Mustard Oil Manufacturing Process: From Seed to Bottle

Mustard oil has been an essential part of Indian kitchens, traditional medicine, and cultural practices for centuries. Known for its strong aroma, pungent taste, and numerous health benefits, mustard oil is widely used for cooking, pickling, massage, and even religious rituals. But have you ever wondered how mustard oil is manufactured—from tiny seeds harvested in fields to the golden liquid bottled on store shelves?

Understanding the mustard oil manufacturing process helps consumers make informed buying decisions, appreciate quality differences, and distinguish pure oil from adulterated or refined alternatives. This article provides a comprehensive step-by-step explanation of the mustard oil manufacturing process, covering traditional methods, modern techniques, quality control, and packaging—right from seed to bottle.

1. Understanding Mustard Seeds: The Foundation of Quality Oil

The journey of mustard oil begins with mustard seeds. The quality, variety, and handling of these seeds play a crucial role in determining the aroma, color, taste, and nutritional value of the final oil.

Types of Mustard Seeds Used

• Yellow Mustard Seeds – Mild flavor, lighter oil

• Brown Mustard Seeds – Strong aroma, commonly used in Indian oils

• Black Mustard Seeds – Highly pungent, rich in essential oils

In India, brown and black mustard seeds are most commonly used for edible mustard oil production.

Seed Quality Parameters

Before processing, seeds are evaluated for:

• Moisture content

• Oil percentage

• Purity and cleanliness

• Absence of pests, fungus, or mold

High-quality mustard oil can only be produced from well-matured, properly dried, and contamination-free seeds.

2. Harvesting and Storage of Mustard Seeds

Harvesting

Mustard crops are typically harvested when seed pods mature and turn yellowish-brown. Harvesting is done carefully to prevent seed loss and damage.

Drying

After harvesting, mustard seeds are sun-dried or mechanically dried to reduce moisture levels (usually below 7–8%). Proper drying prevents microbial growth and enhances oil extraction efficiency.

Storage

Seeds are stored in:

• Clean, dry warehouses

• Moisture-controlled environments

• Ventilated conditions to avoid rancidity

Improper storage can result in oil degradation even before extraction begins.

3. Cleaning and Grading of Mustard Seeds

Before oil extraction, mustard seeds undergo thorough cleaning to remove impurities.

Cleaning Process Includes:

• Removal of dust, stones, husks, and foreign matter

• Magnetic separation to eliminate metal particles

• Air classifiers to remove lightweight debris

Grading

Seeds may be graded based on size, weight, and oil content. Uniform grading ensures consistent oil quality during extraction.

4. Traditional Mustard Oil Manufacturing: The Kachi Ghani Process

The traditional method of mustard oil extraction is known as the Kachi Ghani or cold-press process. This method is still highly valued for producing pure, aromatic, and nutrient-rich mustard oil.

Step-by-Step Kachi Ghani Process

a. Seed Preparation

Clean mustard seeds are lightly crushed or coarsely ground.

b. Cold Pressing

The crushed seeds are slowly pressed using wooden or steel presses at low temperatures (typically below 40–45°C). No external heat or chemicals are used.

c. Oil Extraction

Oil is released naturally under pressure and collected gradually.

d. Filtration

The extracted oil is filtered through cloth or natural filters to remove seed particles.

Benefits of Kachi Ghani Method

• Retains natural aroma and pungency

• Preserves omega-3 fatty acids

• Maintains antioxidants and vitamins

• Free from chemical solvents

This method yields less oil compared to modern techniques but delivers superior quality.

5. Modern Mustard Oil Manufacturing Process

To meet large-scale demand, modern oil mills use mechanized extraction methods. These processes focus on efficiency and volume, though quality varies depending on temperature control and refining steps.

a. Mechanical Expeller Pressing

Process Overview:

• Seeds are cleaned and conditioned

• Mild heating may be applied

• Seeds are pressed using mechanical screw presses

• Oil is extracted under high pressure

This method produces more oil than cold pressing but may slightly reduce aroma due to heat.

b. Solvent Extraction Method

This method is mainly used in industrial settings for maximum oil recovery.

Process Steps:

1. Seed crushing and flaking

2. Use of food-grade solvents (commonly hexane)

3. Oil-solvent mixture separation

4. Solvent evaporation and recovery

5. Crude oil collection

While efficient, solvent-extracted oil requires extensive refining and is generally considered inferior to cold-pressed oil for direct consumption.

6. Refining Process in Mustard Oil Manufacturing

Not all mustard oils are refined, but refined mustard oil undergoes additional processing to improve appearance, shelf life, and neutrality.

Refining Steps Include:

a. Degumming

Removes phospholipids and gums using water or acid treatment.

b. Neutralization

Eliminates free fatty acids using alkaline solutions.

c. Bleaching

Uses natural bleaching earth to remove pigments and impurities.

d. Deodorization

Steam treatment removes strong odors and flavors.

While refining improves clarity and shelf life, it also reduces natural aroma and some nutrients.

7. Filtration and Quality Control

Regardless of extraction method, filtration and quality testing are essential.

Filtration Methods

• Cloth filtration

• Pressure filtration

• Micro-filtration (for premium oils)

Quality Control Tests

• Acid value

• Peroxide value

• Moisture content

• Color and clarity

• Aroma and taste profile

• Adulteration detection

Reputed manufacturers follow FSSAI and AGMARK standards to ensure safety and purity.

8. Mustard Oil Packaging Process

Once the oil passes quality checks, it moves to packaging.

Packaging Materials

• PET bottles

• Glass bottles (premium segment)

• Food-grade tin containers

• Bulk HDPE drums for commercial use

Packaging Environment

• Hygienic, dust-free conditions

• Automated filling lines

• Tamper-proof sealing

Proper packaging protects mustard oil from light, air, and contamination, preserving freshness and shelf life.

9. Labeling and Compliance

Every bottle of mustard oil must comply with food safety regulations.

Label Information Includes:

• Manufacturing and expiry dates

• Batch number

• Net quantity

• FSSAI license number

• Nutritional information

• Processing method (cold-pressed, refined, etc.)

Transparent labeling builds consumer trust and ensures legal compliance.

10. Storage and Distribution

Storage Conditions

• Cool, dry place

• Away from direct sunlight

• Tightly sealed containers

Distribution Channels

• Retail stores

• Supermarkets

• E-commerce platforms

• Bulk supply to hotels and restaurants

Efficient logistics prevent oxidation and leakage during transportation.

11. Traditional vs Modern Manufacturing: A Comparison

12. Importance of Manufacturing Process in Oil Quality

The mustard oil manufacturing process directly affects:

• Nutritional value

• Taste and aroma

• Digestibility

• Safety and purity

Consumers seeking health benefits should prefer cold-pressed, unrefined mustard oil made using traditional methods.

Conclusion

The mustard oil manufacturing process is a careful journey that transforms humble mustard seeds into a flavorful, nutritious, and versatile oil. From seed selection and cleaning to extraction, filtration, packaging, and distribution, every step plays a vital role in determining the final product’s quality.

Traditional methods like Kachi Ghani emphasize purity and nutrition, while modern processes focus on scale and efficiency. Understanding these processes empowers consumers to choose the right mustard oil for their kitchen—one that aligns with their health needs, cooking style, and quality expectations.

Whether used for cooking, pickling, or wellness, high-quality mustard oil begins with the right manufacturing process. When you know what happens from seed to bottle, you don’t just buy mustard oil—you choose it wisely.