Ingredient Deep Dive: Cold Pressed Groundnut Oil

Groundnut oil, often called peanut oil, is a versatile cooking oil with a rich history. Derived from the humble groundnut, a legume rather than a nut, it has been a staple in many cuisines for centuries. Renowned for its nutty flavour, groundnut oil is perfect for a variety of cooking methods. But what sets it apart from other oils, and how does it go from farm to bottle? Let's explore how groundnut oil is made, and about its journey from the ground to your kitchen.

What is Groundnut?

Groundnuts, often mistakenly referred to as peanuts, are actually legumes, closely related to beans and peas. Their unique characteristic lies in their underground growth. As the plant matures, it develops pods beneath the soil, each containing the seeds we commonly know as peanuts. 

These seeds are incredibly versatile and have been cultivated for centuries due to their nutritional value and culinary applications. For Gramiyaa's groundnut oil, we specifically utilise the Java variety, renowned for its exceptional oil yield and flavour profile.

From Ground to Oil: The Journey

Now that you know what groundnut oil is made from, let’s learn how it’s made. 

Harvesting the Groundnut

Growing groundnuts is a labour-intensive process. Farmers carefully tend the crops, ensuring they get the right amount of water and sunlight. Once ripe, the plants are uprooted. The pods are then carefully removed and dried in the sun.

Extracting the Groundnut Oil

This is where the magic happens. At Gramiyaa, we use a cold-pressed method to extract the oil from the groundnut kernels. This process involves pressing the kernels at low temperatures to preserve the oil's natural flavour and nutrients. There’s no heat involved, no chemicals, just pure, clean pressure.

Here’s a simple breakdown of how to make oil from groundnut using cold processing:

1. Cleaning: The groundnut kernels are cleaned to remove impurities.
2. Roasting: Some people roast the kernels before pressing, but at Gramiyaa, we dry them instead to preserve the natural flavour.
3. Pressing: The cleaned kernels are pressed under high pressure to extract the oil.
4. Filtering: The oil is filtered through cotton fabric to remove any solid particles.
5. Bottling: The pure, cold-pressed oil is then bottled for you to enjoy.

Groundnut Varieties: Beyond Java

While the Java variety is a cornerstone of our groundnut oil, it’s important to recognize the diversity within the groundnut family. Different groundnut oil ingredients varieties possess unique characteristics that influence the resulting oil.

• Virginia: Known for their larger size, Virginia groundnuts are often used for roasting and snacking. While they produce oil, they typically have a lower oil yield compared to other varieties. The oil tends to have a slightly richer, nuttier flavour.  
• Runner: Smaller than Virginia, Runner groundnuts are widely cultivated for their high oil content. The oil extracted from Runner groundnuts is often lighter in colour and has a milder flavour compared to Virginia.  
• Spanish: These groundnuts are smaller and have a higher oil content than Virginia or Runner varieties. Spanish groundnuts are a popular choice for oil production due to their efficiency. The resulting oil is often clear and has a neutral flavour, making it versatile for cooking.  

It's important to note that these are general characteristics of cold pressed groundnut oil ingredients, and variations can occur within each variety due to factors like growing conditions and processing methods. At Gramiyaa, we carefully select the Java variety for its exceptional oil yield and flavour profile, which aligns with our commitment to delivering the highest quality product.

The Goodness in Groundnut Oil

Groundnut oil content makes it a nutritional powerhouse. It's a good source of monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy fats. It also contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect your cells from damage.

Let's break down the nutritional value in 1 tablespoon of groundnut oil:

• Calories: 126
• Fat: 14 grams
• Saturated fat: 2.27 grams
• Monounsaturated fat: 7.99 grams
• Polyunsaturated fat: 2.79 grams
• Vitamin E: 2.13 mg (14% of the RDA for adults)

Peanut Oil offers a range of benefits for your health:

• Heart health: The monounsaturated fats in groundnut oil help reduce bad cholesterol levels and lower your risk of heart disease.
• Good source of vitamin E: This antioxidant protects your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: Some studies suggest that groundnut oil may help reduce inflammation in the body.
• Potential for weight management: Groundnut oil can help you feel full for longer, which may aid in weight control.
• Skin health: The vitamin E in groundnut oil can help keep your skin hydrated and protect it from damage.

Cooking with Groundnut Oil

Here are a few recipe ideas to get you started:

• Stir-fried Vegetables: Toss your favourite vegetables with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry them in groundnut oil until crisp-tender.
• Peanut Butter Cookies: Groundnut oil adds a rich flavour to these classic cookies.
• Roasted Potatoes: Toss potatoes with groundnut oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until golden brown.
• Homemade Salad Dressing: Combine groundnut oil with vinegar, Dijon mustard, and your favourite herbs for a simple and delicious dressing.
• Deep-fried Tofu: Marinate tofu in your favourite seasonings, then deep-fry until golden brown and crispy.
• Vegetable Samosas: Crispy golden samosas filled with a spicy potato and pea mixture are a classic Indian appetiser. Frying them in groundnut oil ensures a perfect crisp exterior.
• Onion Pakodas: Enjoy the classic combination of onions, gram flour batter, and spices, deep-fried to perfection in groundnut oil.
• Sambar: A South Indian lentil-based stew that is packed with flavours. Tempering the sambar with mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves in groundnut oil is essential for its authentic taste.

You can also use groundnut oil for salad dressings and marinades. It adds a subtle nutty flavour to your dishes.

Remember: Moderation is key. Two teaspoons per person per meal is enough to enjoy the benefits without overdoing it.

Groundnut oil is a versatile and nutritious cooking oil that deserves a place in every kitchen. Its nutty flavour and heart-healthy fats make it a perfect choice for various dishes. Whether you're stir-frying, roasting, or baking, groundnut oil can elevate your culinary creations.

At Gramiyaa, we are committed to providing you with the finest quality cold-pressed groundnut oil. We use traditional methods to extract the oil from the finest Java groundnuts, ensuring that every drop is packed with flavour and nutrients. Our dedication to simplicity and transparency means you can trust our products to be pure and authentic.