As a home to over a billion people, India is a melting pot of various rich cultures where each aspect like food, clothing, language, and architecture is as rich as the other one. And, we Indians take great pride in the diversity of our culture. However, things are changing fast in every household to keep up with the modern lifestyle. We have lost connection with many traditions, especially the way how our ancestors used to do certain things in daily life like extracting and using fresh cold pressed oils.
Not so long ago, our grandmothers and mothers would head to local oil sellers to refill stainless jars with various kinds of gleaming oils from freshly crushed seeds for their kitchens. Compromise on the taste and ingredients was out of the question for them as only pure natural oils were preferred.
Cold pressed or unrefined oils are one of the best gifts from our forefathers but ironically, many have forgotten about this ancestral legacy.
What Are Cold Pressed Oils?
Also known as Virgin oils, cold pressed oils are extracted using an ancient pestle and mortar technique. Seeds of Ground nuts, fruits, or vegetables are ground to make a fine paste which is then pressed to separate oil. But that is not all. The best part of this process is the thoughtful extraction that takes place at room temperature. Thus the absence of heat and chemicals ensures high nutrient value and antioxidant benefits. The final product stays free from chemical solvents which is healthier if compared to refined oils extracted at high temperatures. Not to mention the divine flavor and fragrance of such oils.
What do we know from the Past about Cold Pressed Oils?
Some historical pieces of evidence show that the people of the Indus Valley Civilization knew about the extraction of oils with the cold press method. Archaeological excavations from ruins of 5000 years old Harappa found wooden oil pressing machines called Ghani. Another trace of use was found in the Dwarka region of Gujrat. Also, words like Kolhu and Chekku can be found in old scripts like Siddha to describe unrefined oils just like we refer them today.
Why Preserve our Ancestral Legacy?
It is a matter of pride and a way to honor the culture we inherited from our great ancestors. They spent their lives experimenting and extracting these oils and had a vast knowledge about their benefits for overall health like many Indian herbs and spices that we enjoy.
What is better than to rely upon the secrets of our ancestors when it comes to making nutritious and delicious dishes?
Those who can remember the taste of homemade Kacchaypohey, Jhall muri, dry puddies, dosas, dhirdeys, and many more dishes, from childhood, would surely love to give the same unforgettable ‘Swad’ to a their Indian vegan diet. Before the consumption of massively produced refined oils became the norm, all these dishes were made using only unrefined oils like aromatic ground nut oil, sesame oil, and dark mustard oil.
Would not you love to share a divine taste of authentic Indian cuisine from old times with your younger ones?
The practice of Cold pressed extraction or Ghani which is the only source of getting wholesome oils is eco-friendly and promotes sustainability with its simple method.
As proud Indians, we have always loved and cherished our culture so it’s high time to bring back the goodness of old times and preserve our ancestral legacy by choosing cold pressed oils for all culinary and therapeutic needs.
