1. What Is Wood-Pressed Groundnut Oil (Kachi Ghani)?

Wood-Pressed Groundnut Oil, also called Kachi Ghani oil, is pure peanut oil made by pressing groundnuts in a traditional wooden press — called a ghani or kolhu — at a slow speed and low temperature. No heat is added from outside. No chemicals are used.

The word "Kachi" means unrefined or raw, and "Ghani" means the stone or wooden press used to extract oil. So "Kachi Ghani" simply means oil that comes out of the press in its natural, unprocessed state — nothing added, nothing removed.

This method has been used in Indian homes for hundreds of years. It is sometimes also called cold-pressed groundnut oil, chekku oil, or marachekku oil in South India. 

2. How Is Wood-Pressed Groundnut Oil Made?

The traditional wood-pressed process is simple but careful. Here are the steps:

• 1
  Selection of Groundnuts Good quality, dry groundnuts (peanuts) are selected. They are cleaned to remove dust and impurities.
• 2
  Loading the Ghani (Wooden Press) Clean groundnuts are placed inside the traditional wooden or stone ghani press. No chemicals are added at any stage.
• 3
  Slow Pressing at Low Temperature The press rotates very slowly — typically at 10 to 12 RPM. This slow speed means very little heat is generated. The oil stays naturally cool during extraction.
• 4
  Oil Collection Oil flows out naturally from the pressed groundnuts. It is collected at the bottom in its raw, unfiltered form — with a natural golden-yellow colour and nutty aroma.
• 5
  Light Filtering (Single Press) The oil may be lightly filtered once to remove large solid particles. This single pressing makes it a "virgin" oil of the highest grade. No second pressing, no bleaching, no deodorising.
• 6
  Packaging The oil is bottled in dark or sealed containers to protect it from sunlight and air, then sent directly to you.

At KisanKaka, the groundnut oil is extracted using this exact traditional method — no chemicals, no preservatives, and no high-heat processing. You can explore the product directly here: KisanKaka Wood-Pressed Groundnut Oil.

3. Nutritional Profile of Wood-Pressed Groundnut Oil

Because no heat or chemicals are used in the extraction, wood-pressed groundnut oil keeps all its natural nutrients intact. Here is what you typically get per 100g of oil:

The key advantage of Kachi Ghani oil over refined oil is that refining destroys up to 90% of Vitamin E and removes phytosterols and other natural compounds. In wood-pressed oil, all of these remain, making every tablespoon more nutritious.

4. Health Benefits of Kachi Ghani Groundnut Oil

Here are the real, research-backed benefits of using wood-pressed groundnut oil regularly. We only mention what is actually supported by evidence — no exaggerated claims.

1. Supports Heart Health ❤️
Rich in healthy MUFA (Monounsaturated Fatty Acids) that help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and support good cholesterol (HDL), promoting a healthier heart.

2. Packed with Antioxidants ✨
Loaded with Vitamin E and natural antioxidants that protect your cells from damage and support overall wellness.

3. Easy Digestion 🌿
Free from chemicals and solvents, making it gentle on your digestive system and easier for your body to absorb.

4. Sustains Energy Levels ⚡
Healthy fats provide steady, long-lasting energy to keep you active throughout the day.

5. Skin & Hair Care Benefits 💆♀️
Also perfect for external use:
• Deeply moisturizes and nourishes skin
• Nourishing hair

5. Wood-Pressed Groundnut Oil vs. Refined Groundnut Oil

This is the most common question people ask. Here is a clear, honest comparison:

6. How to Use Kachi Ghani Groundnut Oil in Cooking

Wood-pressed groundnut oil is a very versatile oil. Here are the best ways to use it in your kitchen:

Everyday Indian Cooking

It is perfect for tadka (tempering) with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and cumin — the natural nutty aroma of this oil enhances the flavour of spices beautifully. Use it for making dal, sabji, poha, and upma.

Shallow Frying

Great for pan-frying parathas, stir-frying vegetables, and making chutneys. The high MUFA content makes it stable for moderate-heat cooking. Try it for Andhra-style peanut chutney or tempering rice dishes.

Traditional Indian Recipes

Groundnut oil has always been a staple in Gujarati, Rajasthani, and South Indian cooking. It adds depth to dishes like thepla, undhiyu, pesarattu, and bhel puri. The oil's nutty character complements these regional flavours naturally.

As a Finishing Oil

Drizzle a small amount over steamed vegetables, pulses, or salads for an extra layer of rich nutty flavour without cooking. This also preserves the Vitamin E content since you are not heating the oil.

Skin & Hair (External Use)

Traditionally used as a body massage oil and hair nourishing treatment in India. Its high Vitamin E makes it a good natural moisturiser for dry skin. Note: Always do a patch test first.

7. How to Store Wood-Pressed Groundnut Oil

Proper storage is important because unrefined oil has a shorter shelf life than refined oil. Follow these simple steps:

8. Who Should Use Kachi Ghani Groundnut Oil?

9. How to Buy the Right Wood-Pressed Groundnut Oil

The market has many products claiming to be "cold-pressed" or "kachi ghani." Here is what to actually check before buying:

KisanKaka's Wood-Pressed Groundnut Oil is free from chemicals, preservatives, and high-heat processing. The extraction process follows the traditional Kachi Ghani method, retaining natural nutrients, aroma, and flavour. You can also explore the full range of natural farm products at kisankaka.com.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)