Why Wood-Pressed Oils Are Making a Comeback in Modern Indian Kitchens

A closer look at the traditional extraction method that preserves purity, flavour, and authenticity.

For generations, Indian households relied on oils extracted through slow, natural methods. Long before industrial refining became common, seeds were gently crushed in wooden presses to obtain oil rich in natural flavour and character. Today, as consumers become increasingly conscious about what goes into their food, many are rediscovering the value of this traditional process.

Wood-pressed oils are not a new trend. They are a return to a way of producing food that respects both the ingredient and the consumer.

What Is Wood-Pressed Oil?

Wood-pressed oil is extracted using a traditional wooden churner, often known as a "ghani". Seeds are slowly pressed at low temperatures, allowing oil to be released naturally without excessive heat or harsh industrial processing.

Unlike heavily refined oils that undergo multiple stages of treatment, wood-pressed oils retain much of their natural aroma, colour, and character. The process is slower and yields less oil, but it prioritises quality over quantity.

The Difference Lies in the Process

Most commercially available refined oils are designed for large-scale production. They are processed to achieve uniform colour, texture, and shelf life. While this makes them convenient, the journey from seed to bottle often involves extensive industrial treatment.

Wood pressing follows a different philosophy.

The seeds are carefully selected, cleaned, and slowly pressed. The oil is then filtered and bottled with minimal intervention. The result is an oil that remains closer to its natural state.

At by artha, we believe that when the process is simple and transparent, the product speaks for itself.

Why More People Are Choosing Wood-Pressed Oils

1. Authentic Flavour

One of the first things people notice about wood-pressed oils is their distinctive aroma and taste. Whether it is mustard, groundnut, sesame, or coconut oil, each retains the character of the seed it comes from.

This authenticity enhances everyday cooking and brings back flavours many people remember from childhood kitchens.

2. Traditional Craftsmanship

In an era of mass production, there is growing appreciation for products made with care and patience. Wood-pressed oils represent a slower, more thoughtful approach to food production.

Every bottle reflects a process that has been trusted for centuries.

3. Minimal Processing

Modern consumers increasingly seek foods with fewer unnecessary interventions. Wood-pressed oils are valued because they are produced through a straightforward process that focuses on preserving the natural qualities of the ingredient.

4. Transparency

People want to know where their food comes from and how it is made. Traditional extraction methods provide a level of transparency that resonates with today's conscious consumers.

The Importance of Choosing Quality Over Convenience

Food choices are no longer driven solely by price or availability. Consumers are asking deeper questions.

How was this made?

Where did it come from?

What ingredients were used?

Wood-pressed oils answer these questions with simplicity. There are no shortcuts, no unnecessary complexity, and no attempt to disguise the ingredient behind heavy processing.

The focus remains on purity, craftsmanship, and authenticity.

Bringing Tradition into Modern Living

Choosing traditional foods does not mean living in the past. It means carrying forward practices that continue to hold value today.

Wood-pressed oils fit seamlessly into modern lifestyles. They are used for everyday cooking, traditional recipes, marinades, dressings, and countless family favourites. They connect us to our culinary heritage while meeting contemporary expectations of quality and transparency.

The by artha Philosophy

At by artha, we believe that good food begins with honest ingredients and thoughtful processes.

Our oils are crafted with the belief that what belongs in your kitchen should be simple, authentic, and true to its origins. We embrace traditional wood pressing not because it is fashionable, but because it reflects values we deeply believe in—patience, purity, and respect for the ingredient.

Every bottle represents a commitment to preserving the essence of the seed and delivering it in its most authentic form.

A Return to What Matters

As the world moves faster, many of us are seeking ways to reconnect with what feels real and meaningful.

Wood-pressed oils remind us that sometimes the best solutions are not the newest ones. They are the practices that have stood the test of time.

In every drop lies a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and care—values that continue to matter today just as much as they did generations ago.

Because good food does not need to be complicated.

It simply needs to be honest.