Mustard Oil vs Groundnut Oil: Which Should You Choose?

Both are Indian kitchen staples, but they play very different roles.

Flavour: mustard is bold and pungent; groundnut is mild and nutty.

Heat: both handle high temperatures well. Groundnut's steady character makes it the favourite for deep frying; mustard shines in tadka, pickles and robust curries.

Tradition: mustard anchors North and East Indian cooking; groundnut anchors Gujarati, Maharashtrian and South Indian frying.

The honest answer: most Indian kitchens benefit from both. Mustard for character, groundnut for frying.