Cold-Pressed Sesame Oil (Gingelly)
Traditional nallennai — unique sesamol antioxidants make it the most stable PUFA-rich oil in your kitchen.
TLDR — What You Need to Know
- Cold-pressed sesame oil (gingelly / nallennai) has unique antioxidants — sesamol and sesamolin — not found in most other oils
- These lignans make sesame oil stable at room temperature and give it resistance to rancidity
- Smoke point 177°C (cold-pressed) — suitable for South Indian sautéing and finishing; not high-heat frying
- Oil pulling with sesame oil: traditional Ayurvedic practice with some evidence for oral health (reduces Streptococcus mutans)
- Sesame oil is not interchangeable with toasted sesame oil — cold-pressed is golden, mild; toasted is dark, intensely flavoured
- High PUFA (42%) — contains linoleic acid for skin barrier function
The Sesamol Difference
What makes sesame oil unique among cooking oils is the lignan fraction — sesamol, sesamolin, and sesamin — present even in cold-pressed untoasted oil:
Sesame Oil vs Other PUFA-Rich Oils
| Oil | MUFA | PUFA | SFA | Unique Compounds | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sesame Oil | 39% | 42% | 14% | Sesamol, sesamin (antioxidants) | High (lignans prevent rancidity) |
| Sunflower Oil | 20% | 66% | 10% | None significant | Low (oxidises quickly) |
| Flaxseed Oil | 18% | 68% | 9% | ALA omega-3 | Very low (oxidises rapidly) |
| Canola Oil | 61% | 32% | 7% | None significant | Moderate |
Sesame oil combines moderate PUFA with antioxidant lignans — making it more stable than other PUFA-rich oils. This is why cold-pressed sesame oil can be stored at room temperature without rapid rancidity.
Cold-Pressed Sesame Oil — Nutrition Facts (per 100g)
Per 100g cold-pressed sesame oil
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Energy | 884 kcal |
| Total Fat | 99.9 g |
| MUFA (Oleic Acid) | 39.7 g |
| PUFA (Linoleic Acid) | 41.3 g |
| SFA | 14.2 g |
| Vitamin E | 1.4 mg |
| Sesamol + Sesamin (lignans) | ~500–800 mg (approximate) |
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling (kavala) is an Ayurvedic practice using sesame oil as the primary oil. Evidence:
- Several RCTs show sesame oil pulling reduces Streptococcus mutans counts in saliva
- Comparable to chlorhexidine mouthwash in one study for reducing plaque
- Mechanism: sesame oil emulsifies and traps oral bacteria
How to do it: 1 tbsp cold-pressed sesame oil in mouth, swish for 10–15 minutes, spit out (not in sink — can clog drain). Do on empty stomach in morning. Do not swallow.
Home Test: Colour and Smell Test for Cold-Pressed Sesame Oil
Steps
- 1 Observe colour — cold-pressed sesame oil should be golden-yellow, not pale or colourless
- 2 Smell — should have a mild, slightly nutty, characteristic sesame aroma
- 3 Taste a small amount — mild nuttiness, no bitterness, not rancid
Pure / Pass
Golden-yellow colour. Mild characteristic sesame aroma — not strong like toasted sesame oil but not odourless. Clean, slightly nutty taste.
Adulterated / Fail
Colourless or very pale oil suggests refined or adulterated product. Strong toasted smell means it is toasted sesame oil, not cold-pressed gingelly. Rancid or stale smell indicates old stock.
Organic Mandya products are
Frequently Asked Questions
Q What is the difference between gingelly oil, sesame oil, and nallennai?
What is the difference between gingelly oil, sesame oil, and nallennai?
All the same oil from sesame seeds. Gingelly and nallennai are the South Indian names (Tamil: nallennai means 'good oil'). Cold-pressed (untoasted) sesame oil is pale golden with mild flavour. Toasted sesame oil is dark brown with intense nutty flavour — used as a finishing condiment in East Asian cooking, not for South Indian cooking.
Q Can I use sesame oil for deep frying?
Can I use sesame oil for deep frying?
Cold-pressed sesame oil (smoke point 177°C) is not ideal for deep frying. Refined sesame oil has a higher smoke point (210°C+) and can be used for deep frying, but its distinctive flavour may not suit all dishes. Cold-pressed is best for sautéing, tadka, and finishing.
Q Does oil pulling with sesame oil actually work?
Does oil pulling with sesame oil actually work?
There is moderate evidence. Several randomised trials show it reduces oral bacteria counts. It is not a substitute for brushing and flossing, but as an additional oral hygiene practice, the evidence is better than for most traditional practices. Mechanism: the oil emulsifies and traps bacteria which are expelled when you spit.
Available at Organic Mandya
Cold-Pressed Sesame Oil (Gingelly)
Traditional nallennai. Sesamol antioxidants. Cold-pressed, unrefined. Lab tested.
Last updated: March 2026
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider before making dietary changes, especially if you have a medical condition.