Kannan Oil Mill

Kannan Oil Mill is right by the Sabzi Mandi Gate. Being next to the vegetable market means it’s always lively around here. From early morning, the area is full of carts, shouting vendors, and the smell of fresh produce. Our mill has its own distinct smell though—the heavy, rich scent of pressed seeds and oil. We’ve been at this spot for quite some time. The machines are old and they make a lot of noise, but they get the oil out better than some of the newer ones I’ve seen. We spend the day feeding seeds into the press and collecting the oil in big tins. Our hands are always a bit greasy, and the floor can get slippery if we aren't careful, so we keep the sawdust handy. People come to us from all over the neighborhood because they want oil that they can see being made right in front of them. We don’t have any fancy packaging or big advertisements. We just fill up the bottles or tins that people bring in, or the ones we have ready on the shelf. It’s a simple process that hasn’t changed much over the years. When the market is at its busiest, it’s hard to even hear yourself talk over the noise, but we just keep working. It’s a good spot to be, right in the heart of the action, helping people get fresh oil for their kitchens.