How RJS Produces Sesame Oil: From Carefully Selected Seeds to Bottle

Sesame oil, known as nallennai in Tamil, has a special place in traditional South Indian cooking.

From preparing flavourful kuzhambu to seasoning traditional dishes and making pickles, sesame oil is valued for its distinctive aroma and taste.

But have you ever wondered how sesame seeds become the sesame oil in your kitchen?

At RJS Healthy Foods, producing sesame oil begins long before the seeds enter the extraction machine. Raw-material selection, seed preparation, mechanical pressing, settling, quality checks and careful packing all contribute to the finished product.

In this article, we explain the sesame oil production process at RJS and why each stage matters.

1. Selecting the Right Sesame Seeds

Good sesame oil begins with suitable raw material.

Sesame seeds can vary in colour, size, moisture and other characteristics depending on their variety, growing conditions, maturity and storage.

At RJS, we focus on selecting suitable sesame seeds before they enter production.

Our sesame oil uses a selected blend of red, white and black sesame seeds sourced from farmers, including farmers in the Cauvery Delta region.

Rather than assuming that one seed colour is automatically superior, we consider the suitability of the raw material for the intended product.

The goal is to start with seeds that are appropriate for processing and handle them carefully throughout production.

2. Checking the Raw Material

Once a raw-material lot is received, it needs to be assessed before processing.

The checks used can include:

• Inspecting the condition of the seeds

• Looking for visible stones, soil and other foreign materials

• Checking moisture levels

• Collecting representative samples where required

• Assessing whether the material is suitable for production

Moisture is particularly important when handling oilseeds because it can affect storage, handling and pressing conditions.

At RJS, our general working moisture range for sesame is approximately 4–6%, depending on the batch and production conditions.

This is a working target, not a guarantee that every incoming lot has exactly the same moisture level.

The purpose of these checks is to identify potential issues before the seeds move further into production.

3. Cleaning the Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds may contain unwanted materials from harvesting, transportation or storage.

Before extraction, the seeds need to be prepared appropriately.

Cleaning helps remove visible foreign matter such as stones, soil and other unwanted particles.

This stage matters because the quality of the finished oil depends partly on the condition of the raw material entering the extraction process.

Cleaning is not simply about appearance. It is an important part of responsible raw-material handling.

4. Preparing the Seeds for Mechanical Pressing

After inspection and cleaning, the sesame seeds are prepared for extraction.

The exact preparation requirements can depend on the condition of the seeds and the production method.

At this stage, the objective is to ensure that the material is suitable for the pressing process.

Careful preparation helps the production team work with the raw material more consistently and reduces the chance of unwanted material entering the next stage.

5. Extracting Sesame Oil Through Traditional Mechanical Pressing

Once the seeds are prepared, they move to the oil extraction stage.

RJS produces sesame oil using a traditional chekku-style mechanical pressing method.

During pressing, mechanical force helps release the oil from the sesame seeds. The extracted oil is then collected for further handling.

The conditions during pressing matter. The extraction process needs to be managed according to the raw material and the equipment being used.

At RJS, our stated working approach is to control the extraction process and keep the temperature below 50°C.

This is a process target, rather than a claim that every part of the equipment or every batch remains at one identical temperature throughout production.

Mechanical extraction is an important part of the process, but the finished oil also depends on the quality of the seeds and the handling steps that follow.

6. The Role of Gundu Vellam in Traditional Sesame Oil Extraction

Traditional sesame oil extraction practices can include the use of small quantities of gundu vellam, or traditional jaggery balls, during pressing.

RJS lists natural gundu vellam as an ingredient used during its sesame oil extraction process.

The quantity and handling of any such ingredient should follow the manufacturer's actual production procedure and applicable food requirements.

For customers who want to understand how their oil is made, this is a useful reminder that traditional extraction methods may involve specific practices beyond simply pressing seeds.

Always check the product's ingredient information for the details relevant to the bottle you purchase.

7. Collecting and Settling the Extracted Oil

Freshly extracted oil may contain fine particles from the raw material.

After pressing, the oil therefore needs suitable post-extraction handling before packing.

At RJS, our process includes allowing extracted oil to settle. Our general approach uses sunlight settling for approximately 7–14 days, depending on the product and production conditions.

During settling, heavier suspended particles can gradually move towards the bottom of the container.

This can help separate some of the settled material from the clearer portion of the oil.

The time required can vary. Settling is not a substitute for appropriate hygiene, quality checks or other necessary processing controls.

8. Filtration and Post-Extraction Handling

After settling, the oil is handled further to prepare it for packing.

Filtration can help remove suspended particles that remain after settling. The method used depends on the production process.

Settling and filtration serve related but different purposes:

• Settling: allows heavier suspended particles to move down over time.

• Filtration: separates particles from oil by passing it through a suitable filtering medium.

These steps can influence the final oil's clarity and appearance.

However, a clear appearance alone does not prove that an oil is pure, authentic or safe. Product quality depends on several factors, including raw-material condition, hygienic handling, suitable processing, testing and storage.

9. Quality Checks Before Packing

Before sesame oil is packed, appropriate checks are important.

Depending on the product and production requirements, these may include reviewing its appearance, aroma, processing records, packaging suitability and relevant quality-test results.

RJS's wider raw-material quality approach includes sampling and laboratory testing where applicable.

The purpose of quality checks is to identify potential issues and help ensure that the product meets the requirements established for it.

A visual inspection alone cannot establish every aspect of oil quality. Appropriate testing and documented production practices are important parts of a reliable quality system.

10. Packing the Sesame Oil

Once the oil has completed the required processing and checks, it is packed into suitable containers.

Good packaging helps protect the product during storage, transportation and handling.

Before purchasing, customers should check:

• Whether the container is properly sealed

• Whether the packaging is damaged or leaking

• The ingredient list

• The batch details

• The manufacturing or packing date

• The best-before information

• The recommended storage instructions

RJS offers sesame oil in different pack sizes, subject to current product availability.

The packaging is the final stage of production, but proper handling must continue after the product leaves the manufacturing unit.

11. How Should You Store RJS Sesame Oil at Home?

Once you bring sesame oil home, storage can influence how well its quality is maintained.

Follow these practical steps:

• Keep the container tightly closed after use.

• Store it away from direct sunlight.

• Avoid excessive heat.

• Keep it away from repeated exposure to hot air near the cooking stove.

• Use clean, dry utensils when handling the oil.

• Follow the storage instructions on the product label.

Also check the best-before information and pay attention to unexpected changes in smell or appearance.

If the packaging is damaged or the oil shows signs of contamination, stop using it and contact the seller or manufacturer.

From Sesame Seeds to Sesame Oil: The RJS Process

The production journey can be summarised as follows:

Raw-material selection → Inspection and sampling → Cleaning → Moisture assessment → Mechanical pressing → Settling → Filtration and post-extraction handling → Quality checks → Packing

Each stage has a purpose.

Selecting suitable seeds provides the starting point. Cleaning and preparation help manage unwanted material. Mechanical pressing extracts the oil, while settling and filtration help prepare it for the finished product. Quality checks and suitable packaging support responsible product handling.

The precise steps and parameters can vary according to the raw material and production requirements.

Why Does RJS Use a Blend of Red, White and Black Sesame?

Sesame seeds are available in different varieties and colours. Their characteristics can vary, so seed colour alone is not a reliable measure of oil quality.

RJS uses a selected blend of red, white and black sesame seeds for its sesame oil.

Our focus is on choosing suitable raw material and handling it carefully throughout production rather than claiming that one colour of sesame is automatically better than another.

The origin, condition, moisture, cleaning, extraction and post-extraction handling all matter when producing sesame oil.

What Makes the Sesame Oil Production Process Important?

Understanding the production process helps customers make more informed choices.

When comparing sesame oils, consider more than just colour or price. Ask about:

• The source and condition of the sesame seeds

• How the seeds are cleaned and prepared

• The extraction method

• How the oil is handled after pressing

• What quality checks are performed

• The ingredient list and product label

• Packaging and storage practices

These details provide a more useful picture of how the product is made than appearance alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is sesame oil produced at RJS?

RJS's sesame oil production process includes selecting suitable sesame seeds, inspecting and cleaning the raw material, assessing moisture, extracting the oil through traditional mechanical pressing, allowing it to settle, carrying out further handling and quality checks, and packing it.

What types of sesame seeds does RJS use?

RJS uses a selected blend of red, white and black sesame seeds sourced from farmers, including farmers in the Cauvery Delta region.

What is the moisture target for sesame seeds at RJS?

RJS's general working moisture range for sesame is approximately 4–6%, depending on the batch and production conditions.

Does RJS control the temperature during sesame oil extraction?

RJS's stated working approach is to keep the extraction temperature below 50°C. Actual conditions can vary with the raw material and production process.

Why is sesame oil allowed to settle after extraction?

Settling allows heavier suspended particles to move towards the bottom over time. This helps prepare the oil for subsequent handling, although settling alone does not establish overall product quality.

Why might sesame oil have some sediment?

Fine particles can settle depending on the raw material and the settling and filtration process. Sediment alone cannot confirm whether an oil is good or bad. If you notice unusual odours, signs of contamination or damaged packaging, contact the manufacturer or seller.

How should I store sesame oil?

Keep it tightly closed and away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Follow the storage instructions on the product label.

Explore RJS Cold-Pressed Sesame Oil

At RJS Healthy Foods, sesame oil begins with the raw material and moves through a series of production and handling steps before reaching the customer.

We believe that understanding the process helps customers make informed choices about the food they bring into their kitchens.

If you are looking for sesame oil for your cooking, explore the RJS Healthy Foods range and review the product details before purchasing.

Traditional Process. Modern Quality.

Explore RJS Healthy Foods – https://rjshealthyfood.in/

Final Takeaway

Producing sesame oil involves more than extracting oil from seeds.

The process begins with selecting suitable sesame, followed by inspection, cleaning, preparation, mechanical pressing, settling, further handling, quality checks and packing.

At RJS, our selected blend of red, white and black sesame and our approach to traditional mechanical extraction are part of this production journey.

For customers, the most useful question is not simply whether the oil looks dark or clear.

It is: How was the oil produced, handled and checked before it reached the bottle?