Wood Pressed Oil vs Cold Pressed Oil: Key Differences You Need to Know

Yesterday, after work, I went to the market for grocery shopping on a list that included sesame oil. Exploring the half-mart section, I find sesame oil.

But then confusion started!

Multiple brands, multiple claims, "we are the best," "we are real," etc. Standing there, I found that most of us buy random oil without knowing about it, so I read some bottles' labels, and at this point, I began to wonder about what the difference is between wood-pressed and cold-pressed oil.

In India, traditional cooking oil is an essential item, the first step we add to our pan for sautéing, frying, tadka, and many more dishes. Often, the right oil is important for good health and immunity.

Let’s break down the real difference between cold-pressed oils and wood-pressed oils, how they perform, what benefits we get in the kitchen, and what actually matters when choosing the right one for ourselves.

What is cold-pressed oil?

Cold-pressed oil is extracted using mechanical presses that preserve natural nutrients, fatty acids, and the mild flavor of the seeds.

Cold-pressed oils are made using modern machinery. For making any oil, a seed is required. In the cold-pressed method, seeds are passed through, generating 40 to 60% of heat in the extraction method.

Because of free chemicals, cold-pressed oil preserves good nutrients and fatty acids that evaporate when we do heavy heating in extraction.

Cold-pressed oils feel a bit heavy, the reason for that is that they do not stay closer to their natural form. 

What is wood-pressed oil?

Wood-pressed oil is extracted using a traditional wooden ghani that slowly presses seeds to preserve natural nutrients, aroma, and authentic flavor.

Wood pressing is the traditional method to extract the oil. A wooden ghani plays a role in this method instead of heavy machinery.

At first, seeds are soured and cleaned, then selected seeds are pressed slowly in a wooden ghani at a low temperature. It preserves all healthy nutrients, vitamins, and fatty acids, resulting in 100% pure and natural oil.

• No chemical processing

• Better aroma and flavor

• More nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins.

Wood-pressed oil has a rich aroma and stays close to its natural form, which makes the oil feel lighter. For flavor, wood-pressed has a more traditional aroma and richer taste due to the slow extraction process. 

It also works well in high-heat cooking. Wood-pressed oils have moderate-high smoke points, so they stay stable without breaking down, making them the best option for your cooking.

Traditional methods, combined with careful processing, help ensure the purity and quality of the oil. That's how wood-pressed oil stands out.

Difference between cold-pressed and wood-pressed (quick comparison)

People get confused and find cold-pressed oil and wood-pressed oil similar, but there are important differences in their extraction process, taste, and nutritional value. By looking at the table, you will quickly understand the difference.

Common myths you should ignore

Debunking common myths about cold-pressed and wood-pressed oils, including differences in processing, quality, and everyday use. 

Now I will bust the bubble of myths about cold-pressed and wood-pressed oils.

Cold-pressed and wood-pressed oils are exactly the same

People think that cold-pressed and wood-pressed oils are the same, but they are very different in their natural form, taste, and nutrition. Although both are naturally good options, wood-pressed oil stands out because of the use of traditional methods.

Cold-pressed oils use machinery for faster production, which generates nearly 40%-60% more heat compared to wood-pressed. While the wood-pressed method is slow and natural with less/no heat generation. This creates differences in texture, aroma, and taste.

Traditional means better in every case

The traditional method is considered to be a better and healthier option, but it also depends on the quality of the seed being used, hygiene, freshness, and proper storage. That's why choosing the right trusted brand is as important as the extraction method. 

Traditional oils are not practical for daily use

It's a big myth that traditional oils are not for practical daily use. Wood-pressed oil has a moderate to high smoke point, which makes it suitable for all types of cooking. It tastes better than refined oils with an aroma that you can feel in every bite. So traditional oils are a good fit for daily use.

Darker color means better quality

Many people believe that darker oil colors indicate better oil quality and higher nutritional value. The actual color of oil shows variation because different seed types, natural pigments, and extraction methods create different oil colors. The source of the oil and its freshness and brand reputation should be checked because color is not a sign of the purity or quality of the oil.

Why are more people switching to traditional oils?

Understanding why more people are choosing traditional oils for their health benefits, natural processing, and better lifestyle choices. 

With the help of the internet, people become smarter and more serious about their health and lifestyle. Before consuming anything, look at the label and understand the processes.

The same happened with traditional oil, we all get to know about its benefits and health advantages, like supporting heart health, being good for bones, skin, and hair, improving digestion, and much more.

Then people move away from refined oils to wood-pressed oils, which they prefer because they are free from chemical processing and retain rich aroma, flavour, and more nutrients like antioxidants and vitamins.

Our grandparents know better. In their generation, traditional methods were used a lot, later, other methods developed, but they still prefer and recommend wood-pressed oil to use.

Ready to choose between wood-pressed and cold-pressed oil for your kitchen?

Choosing between wood-pressed oil and cold-pressed oil is not about labels. It's about bringing the best oil for your family's health and wellness.

We understand that they both avoid heavy heating and chemical processing. Preserves natural nutrients and offers a clean and healthy oil option for cooking.

Wood-pressed oil has the upper hand over it, as it outperforms the cold-pressed oil. The reason is clear it stays closer to the natural form and contains the goodness of the seeds being used.

Traditionally, slow extraction makes oil lighter, which is good for heart and gut health. Taste richer and have an aroma that you can feel in every bite.

Versatile oil for cooking. This makes them a great choice for Indian cooking methods like sautéing, tadka, and other high-heat preparations.

Svaadh wood-pressed oils are crafted using traditional methods to bring purity, authentic flavor, and trusted quality to everyday cooking.

If you are someone who prefers quality and purity over shortcut methods, at Svaadh, you can experience traditionally made wood-pressed oils that are made with total care, healthier, and an authentic choice.

In the end, it's about bringing traditional values, authentic taste, and oil that you can trust.

Frequently asked questions about wood-pressed oil vs cold-pressed oil

Is wood-pressed oil healthier than cold-pressed oil?

Wood-pressed oils stay closer to their natural form, and traditional slow-extraction methods have the upper hand in preserving more natural nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins. That makes a healthier oil for daily cooking and overall health.

Why does wood-pressed oil have a stronger aroma than cold-pressed oil?

Wood-pressed oil has a stronger aroma because it is made with slow processing without generating heat in the traditional ghani method. Low temperature helps preserve the natural fragrance and flavor of the seeds. Cold-pressed oil is produced using modern machines, which results in a milder and more neutral taste.

What is the difference between cold-pressed oil and wood-pressed oil?

The major difference between cold-pressed and wood-pressed oil is in the extraction method. Cold-pressed oil uses machinery to extract oil with controlled heat, and wood-pressed oil uses the traditional ghani method, slowly without generating heat. This process helps wood-pressed oil retain more aroma, nutrients, and natural flavor.

Why are wood-pressed and cold-pressed oils considered healthier than refined oils?

Wood-pressed oils and cold-pressed oils are better options for your health compared to refined oil. Refined oils use chemical processing with high heating to make oil lighter and just to increase shelf life. Less nutrition and a neutral taste.