Meta Description:
Sesame oil has been the backbone of South Indian kitchens for centuries. Learn why Oorkinaru's chekku-pressed gingelly oil is thick, pure and chemical-free.In Tamil Nadu, sesame oil is not just a cooking ingredient — it is a way of life. From temple rituals to kitchen staples to oil pulling in the morning, nallennai (sesame oil) runs deep in our culture. At OorKinaru, we press it the old way — slowly, gently, without heat or chemicals — so you get the real thing.
What Is Wood Pressed Sesame Oil?
Wood pressed sesame oil is extracted by cold pressing raw, unroasted sesame seeds in a traditional wooden ghani mill. The slow rotation of the wooden press generates minimal friction and no external heat, preserving the delicate nutrients and bioactive compounds naturally present in sesame seeds.
This is different from roasted sesame oil (used as a condiment in Asian cuisine) and completely different from refined sesame oil (which is solvent extracted and chemically processed).
A History as Old as Civilisation:
Sesame is one of the oldest oilseed crops known to humanity — cultivated for over 3,500 years. Ancient Ayurvedic texts prescribe sesame oil for everything from strengthening the nervous system to healing skin conditions. Modern science is beginning to catch up with what our ancestors already knew.
What Makes It Nutritionally Superior:
Wood pressed sesame oil is rich in:
- **Sesamol and Sesamin** — rare lignans with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
- **Vitamin E and Vitamin K** — essential for skin health and blood clotting
- **Magnesium, copper, calcium, and zinc** — vital minerals for bone and nerve health
- **Balanced omega-6 fatty acids** — important for brain function and cell repair
Because no heat or chemicals are applied during extraction, all of these compounds remain intact in OorKinaru's wood pressed sesame oil.
Health and Wellness Uses
Cooking:
Wood pressed sesame oil has a moderate smoke point and a mild, natural flavour — perfect for tempering, seasoning, and light sautéing in South Indian dishes like sambar, kootu, and poriyal.Oil pulling:
An ancient Ayurvedic practice of swishing oil in the mouth for oral hygiene. Sesame oil is the most recommended oil for this purpose due to its antimicrobial properties.Massage and body care:
In Tamil Nadu and Kerala, sesame oil has been used for centuries for baby massage, joint pain relief, and full-body oil baths. Its warming quality penetrates deeply into muscles and bones.Hair care:
Regular scalp massage with sesame oil is known to reduce dandruff, prevent premature greying, and promote hair growth.Skin nourishment:
Its antioxidants protect skin from UV damage and free radicals, making it a traditional natural sunscreen and moisturiser.OorKinaru's Commitment:
Our sesame seeds are carefully sourced and cleaned before pressing. We use no external heat, no chemical solvents, and no artificial additives. The oil is gently filtered and bottled to preserve its natural colour, aroma, and nutritional profile.
When you open a bottle of OorKinaru Wood Pressed Sesame Oil, you will immediately notice the difference — a warm, clean, slightly nutty aroma that no refined oil can replicate.
**This is nallennai the way it was always meant to be.**
*OorKinaru — Pure Oils, Traditional Methods, Real Nourishment.*
*Mukilan Collectives, Oddanchathiram, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu.*