Chekku Oil Guide: Cold Pressed Oils and Their Uses
Chekku (marachekku) oil is pressed in a traditional wooden press that turns slowly, and is sold unrefined. Here are the oils we stock, what each is usually used for in a Tamil kitchen, and today's prices.
Kadalai Ennai (Groundnut Oil)
Everyday cooking, frying and sautéing. Mild, nutty smell.
1 kg ₹550500 g ₹285250 g ₹148
Nallennai (Gingelly / Sesame Oil)
Tamil staples like kuzhambu, podi and idli-milagai podi, and the traditional oil bath.
1 kg ₹770500 g ₹395250 g ₹203
Thengai Ennai (Coconut Oil)
Kerala-style cooking, tempering and sweets. Also used on hair and skin.
1 kg ₹726500 g ₹373250 g ₹192
Vilakkennai (Castor Oil)
Lighting lamps (vilakku) and traditional hair care. Not usually used for cooking.
1 kg ₹910500 g ₹465250 g ₹238
Kadugu Ennai (Mustard Oil)
Pickles and North Indian and Bengali dishes. Strong, pungent smell.
1 kg ₹790500 g ₹405250 g ₹208
Olive Oil
Salads, dressings and light cooking.
1 kg ₹1,331
Common questions
What does "chekku" or "marachekku" mean? A chekku is a traditional oil press: a heavy wooden pestle turns in a stone or wooden mortar and crushes the seeds slowly. "Mara" means wood. Oil from it is filtered and bottled without refining, so it keeps the colour and smell of the seed.
How is it different from refined oil? Refined oils are bleached and deodorised after pressing, which makes them clear and nearly smell-free. Chekku oils skip that step, so they look cloudier, smell of the seed, and may settle a little at the bottom of the bottle. That is normal.
How should I store chekku oil? Keep it closed, away from sunlight and the stove, in a cool place. Use a dry ladle. Coconut oil turns solid below about 24 °C; stand the bottle in warm water to melt it.
Buy in Chennai
Order online for delivery across Chennai in 1–3 days and shipping across India, or pick up at Raahat Plaza, Vadapalani. Choose the type and pack size on the product page.