéing or stir-frying. Avoid blasting the pan with high heat, which can quickly push the oil past its smoke point.

2. Add Oil at the Right Time

Add cold pressed oil after you’ve heated your pan slightly but before it gets too hot. This helps the oil warm gradually without reaching damaging temperatures.

3. Avoid Reusing Oil

Reheating cold pressed oil multiple times accelerates nutrient loss and creates harmful compounds. Use fresh oil each time for nutritious cooking.

4. Choose Cooking Methods Wisely

Cold pressed oils shine in tempering, light frying, roasting, and salad dressings. Reserve heavy deep frying or high-temperature cooking for oils with higher smoke points or refined oils.

5. Use a Cooking Thermometer

If you’re experimenting with frying or other higher-heat cooking, a kitchen thermometer can help you monitor the temperature to keep it below the oil’s smoke point.

Why Tata Simply Better Cold Pressed Oils Are Perfect for Your Kitchen

At Tata Simply Better, our cold pressed oils are made from the finest quality seeds and nuts, using traditional cold pressing methods to ensure purity and authenticity. We understand that heating cold pressed oil safely is important to retain the natural benefits, and that’s why our oils are carefully crafted to provide maximum nutrition and flavour.

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, Extra Virgin Olive, Mustard and Sunflower Oil,  that provide a 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.