Cold Pressed Sesame Oil

Cold Pressed Sesame Oil (Til Tel) — Wood Pressed for Cooking and Massage

Sesame oil holds a dual role in Indian households that most oils don't — it's a cooking staple in the south and in Maharashtrian kitchens, and it's one of the most traditional oils for body massage and oil pulling. Ours is cold pressed in a wooden ghani from raw (not roasted) sesame seed, so it carries a lighter, nuttier character than the darker toasted sesame oil used in East Asian cooking — closer to what "til tel" traditionally means in Indian kitchens.

How we press it. Sesame seeds are cleaned and crushed in our wooden ghani at low speed and low temperature — no roasting, no chemical extraction, no refining afterward. Because we don't roast the seed first, the oil stays lighter in colour and milder in aroma than roasted/toasted sesame oil, while still carrying sesame's natural richness. It's filtered to remove sediment and bottled as-is.

Why cold pressed matters here specifically. Sesame oil naturally contains sesamol and sesamin — antioxidant compounds that are part of what gives sesame oil its reputation for relative shelf stability compared to other cold-pressed oils, and part of why it's traditionally favoured for topical use. Refining strips out a meaningful share of these along with the natural flavour. If you're buying sesame oil specifically for its traditional wellness uses — massage, oil pulling — an unrefined, cold-pressed oil is generally the more sensible choice than a refined one, since the compounds people associate with those uses are exactly what refining removes.

How to use it

Storing it right

Keep the bottle capped and stored away from direct heat and sunlight — a kitchen shelf away from the stove is fine. Sesame oil is naturally a little more stable than some other cold-pressed oils thanks to its antioxidant content, but it's still best used within 4–6 months of opening for peak flavour, whether you're using it for cooking or for topical/wellness purposes. No refrigeration needed.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same as the toasted sesame oil used in Chinese or Japanese cooking?
No — that's typically made from roasted sesame seed and has a much darker colour and stronger, smokier aroma. Ours is cold pressed from raw sesame seed, giving a lighter colour and milder, nuttier flavour more typical of Indian "til tel."

Can I use this oil for both cooking and skin/massage?
Yes, the same bottle works for both — it's unrefined and has no additives, which is exactly what's wanted for topical use, and it's equally suitable for tempering and everyday cooking.

Is this oil good for oil pulling?
Yes — sesame oil is one of the traditional oils used for oil pulling. Swish a tablespoon in your mouth for several minutes, then spit it out; don't swallow it.

What's the smoke point of cold pressed sesame oil?
It's moderate — suitable for tempering and regular sautéing, but not the best choice for very high-heat deep frying compared to groundnut or sunflower oil.

Will it smell different from the sesame oil I've used before?
If you've used a refined or toasted sesame oil, yes — ours is milder and lighter in colour since it's cold pressed from raw seed without roasting or refining.

Is this suitable for baby massage?
Sesame oil is traditionally used for infant massage in many Indian households. If you're using it on a baby for the first time, do a small patch test first and consult your pediatrician if your child has sensitive skin or any known allergies.