Castor Oil (Vilakkennai): Uses, Myths and How To Apply
Thick, glossy and a little intimidating, castor oil is a staple of Tamil home care. What it is genuinely good for, how to make it easier to use, and the claims to ignore.
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Insights
Recipes, oil wisdom and stories from our chekku in Madurai.
All (20)
Behind the Mill (2)Buying Guide (5)Cooking & Recipes (5)Health & Wellness (5)Traditions (3)
Illuppai (Mahua) Oil: The Forgotten Lamp Oil of Tamil Nadu
Before electricity, illuppai oil lit homes and temples across the Tamil countryside. The story of a tree, its oil and why we still press it.
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Cooking With Chekku Thengai Ennai: Where Coconut Oil Shines
Cold pressed coconut oil is not just for hair. The dishes it suits best, how it behaves on heat, and simple ways to bring it into everyday South Indian cooking.
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How To Store Cold Pressed Oil So It Stays Fresh
Unrefined oil has no preservatives, so a little care keeps it at its best. The three enemies of fresh oil and how to keep them out.
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Why Does Cold Pressed Oil Have Sediment? (And Why That Is Good)
New customers sometimes worry about the fine layer at the bottom of the bottle. It is the most natural thing about the oil.
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Reading an Oil Label: FSSAI, Argemone Oil and What “Zero” Means
Every Vaigai label lists four things we do not add. Here is what each one is and why it matters for your family.
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Adhirasam With Chekku Kadalai Ennai: The Festive Recipe
Adhirasam is unforgiving – too little jaggery and it disintegrates, too much and it turns hard. A tested recipe with the oil that makes the difference.
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