Cold-Pressed Sesame Oil: The Pure, Traditional Choice for Healthy Living | Kedia Pavitra

Cold-Pressed Power: Why Traditional Til Oil Outshines Refined Oils

In a world obsessed with shiny bottles and “light” labels, the real hero often sits quietly — dark, rich, and aromatic. Traditional Til Oil, extracted the old-fashioned way, carries within it not just flavor, but history, integrity, and health. While refined oils may appear pure and modern, their brilliance fades quickly when you look beyond the surface.

Cold-pressed sesame oil — the kachchi ghani til ka tel our grandmothers trusted — is not a relic of the past. It’s the future of mindful living.

The Ancient Art of Extraction

Before machines and solvents arrived, oil pressing was an art. Farmers would gently crush sesame seeds under a wooden ghani, letting natural pressure draw out the oil slowly, without heat or chemicals. The result was golden, nutrient-dense oil — rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and the distinct nutty aroma of sesame.

This slow extraction method, known today as cold pressing, retains the oil’s natural profile — from essential fatty acids to powerful antioxidants like sesamol and sesamin. These compounds not only give Til oil its long shelf life but also its health-protective edge.

In contrast, refined oils are processed using high heat (up to 200°C) and chemical solvents such as hexane to maximize yield. This process strips away natural nutrients, flavour, and antioxidants, leaving behind an oil that’s lighter in colour but weaker in nourishment.

Health in Every Drop

Cold-pressed sesame oil is a treasure trove of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, vital for heart and brain health. It’s also rich in vitamin E, B-complex, and trace minerals like calcium and magnesium — all essential for muscle function, skin vitality, and hormone balance.

Refined oils, on the other hand, undergo deodorization, bleaching, and degumming, which eliminate most of these natural nutrients. What’s left is a neutral-tasting oil that looks “clean” but has lost its soul.

According to the USDA FoodData Central, unrefined sesame oil contains up to 41% MUFA and 43% PUFA, making it one of the most balanced and heart-healthy oils available.

And modern studies published in Food Chemistry confirm that cold-pressed sesame oil retains more antioxidants and bioactive compounds than refined oils, supporting cardiovascular and liver health.

Taste, Aroma, and Authenticity

Taste is where cold-pressed sesame oil triumphs effortlessly. The deep, nutty aroma that blooms when you heat it gently in your kitchen isn’t just pleasant — it’s proof of purity. That earthy fragrance is the fingerprint of real sesame seeds, not factory filtration.

Traditional kitchens across Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Bengal have long used Til oil to enhance flavour, preserve pickles, and balance spicy foods. Its unique ability to harmonize ingredients makes it the heart of Indian cooking — both soulful and scientific.

Refined oils, in comparison, are stripped of aroma to “appeal” to modern taste preferences. But in losing their scent, they lose their character too.

Purity Over Process

Ayurveda reveres sesame oil as the “base oil of all oils”, ideal for both internal consumption and external application. The purity of cold-pressed oil makes it compatible with the body’s natural systems — easy to digest, deeply nourishing, and free from toxins.

Refined oils may claim to be “cholesterol-free,” but so is every plant oil by default. The real difference lies in what’s left inside: refined oils often retain trace residues of solvents and trans fats formed during heating — things your body never asked for.

Kedia Pavitra: Bringing Tradition Back to the Table

At Kedia Pavitra, we believe that good food begins with honesty. Our Cold-Pressed Til Oil is made the traditional way — gently extracted from naturally sourced sesame seeds, without refining, bleaching, or chemical treatment.

Each bottle preserves the golden richness, antioxidants, and authentic aroma of pure sesame — exactly as nature intended. Because health shouldn’t come from a lab. It should come from the land.

If you are looking for premium oils, get yours from Kedia Pavitra and enjoy both flavour and health benefits with confidence.