Orggu
From Small Farmers
Buy sesame oil (gingelly oil) online — available in cold pressed & traditional bull driven marachekku variants. South India's favourite cooking oil, rich in natural antioxidants.
Sesame oil (nallennai/gingelly oil) has been the primary cooking oil of South India for over 5,000 years. It was the oil used in ancient Tamil temples, Ayurvedic medicine, and everyday cooking long before modern refined oils existed.
Pure sesame oil contains unique antioxidants — sesamol and sesamin — found in no other oil. These compounds have been shown to lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and protect against oxidative cell damage. It also has a naturally high smoke point, making it safe for deep frying.
Cold Pressed Sesame Oil — Extracted using a steel press at low temperature. Clean, pure sesame flavour. Lighter colour. Good for everyday cooking, tempering, and body massage.
Bull Driven Sesame Oil (Marachekku) — Extracted using a traditional wooden press powered by a bull. Stronger aroma and flavour. Deeper colour. Premium quality — the finest sesame oil you can buy. Ideal for pickles, special dishes, and traditional recipes.
Both variants are single-pressed, unrefined, and free of chemicals. The bull driven variant commands a premium due to lower yield and traditional extraction, but both are far superior to any refined sesame oil.
Both are cold pressed (low temperature). The difference is the press: cold pressed uses a steel machine, bull driven uses a traditional wooden press (marachekku) powered by a bull. The wooden press produces oil with a more intense aroma and slightly higher nutrient retention.
Yes, sesame oil has been used for daily cooking in South India for thousands of years. It has a high smoke point (210°C), is rich in antioxidants, and adds wonderful flavour to food.
Yes, sesame oil is the traditional oil for Ayurvedic body massage (abhyanga). It is warming, nourishing, and deeply penetrating. Use cold pressed sesame oil for massage.
Both are excellent traditional oils. Sesame oil has more antioxidants and is better for tempering, pickles, and traditional recipes. Groundnut oil has a higher smoke point and is better for deep frying. Many families use both.
Store in a dark glass or steel container away from direct sunlight and heat. Pure cold pressed sesame oil lasts 4-6 months. Do not refrigerate — it may become cloudy.
