The Forgotten Indian Oil Tradition: Why Wood-Pressed Oils Are Making a Powerful Comeback

For generations, Indian kitchens relied on oils extracted through traditional wooden churners known as “Lakdi Ghani.” These oils were rich in nutrients, full of natural aroma, and deeply connected to regional food traditions.

Then the industrial food revolution happened.

Refined oils took over supermarket shelves. They promised longer shelf life, neutral taste, and cheaper production. Slowly, traditional oils disappeared from daily cooking.

But something interesting is happening now.

Health-conscious families are rediscovering the benefits of wood-pressed oils, and brands like Arkka Oils are bringing this ancient method back into modern kitchens.

This shift is not a trend.It’s a return to real food and real nutrition.

What Exactly Are Wood-Pressed Oils?

Wood-pressed oils are extracted using a slow mechanical process inside wooden churners. The seeds are crushed at low temperatures, which prevents nutrient damage.

Unlike industrial extraction methods, this process does not involve:

• High heat

• Chemical solvents

• Artificial deodorization

• Bleaching agents

Because of this, the oil retains its natural structure, nutrients, aroma, and flavour.

This method has been used in India for thousands of years.

What Happens During Oil Refining?

Most refined oils go through several aggressive industrial processes.

These typically include:

Degumming

Removing phospholipids using chemicals.

Neutralization

Using alkaline chemicals to remove fatty acids.

Bleaching

Removing color using bleaching earth.

Deodorization

Heating oil at extremely high temperatures to remove smell.

During these processes, oils can reach temperatures above 200°C.

The problem?

Many natural nutrients get destroyed during this stage.

Nutritional Loss in Refined Oils

Refining strips away many beneficial compounds including:

• Vitamin E

• Polyphenols

• Natural antioxidants

• Essential fatty acids

What remains is oil that may look clear and light but contains far fewer nutritional benefits.

This is one of the key reasons nutrition experts are encouraging people to reconsider traditional oil extraction methods.

Why Wood-Pressed Oils Are Healthier

Wood-pressed oils preserve the natural profile of the seed.

This means they retain:

Healthy Fats

Essential fatty acids that support heart health.

Antioxidants

Compounds that help reduce oxidative stress in the body.

Natural Vitamins

Including Vitamin E, which supports skin and immune health.

Bioactive Nutrients

Naturally occurring compounds that are lost during refining.

Because the oil is minimally processed, it remains closer to nature.

The Taste Difference

Anyone who has used cold-pressed oils notices this immediately.

Wood-pressed oils carry the true aroma of the seed or nut.

Groundnut oil smells like roasted peanuts.Sesame oil carries a rich nutty fragrance.

This natural aroma enhances cooking rather than masking it.

Traditional Indian dishes often taste more authentic when cooked with wood-pressed oils.

Why Consumers Are Switching Back

Several factors are driving the growing demand for cold-pressed oils:

1. Increased awareness about processed foods

2. Rising lifestyle diseases

3. Interest in traditional Indian wellness practices

4. Demand for chemical-free products

5. Clean eating movements

People are realizing that less processed food often means better health.

The Arkka Oils Approach

Arkka Oils is built on a simple philosophy:preserve purity and tradition.

The brand focuses on:

• Wood-pressed extraction methods

• Carefully sourced seeds

• Small batch production

• No chemical processing

The result is oil that reflects traditional quality with modern safety standards.