Mustard oil or sarson ka tel (सरसों का तेल) is known for its signature pungency. A staple in most Indian kitchens, mustard oil is a big part of Bengali and Kashmiri cuisine. We picked 6 commonly available kachhi ghani (cold-pressed) mustard oil brands to find the best mustard oil brands in India.
We cooked Bengali-style mustard fish with all of these. We noticed how clear, or cloudy each was before frying, we also observed features like color, pungency (often referred to as ‘jhaajh by Bengalis’), and flavor. After days of research and cooking, we found that one of the best mustard oil brands in India by flavor, pungency, and appearance is P Mark Kachhi Ghani Mustard Oil.
Related Reading – 12 Amazing Benefits Of Mustard Oil
Table of Contents
Quick details about the mustard oil brands are listed in the following table.
Mustard Oil Brands | Mishry Rating | Check Price | Check Price |
P Mark Kachhi Ghani | 4.5 | On Amazon | – |
Patanjali Kachi Ghani | 4 | On Amazon | On Flipkart |
Fortune Kachi Ghani | 4 | On Amazon | On Flipkart |
Kanodia | 3.75 | On Amazon | – |
Dhara Kachi Ghani | 3.5 | On Amazon | On Flipkart |
Nature Fresh Kachi Ghani | 3.25 | On Amazon | – |
Mustard Oil Brands – Everything You Need To Know
1. Available Sizes
Mustard oil is available in three types of packaging –
- 1 Litre
- 5 Litre
- 10 Litre
2. Cold Pressing Type
Prepared by the process of cold-pressing, the kachi ghani variant of cooking oils is considered to be the best. In other words, kachhi ghani oil is extracted from the seeds cold-pressed, making it a pure and high-quality product compared to the processed variant. With the help of this low-heat extraction, the oil manages to retain its nutritional content, such as antioxidants and minerals.
3. Price Range
On average, a 1 Litre bottle of mustard oil is priced between Rs 180/- to Rs 225/-.
How We Picked Brands?
Subjecting mustard seeds to high temperatures at the time of extraction can lead to a loss in essential oils, making the final product lose much of its health benefits. All brands that are part of this review are also clear of Argemone Oil. A common adulterant in Mustard oil till a few decades back.
Adulteration With Argemone Oil – The adulteration of mustard oil due to the addition of argemone oil was a common practice. The addition of argemone oil deteriorates the purity of mustard oil itself. Thankfully, the brands that we reviewed contained an absolute nil percentage of argemone oil. In fact, as per the guidelines by FSSAI, mustard oil is not allowed to be adulterated with any foreign substances.
Our Review Factors
1. Color
Color is the first thing that someone notices while buying a bottle of mustard oil. Transparency is another feature. You want a clear and healthy mustard color.
2. Pungency
When mustard seeds are crushed, an enzyme called myronsinase is released which along with sinigrin (a glucosinolate) produces AITC. Allyl isothiocyanates’ are responsible for the pungency mustard oil is known for.
We checked all the mustard oil brands for the signature pungent aroma.
3. Flavor
We tasted all oils to check for bitterness, aftertaste, and a general ‘mustardy’ flavor.
4. Eye Irritation
That mild eye irritation you experience when eating mustard oil is supposed to point to the quality of the oil. Medium to intense eye irritation indicates that the oil is rich in essential oils. Similarly, pungency is indicative of purity. The more pungent the mustard oil, the better it is. Not to mention how traditional Indian recipes depend on this pungency to bring out the best flavors in some of our local cuisines.
This is, in fact, one of the key factors that help distinguish between pure and impure mustard oil. In fact, we would love to praise all of the brands as they all irritated the eye to some extent, meaning that they were all pure.
Our Review Process
- Stage 1 – Appearance
- Stage 2 – Eye Irritation
- Stage 3 – Mishry Secret Sauce
During Stage 1 and 2 we checked all the brands for their color and characteristic eye-irritation.
For Stage 3 i.e, Mishry Secret Sauce, we ordered some Rohu from Licious – a store known for delivering fresh meats and seafood. We marinated these fresh pieces of fish and marinated them in a basic salt, mustard oil, (all six brands used separately), turmeric, and chili marination. After being left for 1.5 hours (for marinating), the rohu pieces were dipped into each of the shortlisted brands of oil and fried.
After tasting each of the batches fried in different mustard oil, we arrived at our recommendations for the Best Mustard Oil Brand.
Our Top Picks & Recommendations
A good quality mustard oil should be clear, have a mustard color, and showcase the characteristic pungent aroma. Along with these, taste is a crucial factor.
After assessing all the above-mentioned factors, we chose P Mark Mustard Oil Kachi Ghani and Patanjali Fortified Mustard Oil as our top two recommendations. This is because both these brands displayed maximum pungency.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil?
Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil is a traditional Indian cooking oil extracted from mustard seeds using the cold-pressed method. It retains the natural properties and aroma of mustard seeds, making it popular for culinary and therapeutic purposes.
2. How to identify the best Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil brands in India?
Look for brands that offer pure, cold-pressed mustard oil without any additives or preservatives. Check for certifications such as FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) to ensure quality and authenticity. Additionally, read customer reviews and ratings to gauge the reputation and trustworthiness of the brand.
3. What are the health benefits of using Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil?
Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil is rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants like vitamin E. It is known to improve heart health, boost immunity, aid digestion, and promote skin and hair health. Its anti-inflammatory properties also make it beneficial for arthritis and joint pain relief.
4. Can Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil be used for all types of cooking?
Yes, Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil is versatile and suitable for various cooking methods including frying, sautéing, and tempering. Its high smoke point makes it ideal for deep frying and high-temperature cooking. It adds a distinct flavor and aroma to dishes, enhancing their taste.
5. Are there any precautions to consider when using Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil?
While Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil offers numerous health benefits, individuals with mustard allergies should avoid its consumption. It’s also recommended to store the oil in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to maintain its freshness and nutritional properties. Additionally, excessive consumption should be avoided due to its calorie content.
Final Words
Do you cook with mustard oil? Which is your brand of choice?
* If you do agree with our review, please give it a thumbs up! And, tell us which one is your favorite from this list. If you don’t, please tell us why!
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* No part of this review is sponsored by any brand. All expenses were borne by us.