Frequently Asked Questions

Chekku oil is pressed in a traditional wooden press (chekku / ghani) that rotates slowly. The temperature stays well below 50°C, so the oil keeps its natural aroma, colour, vitamin E and antioxidants. Refined oils are extracted with heat and solvents, then bleached and deodorised.

A wood press (marachekku) crushes the seeds with a wooden pestle that turns slowly, so the oil stays cool – below about 45–50°C – and keeps its natural aroma, colour, vitamin E and antioxidants. An iron press (rotary or expeller) uses a metal drum or screw that runs much faster; the friction heats the seeds and the oil. It gives a higher yield, but the heat dulls the aroma and can reduce heat-sensitive nutrients. All our oils are pressed slowly in the chekku, never in a high-speed steel expeller.

Because it is unrefined. Natural colour, aroma and a little sediment at the bottom are signs of pure cold pressed oil. Refined oils are bleached and filtered to look clear. Let the bottle stand and use the oil from the top, or shake it – both are fine.

No. Our oils contain only the seed or nut they are pressed from. In Karuppatti Chekku Nallennai a small amount of Palm Jaggery is added during pressing, in the traditional way. There are zero chemicals, paraffin wax, argemone oil or preservatives. Our FSSAI licence number is printed on every label.

Every oil comes in 200 ml, 500 ml, 1 litre, 5 litre and 15 kg tin (groundnut oil starts from 500 ml). For 15 kg tins and regular bulk supply to hotels, hostels or temples, please contact us on +91 63813 79240 for trade pricing.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, with the cap closed. Groundnut oil keeps for 6 months, gingelly and coconut oil for 9 months, castor and illuppai oil for 12 months. Coconut oil solidifies below 24°C – this is natural, just keep the bottle in a warm place.

Chekku Kadalai Ennai (groundnut oil) is our most popular frying oil because of its high smoke point and nutty taste. Coconut oil is also very stable at high heat. Gingelly oil is best for everyday cooking, tempering and pickles.

We ship across India. Orders are packed at our mill in Madurai within 1–2 working days. Delivery usually takes 2–4 days within Tamil Nadu and 4–8 days to other states. Customers in Madurai can also pick up directly from the mill.

Shipping is free on orders above ₹1,999. Below that a flat charge of ₹60 applies. For 15 kg tins and very heavy orders we may contact you to confirm the best freight option.

We accept UPI, debit/credit cards, net banking and wallets through Razorpay, a secure Indian payment gateway. Cash on delivery is available only for bulk and business (B2B) orders, confirmed by phone – call or WhatsApp us and we will place the order for you after confirming.

You can cancel before the order is shipped by calling or WhatsApp-ing us. Since oils are food products, we accept returns only if the bottle arrives damaged, leaking or incorrect – please send us a photo within 48 hours of delivery and we will replace it or refund you. See our Refund Policy for details.

Once your order is shipped you will receive an email (and WhatsApp message where possible) with the courier name and tracking number. You can also see the status under “My Account → Orders” on this website.

Yes. We regularly supply 5 L cans and 15 kg tins to hotels, mess kitchens, hostels and temples in and around Madurai. Call +91 63813 79240 or use the contact form for a trade quotation.

Absolutely. Our mill is at Govindhan Street, opposite Mary Ann School, K.Pudur, Madurai – 625007. Come and see the chekku in action and buy directly. See the map on our Contact page.