The Ancient Tradition of Cold-Pressed Oils in India
Kyo Naturals – Honoring Himalayan Heritage in Every Drop
At Kyo Naturals, we proudly continue India’s timeless tradition of cold-pressed oil extraction, a practice rooted in over 4,000 years of holistic living. Historical excavations at Harappa (circa 2000 BCE) reveal early tools for oil and food preparation, showing just how integral natural oils and healthy fats have been to Indian cooking, wellness, and ritual life.
Cold-Pressed Oils in Ancient India.
From sesame and mustard to coconut and almond, traditional Indian texts—including Vedic scriptures and Ayurvedic manuals—highlight the use of nutrient-rich oils for cooking, massage, healing, and spiritual use. Although the earliest techniques are not fully documented, references in Sanskrit literature around 500 BCE describe basic oil-pressing systems, thought to have evolved from grinding stones and animal-powered wooden ghanis—also known as chekku, kolhu, or ghana.
These traditional extraction methods, still in use today, ensure pure, chemical-free oils rich in their original aroma, taste, and therapeutic properties.
Diverse Ghani Traditions Across India:
India’s many regions developed distinct styles of ghanis based on available oilseeds and local traditions:
Southern India: Large granite ghanis pressing 35–40 kg of seeds like coconut or sesame, operated by yoked bullocks and skilled artisans.
Western India: Smaller wooden ghanis pressing 8–15 kg, often used for mustard and groundnut oils; the oil flows out of a carefully crafted outlet at the base.
Bengal and Eastern India: Compact ghanis pressing blended mustard and rapeseed to release unique pungent compounds like alkyl isothiocyanates, ideal for therapeutic applications.
Punjab: Small-capacity ghanis producing high-potency oils in artisanal batches, preserving taste and purity.Cold-Pressed Oils Offered by Kyo Naturals
We at Kyo Naturals source our cold-pressed oils from trusted Himalayan farmers and traditional processors using authentic wooden and stone ghanis. Our oils are unrefined, chemical-free, and full of life-giving nutrients.
Our premium cold-pressed oil range includes:
Cold-Pressed Mustard Oil – High in omega-3s and natural pungency, ideal for cooking and Ayurvedic massage.
Cold-Pressed Sesame Oil – Rich in calcium and antioxidants; great for immunity, skin, and hair.
Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil – Nourishing and cooling, perfect for food and topical use.
Cold-Pressed Almond Oil – Packed with vitamin E, ideal for baby massage, skincare, and brain health.
Cold-Pressed Walnut Oil – A Himalayan specialty rich in plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, excellent for heart, brain, and anti-aging benefits.
