Groundnut oil, or peanut oil, has the prominent position in the Indian kitchens because of its strong flavor, riches in smoke point, and lots of health properties. This multipurpose cooking oil is sourced out of the high-quality groundnuts and is extensively used in various Indian foods, particularly states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. Be it during deep frying, sautéing, or tempering spices, peanut oil will add flavor and sensations in the traditional food preparation, such as pakoras and pooris, as well as curries. It has natural antioxidant value, such as the presence of resveratrol and vitamin E, and this makes it a heart-healthy powerhouse that aids in decreasing the level of bad cholesterol and also in improving the health of our heart. India with both refined and cold-pressed (kacchi ghani) consumer of peanut oil as well as one of the largest producers of peanut oil. Refined peanut oil is mainly utilized in commercial and high-heat cooking whereas cold-pressed oil is favored due to its originality, wholesomeness and a small aroma. There is also an increase in the brands of cold-pressed peanut oil due to the increasing demand of chemical-free and organic products by health-conscious consumers.
Besides domestic consumption, the peanut oil is also becoming increasingly popular in food processing, cosmetic and pharmaceutical spheres because of its hydrating and medicinal effects. It can also be applied in aromatherapy and massage as a carrier oil. With the growing awareness towards natural and healthy fats, the use of peanut oil has remained universal and an age-old faith in the Indian kitchens, with the right amounts of taste, nutrition, and versatilit. Peanut oil is widely used in India as groundnut oil since it provides enough nutritional value in addition to its sweet odor besides allowing high temperatures of frying. This oil is produced in the Indian traditional kitchens where there is utilization of the finest quality of peanuts. Using the peanut oil is mainly associated with sauteeing, deep-frying and frying of food materials because of its non-overpowering taste. India offers its consumers two main categories of peanut oils namely the refined; and the cold pressed (which is also called the filtered oil or wood-pressed). The cold-pressed peanut oil is the healthiest. All the natural properties and aromas are not destroyed and there is no use of chemical processes and high temperatures.
Principal features of Peanut Oil in India are:
- High Smoke Point: It is ideal to be used to deep-fry and cook food at high temperatures.
- Light peanut oil does not get greasy hence it serves Indian foods like pakoras puris and curries.
- During storage, the oil has a good freshness as it does not break down easily with time.
- Peanut oil affords protection to the body and skin with the Vitamin E present in the oil that plays the role of antioxidant.
- Agencies are increasing the varieties of their cold-pressed peanut oil production to cater to the demands by customers who prefer natural chemical-free preparation procedures.
Benefits of Using Peanut Oil:
- Eating peanut oil is good to the heart as it is made of monounsaturated fats that reduce the levels of bad cholesterol without risking the heart.
- Vitamin E as well as other antioxidants ensure that the skin remains soft and also young with frequent intake of the antioxidants.
- The plant components such as phytosterols and other useful plant nutrients do safeguard the immunity inside the body.
- The fact that peanut oil has negligible sugar effect and the fact that it has quite beneficial fat composition makes it a fitting choice in diabetic diet plans.
- This oil adds flavor and makes Indian food more natural nutty and at the same time of the right level of deliciousness.