Groundnut oil or Peanut oil is one of the most popular cooking oils in India. We use it in all our tadkas and for frying. But what makes this oil so versatile and commonly used?
A little information about the humble peanuts:
Though the peanut plant flowers above ground, the seeds or peanuts actually develop underground. This is why peanuts are also known as groundnuts.
Peanuts are often grouped with tree nuts like walnuts and almonds, but they are actually a type of legume that belongs to the pea and bean family.
It has a high smoke point of 437℉ (225℃) and is commonly used to fry foods. Peanut oil is a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that has many health benefits like protecting the body from free radical damage and reducing the risk of heart disease.
What are the types of groundnut oil available in the market?
Cold-pressed Groundnut Oil
In this method, peanuts are crushed to force out the oil. This low-heat process retains much of the natural peanut flavor and more nutrients than refining does.
Refined Groundnut oil
The invention of refined oil was made to produce a cheap substitute for cooking fats. This also involved a lot of unnatural processing. These seeds are first heated at a high temperature for oxidizing and then processed with a petroleum solvent to extract the oils from them. It is reheated and cleaned with an acid to remove any wax formed during the first process. Some chemicals are mixed in the oil to improve the colour. Deodorizing is also performed to enhance the smell. Sometimes these oils are also hydrogenated to solidify them.
Which is healthier? Refined oil or Cold-pressed oil?
Looking at the unnatural process of refining oils, you can easily say that cold pressed oils are the best option when your are consuming oil daily.
Health is the most important factor in our life, and Gokirti Farms are trying in thier small way to ensure that the healthist products are provided to customers.