While buying cooking oil from a general store, if you ever feel confused after seeing different types of oil, then this guide is for you.

Generally, types of cooking oil fall into broad categories, such as refined oil, unrefined oil, or traditional oil. Even though they are all edible oils, each remains distinct based on its processing method and nutrient profile.

However, this guide's main focus is to understand the difference between cold-pressed and wood-pressed oil.

Although, in a broader sense, both are part of the traditional oil category, they still have some differences that mainly exist due to their extraction process.

So let's understand what cold-pressed vs. wood-pressed oil is, how they differ, and which one is ideal for your daily use.

Types of Traditional Cooking Oils

Cold-Pressed Oil

Cold-pressed oil is the same oil that we call Kacchi Ghani oil or Kolhu oil in India.

This is a traditional and natural way of extracting oil. In this process, seeds are slowly crushed and oil is extracted using only pressure (force), without heating or using any chemicals. Its specialty is that because heat is not used, naturally occurring heat-sensitive nutrients are retained in a better way.

However, cold-pressed oil that is extracted through modern machines differs significantly from the natural method. In the machine mechanism, steel machines are used to produce higher quantities at greater speed in less time, which generates some heat and friction.

And because of this heat and friction from the steel machine, this modern cold-pressed oil affects the oil's natural aroma, flavor, and some heat-sensitive essential nutrients to a certain extent compared to the natural traditional technique.

Traditional Wood-Pressed Oil

Wood-pressed oil extraction is an age-old method. In India, it is mainly known by names like Kacchi Ghani or Chekku.

Unlike modern cold-pressed oil techniques, it is not extracted through steel machinery, but through a traditional wooden setup where seeds are slowly crushed to extract the oil.

Since wood is a good insulator, it absorbs heat during oil extraction, and the wooden pestle and mortar (ghani or kolhu) used in it move slowly, generating minimal friction.

Because the naturally occurring, heat-sensitive compounds are not affected much, wood-pressed oil is considered very valuable. Apart from this, based on its rich color, aroma, and flavor, it is considered an ideal choice.

Bull-Driven Oil

If wood-pressed oil represents a traditional approach, bull-driven oil (or Bail Ki Ghani) is one of the most traditional methods of oil extraction.

In this traditional setup, a wooden press is rotated by a bull walking at a slow, steady pace. The gradual movement allows the seeds to be crushed slowly rather than through high-speed mechanical processing, and because of this, it is considered higher in value compared to both cold-pressed and wood-pressed methods, mainly in India.

Key features of bull-driven oil (Bail Ki Ghani):

• Slow Extraction: Seeds are crushed very slowly, which helps preserve their natural nutrients.

• Traditional Processing: Due to slower extraction, bull-driven oil is richer in aroma and flavor.

• Traditional & Artisanal: It is a traditional way of making oil that protects India's heritage and regional skills.

In short: Whether it is rich bull-driven groundnut oil for daily curries or aromatic sesame oil for cooking, the slow extraction process gives you unique taste, aroma, and quality.

Key Difference Between Cold-Pressed and Wood-Pressed Oil

It is common to confuse cold-pressed and wood-pressed oils. To understand in a very simple way, you can go through the following table:

Which Oil Should You Choose for Daily Cooking?

• If you want an accessible, budget-friendly oil, electric cold-pressed oil can be a practical option for everyday cooking.

• If you prefer traditional extraction and a richer, more characteristic flavor, wood-pressed cooking oil may be worth considering.

• If you are interested in a traditional, slow extraction method, bull-driven cooking oil offers an example of an age-old approach to oil making.

End Note

If you are interested in traditionally extracted bull-driven oil, Hatti Butti offers a range of traditionally crafted oil options. You can explore their selection directly on the official Hatti Butti website.