Why Wood-Pressed Oil is the Key to Healthier Cooking

Why Wood-Pressed Oil is the Key to Healthier Cooking

Sick of oils you feel bad about splurging on from your cupboard? 🍳

Look no further! They are superb and the best-kept secret in the present-day food world, where you won't be compromising on taste for health.

Just imagine pouring a bit of golden, aromatic oil over your salad leaves or cooking some vegetable combinations in the pan, and you will understand it's not only about cooking scrumptious food; it's about helping your body. Proper, traditional extraction methods of hand-pressed, wood-pressed oils mean the vast majority of nutrients and goodness is retained, unlike industrial processing of oil. So what's so special about these oils, and how do they level up your kitchen? 💧🌿

 

Understanding Wood-Pressed Oil

In this blog, we will discuss the nutritional benefits of wood-pressed oils, the way these oils bring out the taste of the dishes, and some versatile cooking practices with these oils. And how to choose the perfect wood-pressed oil for the purpose you want to cook with; so, prepare to roast and fry yourself sehat, one drop of that wood-pressed oil at a time!

 

A. Traditional extraction method

The most ancient way of extraction is the method of wood-pressing that is followed for the extraction of oil. It is a process where seeds or nuts are crushed between two heavy wooden logs or stones to extract oil. Wood pressing, unlike a lot of the emulsifying processes of modern industrial work, doesn’t require heat or chemicals, yielding a purer, more natural product.

 

Traditional Method

Modern Method

Wooden or stone press

Steel machinery

No heat applied

Heat often used

Slow extraction

Rapid extraction

Minimal processing

Chemical processing


B. Difference from refined oils

Cold/milled wood-pressed oils are quite different from refined oils in these aspects:

  • Extraction method: Oil is extracted mechanically (such as with wood-pressed oils) or more chemically in the case of refined oils.
  • Gentle heat exposure: Unlike other pressed forms, wood pressing does not use high temperatures, which will maintain heat-sensitive nutrients.
  • Nutritional value: Wood-pressed oils contain more nutrients than refined oils.

When compared to commercially refined oils, wood-pressed oils have low peroxides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), meaning they are a far more natural and nutrient-rich option, to which the health-conscious consumer may readily want to gravitate to like Sarita's Kitchen Wood Pressed Groundnut Oil or Coconut Oil.

 

Choosing the Right Wood-Pressed Oil

Different types available

When it comes to wood pressed oils, there's a variety to choose from, each with its unique flavor profile and health benefits. Here's a comparison of some popular options:

 

Oil Type

Flavor Profile

Best Uses

Groundnut (Peanut)

Nutty, mild

Stir-frying, baking

Coconut

Sweet, tropical

Sautéing, baking

Sesame

Rich, nutty

Asian cuisine, dressings

Sanflower

Light, neutral

High-heat cooking

Almond

Delicate, nutty

Salad dressings, baking

Castor 

Bold, bland 

Natural laxative 


Smoke point considerations

Understanding the smoke point of an oil is critical in selecting one for the appropriate cooking method. While wood-pressed oils are more nutritious than refined oils, they have a lower smoke point.

  • Low-heat cooking (under 350°F): Walnut, almond
  • Cooking at any level of heat (350-400°F): Coconut, sesame
  • High heat oils (400-450°F) – Groundnut, Safflower Storage and shelf life
  • To preserve the quality of your oil pressed from wood:
  • Store in a cool, dark place
  • Avoid direct sunlight and heat
  • Best Within 3-6 Months After Opening
  • Smell before using to check for rancidity Incorporating Wood-Pressed Oil into Your Diet


Everyday cooking techniques

Wood-pressed oils can refine your everyday cooking practices. Incorporate them like this:

Sautéing: Sarita's Kitchen Wood Pressed Groundnut Oil for a nutty flavor

Cooking (stir fry): Sarita's Kitchen Wood Pressed Sesame Oil gives an authentic taste typical of Asia

Deep-frying: we recommend Sarita's Kitchen Premium Gold Sunflower Oil due to its high smoke point

 

Cooking Method

Recommended Oil

Benefits

Sautéing

Groundnut Oil

Nutty flavor, high smoke point

Stir-frying

Sesame Oil

Authentic Asian taste, rich in antioxidants

Deep-frying

Sunflower Oil

High smoke point, neutral flavor


Salad dressings and marinades

They also shine in cold applications, making wood-pressed oils a perfect complement to simple salads.

  • Mix Sarita's Kitchen Wood Pressed Walnut Oil with balsamic vinegar for a gourmet salad dressing
  • Make a marinade with herbs and spices for grilled veggies using Sarita’s Kitchen Wood Pressed Safflower Oil


Baking applications

Elevate your baked goods with wood-pressed oils:

Use Sarita's Kitchen Wood Pressed Coconut Oil instead of butter in cookies and cakes

Glaze pastries with Brush Sarita's Kitchen Wood Pressed Almond Oil for a subtle nutty flavor

 

Substituting in favorite recipes

Inject new life into your favorite recipes by using wood-pressed oils instead of the regulars:

Substitute vegetable oil for Sarita's Kitchen Wood Pressed Groundnut Oil in Homemade Mayonnaise

Try Sarita's Kitchen Wood Pressed Sesame Oil in stir-fry recipes.

 

Conclusion: Embrace Healthier Cooking with Wood-Pressed Oils

Wood-pressed oils are a fantastic choice for healthier cooking, retaining essential nutrients and natural flavors often lost in refined oils. By incorporating these oils into your meals, you enhance both taste and health.

 

Consider these options from Sarita's Kitchen:

1. Groundnut Oil - Great for frying with a rich nutty flavor.

2. Coconut Oil - Perfect for baking and tropical dishes.

3. Sunflower Oil - Versatile for everyday cooking, packed with vitamins.

4. Safflower Oil - Light flavor, ideal for dressings.

5. Sesame Oil - A staple in Asian cuisine with healthy fats.

6. Almond Oil - Nutrient-dense for salads and desserts.

7. Walnut Oil - Robust flavor for finishing dishes.

 

Choose Sarita's Kitchen wood pressed oils for delicious, nutritious meals!

 

Watch Procedure of  wood-pressed oil on the Official Sarita’s Kitchen Channel :  https://youtu.be/tfoZlBzI4oo?si=Gzepmhv4Cs2Wge33

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