Cold Pressed vs Refined
Mustard Oil
The real difference between kachi ghani and refined mustard oil — nutrition, extraction, taste, and why it matters for your family's health.
Cold Pressed (Kachi Ghani)
- Full Omega-3 & Omega-6 preserved
- Vitamin E intact
- Zero chemicals or solvents
- Natural pungency and flavour
- Glucosinolates (anti-cancer) present
- FSSAI certified, traceable source
Refined Mustard Oil
- Hexane solvent extraction — petroleum-based chemical
- Bleaching with activated clay or chemicals
- Deodorisation at 200°C+ strips natural aroma and nutrients
- Hydrogenation risk — can create trans fats
- Nutrient loss: Omega-3, Vitamin E, glucosinolates all reduced
- Artificial antioxidants (BHA, BHT) sometimes added back
Side-by-Side Comparison
Every parameter that matters — from extraction temperature to nutrient retention to chemical residues.
6 Reasons Cold Pressed Wins
What kachi ghani preserves that refining destroys — and why it matters for your health.
Full Omega-3 & Omega-6
Cold pressing preserves the complete fatty acid profile — 6–14% ALA (Omega-3) and 15–30% linoleic acid (Omega-6) — the ideal ratio for heart health and inflammation control.
No Heat Damage
Pressed below 45°C, the oil never reaches temperatures that oxidise fats or destroy heat-sensitive nutrients. Refined oil is processed at 160–220°C, creating trans-fat precursors.
Zero Hexane Solvent
Refined oil uses hexane (a petroleum derivative) to extract the last 5–10% of oil from the seed cake. Cold pressed uses only mechanical pressure — no solvents, no residues.
Natural Glucosinolates
These sulphur compounds give mustard its pungency and have documented anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. Refining destroys them entirely.
Vitamin E Intact
Tocopherols (Vitamin E) are powerful antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative damage. Heat processing above 100°C degrades them significantly.
Better Taste & Aroma
The authentic sharp, nutty pungency of kachi ghani mustard oil enhances Indian cooking — tadka, pickles, sarson da saag — in a way refined oil simply cannot replicate.
What Happens During Refining
The 6-step industrial process that strips mustard oil of its natural goodness.
Expeller Pressing at High Heat
Seeds are pressed at 160–220°C to maximise yield. This heat oxidises Omega-3 fatty acids and destroys Vitamin E.
Hexane Solvent Extraction
The pressed seed cake is soaked in hexane (a petroleum derivative) to extract remaining oil. Hexane is then evaporated off — but trace residues can remain.
Degumming
Phospholipids (lecithin) are removed with water or acid. These compounds have nutritional value but are stripped to improve shelf stability.
Bleaching
Activated clay or chemicals remove colour pigments, carotenoids, and chlorophyll. The oil turns pale yellow — a sign of nutrient removal, not purity.
Deodorisation at 200°C+
Steam is injected at 200–270°C to strip the natural pungent aroma. This destroys glucosinolates and creates trans-fat precursors.
Artificial Additives
Synthetic antioxidants (BHA, BHT) are sometimes added back to replace the natural antioxidants that were destroyed in processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cold pressed mustard oil better than refined mustard oil?
Yes. Cold pressed (kachi ghani) retains all natural Omega-3, Vitamin E, glucosinolates, and authentic pungency. Refined oil is heated above 200°C, treated with hexane, bleached, and deodorised — destroying most of these nutrients.
What is the difference between kachi ghani and refined mustard oil?
Kachi ghani means cold press — seeds are pressed below 45°C with no chemicals. Refined oil uses high-heat expeller pressing followed by hexane solvent extraction, bleaching, and deodorisation.
Does cold pressed mustard oil have a stronger smell?
Yes — the authentic sharp, pungent aroma is allyl isothiocyanate, a natural compound with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Refined oil has this stripped out by deodorisation.
Can I use cold pressed mustard oil for high-heat cooking?
Yes. Cold pressed mustard oil has a smoke point of approximately 250°C — excellent for tadka, deep frying, sautéing, and all Indian cooking methods.
Where can I buy cold pressed mustard oil in Gurugram?
Dune Aura manufactures cold pressed mustard oil at DSS 53, Sector 9A Market, Gurugram. Order online at duneaura.com or call +91 99995 55242 for free same-day delivery.
Switch to Pure Cold Pressed Mustard Oil
Manufactured in Gurugram. FSSAI certified. Zero chemicals. Free same-day delivery across all sectors.
DSS 53, Sector 9A Market, Gurugram 122001 · +91 99995 55242
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