Short answer: almond oil (badam oil) is a light, pale oil pressed from almonds. In Indian homes it has traditionally been used for baby and body massage, hair and skin, and a few drops in warm milk by family custom. Ours is pressed slowly in a wooden chekku below 35°C, unfiltered and with no preservatives.
A treasured oil
Almonds were always precious, so almond oil was kept for special care rather than everyday cooking. It is known as badam rogan or badam ka tel in Hindi and badam enne in Kannada.
How we press it
- Clean almonds go into the wooden chekku.
- The pestle turns slowly, crushing them gently.
- The oil separates, staying below 35°C.
- It settles and is bottled unfiltered.
Almond oil is pressed from sweet almonds. It is light, smooth and has a faint nutty smell.
Traditional uses
Massage
Many families use almond oil for gentle body massage, including the traditional baby massage before a bath. Warm the oil slightly and use light strokes.
Hair
Applied to the scalp and hair a few hours before washing, often mixed with coconut oil.
Skin
A few drops on dry skin, lips and hands, especially in winter. Some people use it to remove kajal or make-up gently.
In the kitchen
Used in small amounts: a few drops in warm milk is a family custom in some homes, and it can be drizzled over salads or sweets.
Things to keep in mind
- Anyone with a nut allergy should not use almond oil.
- Patch-test on a small area of skin before wider use, especially for babies.
How to store it
Keep it closed, away from sunlight and heat. Almond oil is delicate, so a cool, dark shelf keeps it fresh longest.
Frequently asked questions
Is it the same as "sweet almond oil" in shops?
Yes, it is pressed from sweet almonds. The difference is that ours is wood-pressed and unrefined.
Can I cook with almond oil?
It is better used raw or in small amounts. For daily cooking, choose groundnut or sesame oil.
Explore our wood-pressed oils, pressed in Chandapura, Bangalore. Free delivery in Bangalore on orders of 5 litres and above; other states free on ₹3,500 and above.