Refined oils gained popularity in India as the masses assumed them to be a healthier and cleaner option. Aggressive marketing and branding efforts also played a significant role in shaping people’s perceptions. However, over time, reports of heart-related problems began to rise, largely due to the consumption of saturated and trans fats. Acknowledging the increase in cardiovascular cases, people are now turning to unrefined cooking oils as a healthier alternative.
Why Choose Unrefined Oils?
When we refer to unrefined oils, we mean cold-pressed or virgin oils. These oils are known to be extracted without chemical treatment and high heat. To extract oil, the seeds are either mechanically pressed or wood-pressed. Both are natural methods which help retain the oil’s natural nutrients, antioxidants, and authentic flavours, making them the healthiest cooking oils in India.
Refined oils undergo chemical processing and other extraction treatments that deplete essential nutrients and introduce harmful trans fats. On the contrary, unrefined oils maintain their natural composition, offering a range of health benefits. This is the reason why unrefined oils are considered the best cooking oils for the Indian kitchen.
From supporting heart health to improving digestion and enhancing the flavour of traditional Indian dishes, unrefined oils are making a comeback in Indian kitchens. Let’s explore some of the best unrefined oils for cooking in India, their unique properties, and how to incorporate them into your daily meals.
Top Unrefined Oils for Indian Cooking
Thanks to the technological advancements that make information sharing quite easy and quick. Consumers are aware of healthy products and are apt in identifying harmful edibles. About cooking oils, they know refined oils are loaded with high saturated fats and are harmful to health. This is the reason why people are switching to the best cold-pressed cooking oils in India. Here are some of the popular cold-pressed oils from Jivo that you can try:
1. Jivo Cold-Pressed Canola Oil
Jivo’s Cold-Pressed Canola Oil is directly imported from the Canadian farms, a place which is known to yield a quality canola crop. This healthy oil is a fantastic choice for health-conscious families and cooks. Extracted without chemicals, it keeps its natural nutrients, like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, which support heart health and reduce bad cholesterol. Its light, neutral flavour and high smoke point make it perfect for frying, roasting, baking, or even tossing into salads for both Indian and Western dishes. This oil is one of the best and healthiest cooking oils in India, perfect for those complaining about elevated cholesterol levels.
Best Uses: Use it for stir-frying veggies, grilling meats, or baking. It’s a versatile oil that blends seamlessly into curries, parathas, or even continental recipes.
Tip: Store in a cool, dry place to maintain its freshness and nutrient quality.
2. Jivo Cold-Pressed Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil
Jivo’s Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil is a favourite in North and East Indian kitchens for its bold, pungent flavour. Made using traditional cold-pressing methods, it retains its natural monounsaturated fats, omega-3s, and antioxidants, which promote heart health and reduce inflammation. Its high smoke point makes it ideal for high-heat cooking without losing its nutritional benefits.
Best Uses: Perfect for frying pakoras, tempering dals, or making pickles. It adds a distinctive kick to curries like sarson ka saag or spicy sabzis.
Tip: Heat the oil to its smoking point before cooking to mellow its strong flavour, then let it cool slightly before adding ingredients.
3. Jivo Cold-Pressed Groundnut Oil
Jivo’s Cold-Pressed Groundnut Oil brings a mild, nutty flavour to your dishes, making it a go-to for many Indian recipes. Rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, it supports overall wellness while enhancing the taste of your food. This oil is extracted without chemicals, preserving its natural goodness.
Best Uses: Great for shallow frying, sautéing vegetables, or preparing snacks like chakli and murukku. It’s also excellent for everyday cooking, such as dal and sabzis.
Tip: Choose Jivo’s cold-pressed version for maximum flavour and nutrition, and store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
4. Jivo Cold-Pressed Sunflower Oil
Jivo’s Cold-Pressed Sunflower Oil is a light, healthy option packed with vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids, which help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Its mild flavour doesn’t overpower dishes, making it a versatile choice for various cuisines. The cold-pressing process ensures it’s free from chemicals and retains its natural nutrients.
Best Uses: Ideal for roasting, frying, or baking. Use it for everything from Indian stir-fries to baking muffins or cakes.
Tip: Keep it in a dark, cool place to preserve its quality and avoid oxidation.
5. Jivo Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Jivo’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil, made from premium olives, is a great addition to Indian kitchens looking for a healthier twist. High in oleic acid and antioxidants, it supports heart health and adds a rich, fruity flavour to dishes. While not a traditional Indian oil, its versatility makes it popular for fusion cooking.
Best Uses: Best for light sautéing, salad dressings, or drizzling over naan and flatbreads. It’s also great for marinades and dips.
Tip: Use it for low-to-medium heat cooking to preserve its delicate flavour and nutrients.
Health Benefits of Unrefined Oils
Unrefined oils are packed with nutrients that refined oils often lack. Here are some key benefits:
Heart Health: Oils like Jivo’s canola, mustard, groundnut, and sunflower are high in MUFAs and PUFAs, which may help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL).
Antioxidant Properties: The natural compounds in unrefined oils, such as vitamin E and polyphenols, combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.
Better Digestion: Oils like Jivo’s canola and mustard aid digestion and improve gut health due to their natural fatty acid profiles.
Enhanced Flavour: Jivo’s unrefined oils retain their natural taste, adding authentic and rich flavours to Indian dishes.
Things to Keep in Mind When Using Unrefined Oils
Smoke Point: Each oil has a specific smoke point, which determines its suitability for different cooking methods. For high-heat cooking like deep-frying, opt for Jivo’s canola or mustard oils, which have higher smoke points.
Storage: Unrefined oils are more prone to oxidation due to their natural composition. Store Jivo oils in airtight containers in a cool, dark place to preserve freshness.
Moderation: While Jivo’s unrefined oils are healthier, they are still calorie-dense. Use them in moderation to maintain a balanced diet.
Authenticity: Jivo’s oils are labelled as “cold-pressed” or “kachi ghani,” ensuring they’re pure and free from additives. Always check for these terms when purchasing.
Making the Switch to Unrefined Oils
Transitioning to Jivo’s unrefined oils doesn’t mean you need to overhaul your cooking habits overnight. Start by incorporating one or two oils into your routine, experimenting with their flavours and applications. For instance, use Jivo’s mustard oil for your North Indian dishes and Jivo’s canola oil for baking or stir-fries. Over time, you’ll notice not only an improvement in the taste of your meals but also potential benefits to your overall health.
Conclusion
The shift back to unrefined oils in India reflects a growing awareness of the importance of natural, minimally processed foods. By choosing Jivo’s cold-pressed oils like canola, mustard, groundnut, sunflower, or extra virgin olive oil, you’re investing in both your health and the authenticity of your culinary creations. These oils, made without chemicals and packed with nutrients, bring out the best in your Indian dishes while nourishing your body. Make the switch to Jivo’s unrefined oils today, and rediscover the joy of cooking with the best cold-pressed oils in India.