What is Peanut Oil, Groundnut Oil, Sing Tel?

Filtered peanut oil or groundnut oil has been used in India since generations. Refining of oil was introduced in the 1950s; the first refined peanut oil was called "Sipahi" but it gained popularity under the brand name "Postman".

Peanut oil is supposedly less refined than other oils in order to retain some of the peanut protein for taste and nutrition. Hence, peanut oil generally retains the aroma and flavour of peanuts to an extent.

It also has a high smoke point compared to other oils, and is hence used commonly for frying foods like French fries.

Its major component fatty acids are palmitic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid. The oil also contains six to eight per cent (total) of arachidic acid, arachidonic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid and other fatty acids.

How to select Peanut Oil, Groundnut Oil, Sing Tel

• Peanut oil is readily available at grocery stores.

• Choose a good brand, read the labels for nutrition information, and then purchase.

• Make sure the package has no leaks.

• Check the use-by date before buying.

Culinary Uses of Peanut Oil, Groundnut Oil

Enjoy these healthy breakfast recipes made healthier with the usage of peanut oil.

1. Mixed Sprouts Poha a nutritious quick breakfast of Poha taken early in the morning holds you in good stead throughout the day.

2. Chana Dal Pancakes made of soaked chana dal mixed with vitamin rich vegetables and protein rich curds to enhance its taste.

3. Moong Dal Chilla protein-rich Moong Dal Chilla, stuffed with a deliciously flavoured mixture of potatoes and green peas.

4. High Fibre Chillas batter of buckwheat and curds which are then soaked and ground in a mixer. To the batter we add oats, ginger green chilli paste, carrots and spring onions add crunch.

5. Indian Oats Pancake with Jowar made by adding oats to wheat flour, as oats are highly nutritious and filled with cholesterol-fighting soluble fibre.

6. Paneer Veggie Wrap made from whole wheat flour, low fat paneer, healthy vegetables and spices. What’s nice is this is a wrap that will appeal to kids, young adults and elders.

• Peanut oil is generally used for it for its slightly nutty flavour and taste.

• It has a relatively neutral flavour and is a very stable cooking medium compared to other cold-pressed oils.

• Due to its stability, it is used for deep frying, sautéing and also to make dressings.

• This oil is suitable for all types of cooking including frying, grilling, sautéing, seasoning and tempering.

• Quite popular in Indian cooking, peanut oil is also accepted in Chinese cuisine.

How to Store Peanut Oil, Groundnut Oil

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.