Wooden Cold Pressing vs. Metal Pressing
When it comes to extracting oil, the method used makes all the difference in terms of quality, nutrition, and health benefits. Two common oil extraction techniques—wooden cold pressing and metal pressing—may sound similar, but they produce vastly different results.
Let’s break down what sets them apart.
1. The Method of Extraction
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Wooden Cold Pressing:
This traditional method uses a wooden churner (often called a Ghani) that rotates slowly and gently crushes the seeds without generating heat. The process preserves the oil’s nutrients and natural properties. -
Metal Pressing:
This method uses high-speed, metal-based expellers or machines that generate frictional heat. While faster, the high temperature compromises the oil’s nutritional value.
2. Heat Levels Matter
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Wooden Pressing keeps the temperature below 40°C (104°F), maintaining the oil’s natural antioxidants, vitamins, and aroma.
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Metal Pressing can reach temperatures above 70°C (158°F), breaking down essential nutrients and sometimes requiring preservatives or refining afterward.
3. Nutritional Value
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Oils from wooden presses are rich in:
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Natural antioxidants (like Vitamin E)
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Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
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Enzymes and phytonutrients
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Metal-pressed oils often lose many of these benefits and are more likely to undergo refining, bleaching, or deodorizing—making them less “natural” by the time they reach your kitchen.
4. Shelf Life and Purity
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Wooden Cold Pressed Oil:
Shorter shelf life due to the absence of preservatives—but that’s a good sign. It means the oil is fresh and chemical-free. -
Metal-Pressed Oil:
Longer shelf life, often due to added chemicals or further refining processes. These oils may look cleaner but are less pure.
5. Taste and Aroma
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Cold-pressed oils retain their natural flavor and aroma, making them ideal for traditional cooking and holistic wellness uses.
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Metal-pressed oils are often neutral in taste—another indicator of lost nutritional value.
Final Thoughts
If you care about what goes into your food and your body, wooden cold pressed oil is the superior choice. It’s not just about tradition—it’s about quality, nutrition, and authenticity.
At GMB Mart, we proudly use the wooden cold press method to give you oils that are unrefined, unfiltered, and undeniably real.
