How to Choose the Best Cold Pressed Mustard Oil

Mustard oil is an essential ingredient in many Indian kitchens, especially in the northern and eastern parts of the country, and holds high esteem due to its excellent taste, health benefits and of course, easy adaptability in people’s culinary adventures and experiments. However, not all the mustard oil available in the market has similar quality standards as the above-mentioned ones. For daily cooking, the must-have variant is wood pressed mustard oil, which is a promise of purity and health to people. 

But how can you know which one to pick when it comes to the best mustard oil for cooking?

Don’t worry, as Gramiyaa is here to shed some light on the same. We shall also discuss the advantages of using mustard oil, how to understand whether it is cold-pressed and some simple yet effective tips to choose cold pressed mustard oil.

Health benefits of cold-pressed mustard oil - beyond the obvious

When we hear of mustard oil, the first things that come to mind are the strong aroma as well as the anti-microbial abilities. However, cold pressed mustard oil is like a treasure trove of health benefits that one may not come across immediately. Here are a few lesser-known perks:

1. Rich in Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA): Cold pressed Mustard oil has about 60% of MUFA that aids in proper heart functioning by lowering the bad cholesterol and increasing the quantity of good cholesterol. It also helps increase metabolism and control weight.
2. Natural Detoxification: The essential nutrients present in mustard oil may play a major role in reducing the deposits of cholesterol and cleaning the liver for proper functioning.
3. Enhances Joint and Muscle Health: Not just consumption, mustard oil massage is believed to increase blood circulation and to lessen inflammation which alleviates joint pains and muscle soreness.
4. Improves Skin and Hair Health: Mustard oil also contains Vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids which may be very beneficial for the skin as it might slow down the signs of aging and may strengthen the hair follicles.
5. Boosts Immunity: Cold pressed mustard oil consumption may give the immune system a boost when consumed routinely. It may have amazing antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects on the body.

Characteristics of pure cold-pressed mustard oil

If you're looking to pick the best mustard oil for cooking in India, here’s a handy list of what you should be keeping an eye out for:

1. Cold-pressed process: Cold-pressed oils are prepared by processing the seeds at 45 degrees Celsius. This method aids in retention of nutrition, taste and smell, from the natural environment.
2. Golden yellow hue: The purest form of cold pressed mustard oil has a bright, golden-yellow hue that has a slightly reddish hue to it. Any discoloration could be a sign of adulteration.
3. Strong aroma and pungent flavour: A good cold pressed mustard oil should come with a natural, sharp smell, with an even sharper taste. This flavour profile is crucial in Indian cuisines, and it also helps determine the purity of the oil.
4. Minimal processing: Cold pressed mustard oil, as the name says is cold pressed, thus not refined and retains all its original nutrients. Refined oil takes through a chemical process which removes most essential minerals and antioxidants from it.
5. Transparency and purity: Cold pressed mustard oil by Gramiyaa is cleared using a cotton fabric by sieving the oil, which filters the seed residues making the oil look clear too. This not only proves its purity, but also increases the shelf life. 
6. Packaging and labelling: Go for opaque packaging, preferably eco-friendly ones, such as the cold pressed oils available at Gramiyaa. In transparent packaging, the oil is vulnerable to light, which can diminish its nutritional value.

By understanding these characteristics, you’ll know exactly how to choose cold-pressed mustard oil that delivers both quality and health benefits.

Tips to choose the best cold-pressed mustard oil

When you're in the market for mustard oil, it’s very important to make informed choices to steer clear of any adulterated or low-quality products. Follow these cold pressed mustard oil buying tips to get the best oil for your family’s needs:

1. Check where the mustard seeds come from- The quality of mustard oil really hinges on the mustard seeds themselves. So, keep an eye out for brands that get their seeds from reputable farms. This way, you can ensure that the oil is free from pesky pesticides and harmful chemicals.
2. Look for certifications - Trustworthy brands will have certifications like FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) or others such as US FDA. This guarantees quality and safety for consumption.
3. Look for cold-pressed or kachi ghani labels - If you see “Cold-Pressed” or “Kachi Ghani” on the label, it means the oil was extracted using traditional methods that help to keep all those nutrients intact.
4. Don’t skip the ingredients list - Always check the ingredients list. Pure cold-pressed mustard oil should have just one thing listed—100% mustard seeds. If you spot preservatives, chemicals, or artificial colours, it’s a red flag.
5. Give it a smell and taste test - If you can, smell or taste a sample of the oil. If you get that strong, natural aroma and taste, it is a clear sign of purity.
6. Avoid blended oils - A lot of oils out there are mixed with refined or cheaper oils. Stick with pure mustard oil and avoid those blended options. Also, oils that are cheap may have been made using low quality seeds, so the low price may be good for your pocket, but not your health.
7. Choose the right packaging - High-quality cold-pressed mustard oil should be packaged in dark glass bottles or sturdy food-grade opaque containers, such as Gramiyaa’s, to preserve its freshness and quality.

Why Gramiyaa cold-pressed mustard oil?

Choose Gramiyaa, because we have developed a reputation for the purity and quality of our products. We make sure you get the best mustard oil for cooking in India without compromise, as we acknowledge the value of purity and tradition. Our mustard oil is made from fine quality mustard seeds, which contain natural nutrients, taste and health benefits. We do not add any chemicals or preservatives, that is why we are the best choice in mustard oil for cooking.

Our process is simple yet effective:

• Sourced from trusted farms that believe in quality and understand the importance of sustainability.
• Traditional cold-pressed methods to maintain nutrients, taste and aroma, with zero chemical intervention.
• Stringent procedures to guarantee the product’s quality and that they are free from contamination.

Being an Indian brand, our cold pressed mustard oil, just like any other cold pressed cooking oils available at our online store, provides exotic taste of Indian cuisine to your food, while promising health. You can also find our products in the major supermarkets in Bengaluru. So, the next time someone asks you, “Which mustard oil is best for health?”, you’ll know the answer!