Cold Pressed Groundnut Oil: Benefits, Uses & How to Buy (2026)

By the Arkka Oils team. Last updated: June 2026.

Quick answer: Cold pressed groundnut oil, also called shengdana tel or mungfali oil, is groundnut oil extracted at low temperature without chemicals. It keeps its natural nutty flavour, Vitamin E, and heart-friendly monounsaturated fats, and its high smoke point makes it well suited to Indian cooking and deep frying.

What is cold pressed groundnut oil?

Cold pressed groundnut oil is made by pressing whole groundnuts (peanuts) in a ghani at low temperature, with no heat refining or chemical solvents. This keeps the oil's natural aroma and nutrients intact, unlike refined groundnut oil, which is processed and stripped of flavour. In Marathi it is known as shengdana tel, and in Hindi as mungfali tel.

What are the benefits of cold pressed groundnut oil?

Cold pressed groundnut oil is rich in monounsaturated fats (MUFAs), Vitamin E, and natural antioxidants, which support heart health and overall wellness when used in sensible amounts. Because it is unrefined, it keeps more of these nutrients than refined groundnut oil.

• Heart-friendly fats. A good balance of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
• Vitamin E and antioxidants retained because it is not refined.
• No chemicals or preservatives, just pressed and filtered oil.
• High smoke point, so it suits frying without breaking down as easily as delicate oils.
• Natural nutty flavour that refined oil loses.

Can you deep fry with cold pressed groundnut oil?

Yes. Groundnut oil has one of the higher smoke points among cold pressed oils, which makes it a strong choice for deep frying, tadka, and high-heat Indian cooking. It also tends to absorb less into food, so fried dishes feel lighter.

How to use cold pressed groundnut oil

• Everyday cooking: sabzi, tadka, sautéing, stir-fries.
• Deep frying: bhajiya, pakora, puri, and snacks.
• Regional dishes: a staple in Maharashtrian and South Indian cooking.
• Flavour: the nutty aroma comes through best in simple tempering.

How to choose a pure cold pressed groundnut oil

1. Check the label lists only groundnut oil, nothing blended.
2. Smell it. Real groundnut oil has a clear nutty aroma.
3. Ask about freshness. Fresher oil means more nutrition and better taste.
4. Look for quality testing and a transparent source.

Key takeaways

• Cold pressed groundnut oil (shengdana tel) keeps its natural nutrients and nutty flavour.
• It is rich in MUFAs, Vitamin E, and antioxidants, and is naturally cholesterol-free.
• Its high smoke point makes it good for deep frying and everyday Indian cooking.
• Choose one that is single-ingredient, fresh, aromatic, and quality-tested.

Frequently asked questions

What is cold pressed groundnut oil called in Marathi and Hindi?

In Marathi it is called shengdana tel, and in Hindi it is called mungfali tel or mungfali ka tel. Both refer to oil pressed from groundnuts (peanuts).

Is cold pressed groundnut oil good for heart health?

Cold pressed groundnut oil contains monounsaturated fats and Vitamin E and is naturally cholesterol-free, which can support heart health when used in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Is cold pressed groundnut oil good for deep frying?

Yes. Groundnut oil has a high smoke point and is one of the better cold pressed oils for deep frying, handling high heat well while keeping food lighter due to lower absorption.

What is the difference between cold pressed and refined groundnut oil?

Cold pressed groundnut oil is pressed at low temperature with no chemicals, keeping its nutrients and nutty flavour. Refined groundnut oil is processed with heat and solvents, which removes most of the flavour and nutrition but makes it cheaper and more neutral.

How long does cold pressed groundnut oil last?

Because it is unrefined and fresh, cold pressed groundnut oil is best used within its best-before date and stored in a cool, dark place. Buying fresher, smaller quantities more often keeps the flavour and nutrition at their best.

Looking for fresh shengdana tel? Buy Arkka Cold Pressed Groundnut Oil, pressed and shipped within 8 days.