Sesame oil, also known as gingelly oil or til ka tel, has been a kitchen and wellness essential in India for centuries. From flavour-rich tadkas to nourishing Ayurvedic massages, this golden oil has been treasured for its versatility, deep aroma, and health benefits.
Unlike refined oils, cold-pressed sesame oil retains its natural antioxidants and unique flavour, making it a preferred choice for conscious, traditional cooking.
Why Choose Cold-Pressed Sesame Oil?
Cold-pressed sesame oil is extracted without high heat or chemicals, ensuring:
- Retained aroma and nutrients
- Better stability during cooking due to natural antioxidants
- Authentic flavour that enhances both savoury and sweet dishes
It is especially valued in Indian kitchens for tadkas, stir-fries, chutneys, and pickles, and is also a staple for Ayurvedic oil pulling.
Types of Sesame Seeds & the Oils They Produce
| Seed Variety | Oil Characteristics | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| White Sesame Seeds | Light golden oil, mild flavour, versatile for everyday Indian cooking | Most commonly used for cold-pressed oil in India; suitable for sautéing, tadkas, and dressings. |
| Black Sesame Seeds | Darker oil, nuttier aroma, richer flavour profile | Traditionally valued in Ayurveda for therapeutic uses; slightly stronger taste, often used for medicinal and winter cooking. (Also preferred in Tamil Nadu) |
| Brown Sesame Seeds | Medium amber oil, balanced aroma and flavour | Less common; offers a good balance between the mildness of white and intensity of black. Often chosen for regional recipes. |
Benefits of Sesame Oil
- Rich in Antioxidants – Contains sesamol and sesamin, which help prevent oxidation.
- Supports Heart Health – Naturally high in unsaturated fats that may help manage cholesterol.
- Enhances Flavour – Adds a nutty depth to dishes without overpowering them.
- Ayurvedic Uses – Traditionally used for oil pulling, massages, and winter cooking.
Caveats to Keep in Mind
- Strong Aroma – May not suit dishes where a neutral oil is preferred.
- Not for High-Heat Deep Frying – Best for sautéing, tadkas, or medium-heat cooking.
- Quality Varies Widely – Avoid refined or blended oils; always check the label for “cold-pressed” or “wood-pressed.”
Popular Regional Names of Sesame Oil in India
| Language | Name | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Hindi | Til ka Tel | तिल का तेल |
| Tamil | Nallennai / Ellennai | நல்லெண்ணெய் / எள்ளெண்ணெய் |
| Telugu | Nuvvula Nune | నువ్వుల నూనె |
| Kannada | Ellenne | ಎಳ್ಳೆಣ್ಣೆ |
| Malayalam | Nallenna | നല്ലെണ്ണ |
| Gujarati | Tal Tel | તલ તેલ |
| Marathi | Til Tel | तीळ तेल |
| Bengali | Til Tel | তিল তেল |
| Punjabi | Til Da Tel | ਤਿਲ ਦਾ ਤੇਲ |
Trusted Cold-Pressed Sesame Oil Brands in India
- Puvi
Type: Pure, unrefined cold‑pressed gingelly (sesame) oil, traditionally wood‑pressed (chekku).
Notable: Mostly uses special black sesame seeds; smooth flavour; no artificial colours or essences; respected family-run brand.
Ideal For: Everyday South Indian cooking, oil pulling, pickles, and traditional recipes. - Anveshan
Type: Farm‑to‑table cold‑pressed sesame oil extracted in wooden kolhu/chekku, packaged in glass.
Notable: Uses premium black sesame seeds; chemical‑free; high on freshness and traceability.
Ideal For: Health‑conscious buyers, skincare & massage, authentic flavour profiles. - Gramiyum
Type: Fresh, wood‑pressed (marachekku) sesame oil from Tamil Nadu.
Notable: Uses both black and white sesame depending on season; pressed fresh weekly; strong focus on purity.
Ideal For: Authentic Tamil Nadu cooking, households preferring fresher oils, chutneys & podis. - Indic Wisdom
Type: Wood‑pressed (lakdi ghani) white sesame oil.
Notable: Made from premium white sesame seeds (milder taste, pale colour); chemical‑free; traditional extraction; focus on sustainability, and supporting tribal youth.
Ideal For: Health‑conscious consumers, everyday versatile cooking, oil pulling, salads, and Ayurvedic uses.
How to Store Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is delicate and can turn rancid if not stored properly. Keep it in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Once opened, tightly seal the bottle to minimise oxidation. Cold-pressed and unrefined sesame oils last 6–8 months, while refined versions can last up to a year. For maximum freshness, consider refrigerating the oil—especially if you live in a warm climate or use it infrequently.
Final Note
When buying sesame oil, look for cold-pressed, unrefined, and preferably single-origin options. Avoid overly clear oils as they may have been refined, stripping away the natural aroma and benefits. Store in a cool, dark place to preserve freshness.