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What Is Wooden Cold Pressed Oil? Why It’s Better Than Refined Oil
Introduction: The Oil You Use Matters
In the modern world, where quick solutions and convenience often win, food purity has taken a back seat. One of the most overlooked aspects of our kitchen — and our health — is the cooking oil we use every day. What if the oil you use to cook your daily meals is doing more harm than good?
Enter the world of wooden cold-pressed oils — a traditional, chemical-free, nutrient-rich alternative to modern refined oils. At Matrika Natural Foods, we’re on a mission to bring back the purity of nature through oils that are made the way they were centuries ago — slow, gentle, and 100% natural.
What Is Wooden Cold Pressed Oil?
Wooden cold-pressed oil refers to oils extracted from seeds or nuts using a traditional method that involves a wooden press — also called a wooden kolhu or wooden ghani. It is a slow and gentle extraction process that retains the natural aroma, flavor, and nutritional value of the oil.
Unlike refined oils, cold-pressed oils are extracted without applying heat or chemicals, making them truly raw and rich in their natural properties.
🪵 The Wooden Kolhu Method
- A wooden pestle (usually made from neem or babool wood) rotates and crushes the oil seeds inside a wooden drum.
- The rotation is slow (around 5–15 RPM), ensuring no heat is generated through friction.
- Oil is slowly released and collected — drop by drop — preserving its nutrients, antioxidants, and enzymes.
History of Wooden Pressed Oil in India
India has always had a rich tradition of using wooden cold-pressed oil, especially in rural areas and Ayurvedic practices.
- Ayurveda emphasized the importance of oil in abhyanga (body massage), cooking, and even rituals.
- Before industrialization, every village had a local oilman (telwala) who used a wooden ghani to extract oils from mustard, sesame, coconut, groundnut, etc.
- The method was slow but sacred. The oil was fresh, unprocessed, and nourishing.
But over time, industrial oil production took over. The emphasis shifted to quantity and shelf life — at the cost of purity.
How Are Wooden Cold Pressed Oils Made?
The process is simple yet powerful. Here’s how Matrika Natural Foods crafts every drop of our oils:
1. Seed Selection
We begin by sourcing high-quality, chemical-free seeds — like mustard, coconut, groundnut, sesame, flaxseed, and more.
2. Cleaning and Drying
Seeds are thoroughly cleaned and sun-dried to remove moisture.
3. Cold Pressing in Wooden Kolhu
- Seeds are added to the wooden barrel.
- A wooden pestle, driven by a motor or bullock, rotates slowly to crush the seeds.
- This pressing generates zero heat and no external chemicals are added.
4. Natural Settling & Filtration
- The oil is allowed to settle naturally for 2–3 days.
- No bleaching, no chemical refining.
- It’s filtered using a fine cloth or natural mesh.
5. Bottling
The oil is poured into sterilized bottles — ready to use.
What Are Refined Oils? And Why Are They Harmful?
Refined oils are made for long shelf life, consistency, and large-scale production. But the process destroys the core goodness of oil.
The Refining Process:
- High-Temperature Extraction
Seeds are crushed under extreme pressure, generating temperatures over 200°C. - Solvent Extraction
A chemical called hexane is used to extract more oil — a known environmental and health hazard. - Neutralization
Acids and alkalis are added to remove odors, flavor, and color. - Bleaching
Bleaching agents remove pigments and make the oil look ‘clean’. - Deodorization
Heated steam removes natural aroma and taste.
Benefits of Wooden Cold Pressed Oils
1. Retains Natural Nutrients
Cold pressing ensures that nutrients like Vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants are intact.
2. No Chemicals, No Preservatives
100% pure oil — safe for cooking, skincare, haircare, and even for children.
3. Good for Heart Health
Naturally high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, helping maintain cholesterol levels.
4. Boosts Brain Function & Immunity
Flaxseed, coconut, and sesame oil are especially good for brain health and immune function.
5. Supports Weight Management
Unrefined oils help regulate metabolism and keep the gut healthy.