India is a land of cuisines. Different parts of India have different cuisines that cater to the taste and the lifestyle of the local people. Cooking is an essential part of every household, and preparing a variety of dishes requires different ingredients that add a distinctive taste to the prepared dish.
Cooking oil is an integral part of the preparation of any dish. Many cooking oils are used across India, like sesame oil, coconut oil, and groundnut oil. But the most preferred cooking oil used in most of India is mustard oil.
The dishes of the Northern and Eastern parts of India, in particular, are cooked using the best mustard oil. For centuries now, mustard oil has gained a reputation of not only being edible oil but also as a cure for ailments. The distinctive pungent smell and taste of this oil blend easily with the prepared food.
Mustard oil contains has about 64% of monounsaturated fatty acids that includes 42% Erucic acid and 12% of Oleic acid. Unfortunately, some European countries have banned cooking in mustard oil because of its high content of Erucic acid.
This was based on an experiment conducted on laboratory rats exposed to high doses of mustard oil displayed increased heart blockages in them. Though later studies proved that the Erucic acid present in the mustard oil does not pose threat to humans.
Properties Of Mustard Oil
Mustard oil has a very high smoking point of 250 deg. Celsius that suits the Indian style of cooking. The smoking point of oil is the point where the fatty acids of the oil start breaking. Mustard oil also has health benefits.
Improves Metabolism: Linoleic acid is an omega-6 type fatty acid, and alpha-linoleic acid is an omega – 3 type fatty acid that falls into the category of polyunsaturated fats that is considered to be essential fatty acids as our body cannot produce these acids and need them to be acquired from an outer source.
These fatty acids play a major role in building cell membranes, helps in the production of hormones, and prevent blood clotting. Omega-3 fatty acid helps in reducing inflammation from arthritis and improves dry skin conditions.
Antibacterial and Antifungal: Mustard oil helps in fighting bacteria in the colon and intestines. The application of the oil directly in the skin helps to fight fungal infections.
Respiratory Improvement: Mustard oil helps in soothing the cough, cold and other irritants present in the nose.
Skin Improvement: Mustard oil is a source of Vitamin E. On application on the skin directly helps in skin improvement and protects the skin from other pollutants. Mothers in India have been messaging the gentle skin of babies by applying mustard oil for centuries.
Pain Reliever: Mustard oil acts as a pain reliever in the joints, ankles of persons suffering from arthritis. They also help in relieving pain from sprained ankles.
Buying Guide
Mustard oil is an essential ingredient for cooking in India however it needs to be unadulterated and should not contain any added chemicals for aroma. Purchasing a quality mustard oil is essential for health and taste. The factors that help consumers to select a perfect mustard oil are:
Method of Extraction: Cold pressed mustard oil is essentially used for consumption. In this method, the raw material (mustard) is pressed hard in a wooden mechanized presser to extract the oil at room temperature. This method of oil extraction is often referred to as Kachi Ghani in India.
Shelf Life: Shelf life plays an important part in the selection of mustard oil. Consumers should always see the date of manufacture and consume the oil within 9 to 12 months of its manufacture.
Containers: Mustard oil is available in plastic containers and bottles and also in sachets and tin containers. The oil must be packaged in food-grade hard plastic containers to avoid chemical reactions. Oil packed in sachets and low-quality plastic bottles should be avoided as they can cause health problems.
Adulterations: Pure mustard oil must be free from any added preservatives and aromatic chemicals, colors, and hydrogenated oils.
Smell: The presence of the chemical Allyl isothiocyanate is responsible for the pungent smell of the oil. This smell blends with the food and provides it with a distinctive taste.
Nikwik provides an unbiased review of mustard oil, based on extensive research. This is an honest review and not sponsored by any company or organisation.
Best Mustard Oils
Emami Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil: Emami mustard oil from the house of Emami Agrotech Limited. Prepared from Rajasthani mustard seeds using the latest European technology of first-press. This oil possesses a sharp aroma and adds taste to the prepared food.
Enriched with various Vitamins, especially Vitamin E, that helps in smoothening of skin. This oil does not contain adulterated chemicals. The product is free from any impurities that are insoluble in oil.
The shelf life of the oil is about 9 months and available in 1-litre and 5-litre jars. The quality of the mustard oil is satisfactory, but the limited availability of 5-litre jar is a concern. Mostly available in one-litre pouches prepared from low-grade plastics.
Patanjali Mustard Oil: Patanjali mustard oil is a quality product from the house of Patanjali Ayurveda Limited. Prepared from high-quality mustard seeds using the latest machines by the cold-pressed technology. The oil possesses the desired purity and rich aroma adding taste to the prepared dishes.
Does not contain any trans-fat and cholesterol and is fortified with Vitamins A, D, and E. The oil is free from adulterated chemicals. The amount of water present in the product is low and contains the least unsaponification matter in the oil among all the oils.
The shelf life of the oil is about 12 months and available in 1 litre and 5 litre jars. The 1 litre oil is available in a plastic bottle which increases the shelf life of the product. The quality of the oil is good with proper aroma, blends easily with the taste of the dish.
Engine Mustard Oil: Engine mustard oil is a quality product from the house of Hari Vegetables Products Private Limited. The ISO 9001-2009 certified organization with experience of over 50 years in edible oil production. Prepared from high-quality mustard seeds using the cold press method of extracting oil. An Agmark-certified oil by the government of India.
The oil is free from any adulterated chemicals and possesses the desired purity along with a rich strong aroma and makes the food tasty. Devoid of any trans-fat and cholesterol, and rich in Vitamins the oil can be used in skin messages and dry skin.
The shelf life of the oil is 12 months and is available in 1 litre and 5 litre jars. 1 litre of oil is available in both pouch plastic bottles, and the 5 litre oil comes in a plastic jar. The quality of the oil is great with a strong aroma that blends with the prepared dishes. The plastic used in the pouch is low quality and hence should be avoided using the 1 litre bottle instead would be a great choice.
Tez Mustard Oil: Tez mustard oil is a premium quality product from the house of Recon Oil Industries Private Limited. A quality-centric organization, that prepares mustard oil using high-quality mustard seeds by cold press method of extraction. The mustard seeds are crushed at a low temperature retaining their antioxidant and natural properties.
This oil has the lowest peroxide value which provides evidence of rancidity in unsaturated fats and oils. It also has the lowest acid value which provides an idea of the increase in acid content with time due to moisture and hydrolysis.
The oil is free from any adulterated chemicals with a strong aroma and maintains a level of purity. Adds taste to the preparations and is also beneficial for skin message and health hygiene. Devoid of cholesterol and trans-fat makes this oil ideal for use.
The shelf life of the oil is 9 months and is available in 1 litre and 5 litre jars. The oil packaged in the bottle should be preferred for use rather than pouches as the plastic used to create pouches is of low quality.
Dalda Mustard Oil: Dalda mustard oil is an excellent product from the house of Bunge India Private Limited. Dalda is one of the most widely used fatty oils for generations and is loved throughout the country. From the same house comes an excellent mustard oil prepared using quality mustard seeds by the process of cold pressing technology that retains the natural properties and enhances the taste of the preparations.
This is the best available mustard oil in the Indian market because this oil has scored exceedingly great on all the parameters of Food Standards and Safety. Devoid from any adulterations with the best results on the parameter of saponification, moisture, and insoluble properties, presence of argemone oil, and hydrocyanic acid.
This oil has the desired purity and taste along with the subtle aroma to blend in any food. Beneficial for health and skin messages this oil makes the skin feel softer and smoother. During winters when the skin becomes dry, this mustard oil makes the skin healthy.
The shelf life of the oil is 12 months and is available in 1 litre, 5 litre, and 15 litres. 1 litre of oil comes in a bottle, and 5 litres comes in a plastic jar while 15 litres is available in tin containers.
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