Cold Pressed Oil for Cooking: Unleashing True Flavours and Benefits

Pure and Refined Cold Pressed Oil for Cooking

New Delhi: In modern culinary arts, the significance of cold-pressed oils is increasingly recognized. Extracted naturally without heat or chemicals, these oils are valued for their purity, flavor, and health benefits. Unlike refined oils, cold-pressed varieties retain the natural essence of their source seeds or nuts. From enhancing taste to being more environmentally friendly, cold-pressed oils are carving out a niche in contemporary kitchens.

So, what makes cold-pressed oil special?

The production of cold-pressed oil is straightforward yet effective. Seeds or nuts are crushed at low temperatures, below 49°C, without chemicals, preserving their nutrients, antioxidants, and flavor. Prominent examples include olive, coconut, sesame, and sunflower oils.

In contrast, refined oils undergo processes like bleaching, degumming, and deodorization at high temperatures. While these methods extend shelf life and remove flavors, they also strip away the oil's natural goodness, including nutrients and antioxidants. This is why cold pressed oils are becoming the preferred choice for those seeking authenticity in their ingredients.

Benefits of Cold Pressed Oil

• Retains Nutrition and Flavor: Cold pressed oils are nutrient-dense, thus sealing in the important fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. For example, cold pressed olive oil is high in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E; thus, it is great for cooking and adding a finishing touch over salads.
• Pure and Chemical-Free: Since there are no chemicals and no heat involved in the extraction process, cold pressed oils are free from unwanted residue. That is why cold pressed oil is perfect for those who care about natural or organic food.
• Environmentally Friendly: This method consumes minimal resources and produces less waste than the production of refined oil. Using cold pressed oils helps in building a sustainable food culture.
• Versatility in Cooking: Cold pressed oils can be used for sautéing or shallow frying but are also well suited for use in dressings, marinades, and baking. Rich flavors make these good complements to any cuisine.

Uses of Cold Pressed Oil in Cooking

• Olive Oil for Mediterranean Delights: Cold pressed olive oil is an essential component of Mediterranean cooking. Its strong flavor allows it to be used as a salad dressing, dips, and lighter cooking.
• Coconut Oil for Asian and Tropical Recipes: Cold pressed coconut oil gives a special flavor and aroma to curries, stir-fries, and baked goods. It is more popular in South Indian dishes and performs miracles in coconut macaroons.

Recipes to Highlight the Real Character of Cold Pressed Oil

Mediterranean Olive Oil Pasta Salad

200 g pasta

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup olives

1/4 cup feta cheese

2 tablespoons of cold pressed olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions:

Cook pasta according to package instructions.

1. Toss pasta together with tomatoes, olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
2. Add cold pressed olive oil and a few squeezes of lemon juice.
3. Season with salt and pepper, toss well, and then serve.

Coconut Oil Veggie Stir Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, broccoli)
• 1 tbsp cold pressed coconut oil
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp ginger-garlic paste

Instructions:

1. Heat up the cold pressed coconut oil in a wok.
2. Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for just 1 minute.
3. Toss in the vegetables and stir-fry till tender.
4. Add soy sauce, mix well, and serve with rice or noodles.

Why Cold Pressed Oil Deserves a Spot in Your Kitchen?

Cold pressed oils are something more than just a cooking product; they reflect lifestyle choices. They bring the purest flavors to the best dishes and enable you to experience genuine gastronomic experiences.

The choice of a more natural, flavorful, and sustainable approach to food is incorporating these cold pressed oils into your everyday cooking. These changes transform not only what you eat but also connect you to the roots of the traditional pot, where purity and simplicity rule supreme.

(This article is part of IndiaDotCom Pvt Lt’s consumer connect initiative, a paid publication programme. IDPL claims no editorial involvement and assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the article.)