Winter brings a natural craving for warm, hearty, and comforting food. Like sarso ka saag, stuffed paratha, warm dal, khichadi, seasonal vegetables, and crispy pakodas. Winter is the season when your digestion slows down, and your immune system weakens. This mostly causes dry skin, joint stiffness, and reduced energy levels. There, you need to act on improving your diet during winter, particularly by choosing the right cooking oils. Most oils don't work the same; some help provide you with warmth, some help with improving digestion, and some work well for your skin and hair during winter. I can name these oils as winter cooking oils, Mustard, Groundnut or Sesame.
Right Cooking Oils in Winter Matter -
Every oil type has its own properties and health benefits. Your body and mind naturally craves for richness and warmth during colder days and for that a right diet is important and for that right kind of cooking oil plays a vital role. The right cooking oils can help better blood circulation, ease joint stiffness, keep your skin healthy during winter against dryness. Hence, it’s time you rethink the type of cooking oil you are using.
Let’s check the three types of cooking oil options and their benefits for you -
1 - Our Own Black Mustard Oil - The Indian Traditional Oil -
The Indian kitchen staple, black mustard oil has been used for ages by every household. It gives a natural warming effect on the body. Traditionally used in making pickles, curries, sarso ka saag, and many other dishes prepared specifically in winters. Black mustard oil tastes and smells pungent, which gives an intense taste. Also, with its high smoking point, black mustard oil is ideal for deep frying and slow cooking. Not only for cooking, but the Black Mustard Oil is commonly used for massage, as it is believed to ease blood circulation. It evokes nostalgia from our childhood when our mother or grandmother used to massage our tiny bodies under the winter sunlight.
2 - Groundnut Oil - The Reliable and Gentler Choice For Cooking
In case you prefer a light taste and smell, choosing groundnut (peanut) oil for everyday cooking in winter would always be better. Having a high smoke point makes Groundnut Oil (Peanut), a reliable choice for frying and sautéing. Its mild nutty flavour doesn’t overpower other ingredients in spite of the fact that together they make an enhanced version of the recipe. Using Groundnut Oil in cooking helps maintain heart health.
3 - Black Sesame Oil - Nutrient Dense, Support Joints and Skin Health -
In Ayurveda, black sesame oil has been used more likely to cure joint pain or stiffness and improve skin health. The Black Sesame Oil is rich in antioxidants and healthy fats with a slight nutty and earthy flavour; hence, it is recommended to be used in winter cooking for stir-frying, dals, and vegetable sautéing. During winters, the Black Sesame Oil is used for massage and hair oiling as it absorbs well and helps reduce the dryness
Conclusion:
So, during winters you can confidently choose any of the cooking oils such as groundnut, mustard, or sesame as per your taste and preferences. There will be no compromise in flavour, tradition, and nourishment. It’s better not to ask ‘’which is the best winter cooking oil?’’ Each of them has its own characteristics: black mustard oil gives that intense, pungent, and bold flavour, groundnut oil gives a mild flavour, and sesame oil gives an earthy and nutty flavour.
FAQs -
1 - Which oil is best for winter cooking?
For winter cooking, you can use oils like black mustard oil, sesame oil, or groundnut oil. Each oil has its own characteristics and benefits.
2 - Can I use black mustard oil for deep frying?
Yes, you can use black mustard oil for deep frying because of its strong flavour and high smoke point.
3 - Can I use groundnut oil for everyday cooking in winter?
Yes, definitely. Groundnut oil can be easily used for sautéing and stir-frying in winter as it has a mild, subtle, and nutty flavour.
4 - What does black sesame oil taste like?
Black sesame oil has a distinct flavor, generally earthy and nutty. Cooking in sesame oil gives your recipes a rich taste.
5 - Can I cook with oils alternatively?
Yes, you can alter oils and cook according to your suitability and need during winter.
