The home of AMMANI is situated in Thuraiyur (once called Duraiyur ruled by Durai’s and Zamindar’s) which is surrounded by nature’s gifted green hills, kolli hills, perumal hills, evergreen villages and vast agricultural lands irrigated by Kollidam and Cauvery rivers where our seeds (ingredients) come from.
Inspired by the Anatomic Therapy principles of Mr Healer Basker, AMMANI was established. It was a great honour for us that AMMANI was inaugrated by the Anatomic Therapy Foundation Mr Healer Basker.
AMMANI’s Wood Pressed Mara Chekku Oil ( Naattu Mara Chekku Oil ) is extracted by the traditional method in which a long cylindrical contraption called ‘Ghani’(Nattu Mara Chekku) is used to grind the seeds as our Ancestors did.This technique is called “cold pressing the oil” out of the seed which does not involve the generation of heat. Hence, room temperature is maintained and it can be achieved only if traditional wooden churner (Nattu Mara Chekku) is used and extracted by a slow mechanical process. Since the oil is not heated, it retains all the natural micronutrients, vitamins, flavor, color and texture. The remains of the seed is used as fodder for the cattle.
We have an OPEN DOOR POLICY to welcome and encourage everyone to visit our home of Ammani in Thuraiyur to perceive our Art of Nattu Mara Chekku Oil extraction.
Ammani’s cold pressed oil collection includes Wood pressed Gingelly Marachekku oil, Groundnut Mara Chekku oil and Coconut Marachekku oil which is :
- Is Unrefined, therefore no chemicals, additives, preservatives and is free from sulphur
- Is free from hexane
- Is of high density since it is unaltered, free from argemone oil and packed naturally at its best form
- Contains zero grams of trans fatty acids and is naturally cholesterol-free
- Retains its nutritive value, natural anti-oxidants, polyphenols, phytosterol, tocopherol, phosphatides
- Rich in naturally occurring Vitamins
- Acts as antimicrobial
- Increases metabolism
- Prevents wrinkles, sagging, dryness flaking
- Controls Blood Sugar Levels
- Strengthens Immune System
Whereas, the modern method of oil extraction involves generating a lot of heat. The seed is first crushed, and the pulp is heated upto 230 degree centigrade under pressure to extract almost all the oil of the seed which may generate Carcinogenic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons.Solvents such as hexane is added for optimum extraction of oil. Such high temperatures alters the properties of the oil and shreds off its nutritional value. In addition, preservatives are added to increase the shelf life of the oils that has gone through such a vigorous process of extraction.