Mustard oil — sarson ka tel — has been the everyday cooking oil of Bihar, Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Punjab for generations. Its golden colour, sharp aroma and gentle bite (the famous jhaanj) make dal tadka, sabzi, fish curry, litti-chokha and achaar taste the way they are meant to.
How mustard oil is made
Mustard oil is pressed from the seeds of the mustard plant. There are two very different ways to do it:
- Kachi ghani (cold pressed): seeds are crushed slowly at low temperature, without chemicals. The oil keeps its natural colour, aroma and pungency. Read more about kachi ghani.
- Refined / solvent-extracted: seeds are pressed hot, then treated with chemicals, bleached and deodorised. It is cheaper to make, but much of the natural flavour is lost.
Why families choose mustard oil
- A naturally high smoke point — good for Indian frying, tadka and deep-frying.
- Rich in mono- and poly-unsaturated fats, and a natural source of omega-3 (ALA).
- Its strong taste means you use less oil for more flavour.
- The traditional choice for pickles — it helps achaar keep for months.
- Used for generations for body and hair massage (maalish).
How to use it in the kitchen
For the classic taste, heat kachi ghani mustard oil until it just starts to smoke and turns a shade lighter, then lower the flame and add your jeera, mustard seeds or garlic. This mellows the sharpness while keeping the aroma. For pickles, use it as it is.
How to choose pure mustard oil
- Look for kachi ghani / cold pressed on the label — not just "mustard oil".
- It should smell strongly of mustard and sting the nose a little. A mild or "no smell" oil is usually blended or refined.
- The colour should be a deep, clear golden yellow.
- Buy from a brand that tells you where and how it is pressed.
Storage
Keep the bottle or tin closed, away from sunlight and the gas stove. Use a dry spoon for pickles. Stored well, sealed packs stay fresh for many months — the best-before date is printed on every pack.
Buy pure mustard oil from The Magadh
The Magadh presses kachi ghani mustard oil at our own mill in Bihar from seeds bought directly from local farmers — nothing added, nothing taken out. See all packs and prices or learn how to order.