Short answer: sunflower oil is one of the most common cooking oils in Indian cities today, but almost all of it is refined. Wood-pressed sunflower oil is crushed slowly from sunflower seeds in a wooden chekku and bottled unrefined, so it keeps a light golden colour and a mild, natural seed taste. Ours is pressed below 35°C, unfiltered and with no preservatives.
A modern favourite
Sunflower oil became popular in Indian homes over the last few decades, mostly in its refined form: pale, clear and smell-free. Many families who switch away from refined oil like starting with wood-pressed sunflower oil, because its taste is gentle and familiar.
Refined vs wood-pressed sunflower oil
| Refined | Wood-pressed | |
|---|---|---|
| Extraction | Heat and solvent | Slow wooden chekku |
| Processing | Bleached and deodorised | Settled naturally, unfiltered |
| Colour | Very pale | Light golden |
| Smell and taste | Almost none | Mild and nutty, of the seed |
How we press it
- Clean sunflower seeds go into the wooden chekku.
- The pestle turns slowly, crushing the seeds.
- The oil separates from the cake, staying below 35°C.
- It settles and is bottled with nothing added.
How to cook with it
- Everyday sabzi and dal: its light taste suits daily cooking.
- Chapati and paratha: brush a little on the tawa.
- Light sautéing: vegetables, upma, poha.
- Baking at home: a mild oil for cakes and cookies.
How to store it
Keep the bottle closed, in a cool, dark place, away from the stove. Use a dry spoon.
Frequently asked questions
Why does your sunflower oil look darker than shop oil?
Because it isn't bleached. The golden colour comes from the seed.
Is it good for people new to wood-pressed oil?
Yes. It has the mildest taste of our oils, so it is an easy first step away from refined oil.
Should I use only one oil?
Many families keep two or three oils and use them by turn, for example sunflower for daily cooking and sesame oil for tadka.
Try our wood-pressed sunflower oil, pressed in Chandapura, Bangalore. Free delivery in Bangalore on orders of 5 litres and above; other states free on ₹3,500 and above.