Cow Ghee

What is Cow Ghee?

Cow ghee is a type of clarified butter that is derived from cow's milk. It is a traditional staple in Indian cuisine and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries due to its purported health benefits. In the process of making cow ghee, the butter is slowly melted and simmered until all the water has evaporated, leaving behind the pure butterfat. This process also removes any impurities and milk solids, resulting in a pure and rich golden liquid.

Cow ghee is often used as a cooking medium due to its high smoke point, which makes it ideal for frying and sautéing. Its nutty flavor also adds depth to dishes and can be used as a spread or topping for bread, vegetables, and other foods. In addition to its culinary uses, cow ghee has been used in traditional medicine to improve digestion, boost immunity, and promote skin health. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and can be used topically to soothe skin irritations and dryness.

While cow ghee is primarily associated with Indian cuisine, it is becoming increasingly popular in other parts of the world, particularly among health enthusiasts and those following a paleo or ketogenic diet. However, it is important to note that cow ghee is high in saturated fat and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Cow Ghee Production in the World

India is the top country producing Cow Ghee in the world. As of 2021, India produced 227,649 tonnes of Cow Ghee, accounting for 59.83% of the total production. Bangladesh is the world's second-largest Cow Ghee producer, with 31,300 tonnes, which represents 8.23% of the total production. Nepal(19,896) is the 3rd country, Tanzania(17,495) is the 4th country, and Ethiopia(16,802) is the 5th country in the world producing Cow Ghee. Burundi has the lowest production of Cow Ghee in the world with only 323 tonnes in 2021. The world's total production of cow ghee was estimated at 380,520 tonnes in 2021.

Source: FAOSTAT

Top 10 Countries by Cow Ghee Production in 2021

Top Countries by Production of Cow Ghee in 2021

Rank	Country	Production(Tonnes)
1	India	227,649
2	Bangladesh	31,300
3	Nepal	19,896
4	Tanzania	17,495
5	Ethiopia	16,802
6	United States	11,239
7	Australia	10,442
8	Mongolia	9,701
9	Somalia	8,629
10	Argentina	5,369
11	Yemen	5,317
12	Syria	4,624
13	Serbia	3,915
14	South Africa	2,773
15	Burkina Faso	1,591
16	Oman	1,210
17	Eritrea	900
18	Kenya	697
19	Uruguay	648
20	Burundi	323

Process of Making Cow Ghee

The process of making cow ghee involves the following steps:

Collection of Milk: Cow's milk is collected and allowed to settle to remove impurities.
Boiling: The milk is then boiled in a large vessel until it reaches a temperature of around 80-85 degrees Celsius.
Skimming: Once the milk reaches the desired temperature, the cream or malai that forms on the surface is skimmed off using a ladle or utensil. The cream is collected in a separate container.
Culturing: The collected cream is then kept in a cool place, preferably overnight, to allow natural culturing. This helps in the fermentation process.
Churning: The cultured cream is churned using a wooden churner or an electric blender. This process helps in separating the butterfat from the buttermilk.
Heating: The churned cream, also known as butter, is then heated in a pan over medium heat. As the butter melts, it starts to separate into three layers – the foam on top, clarified butter in the middle, and milk solids at the bottom.
Straining: The foam and milk solids are skimmed off, and the clarified butter is carefully poured or strained into a separate container. This clarified butter is known as ghee.
Cooling and Storing: The freshly made ghee is allowed to cool down to room temperature. It solidifies into a semi-solid state. It can then be stored in an airtight container at room temperature, where it can be preserved for an extended period.

The process of making cow ghee may vary slightly depending on regional practices and preferences, but these are the general steps involved.

Health Benefits of Cow Ghee

Cow ghee is believed to have several health benefits due to its composition of healthy fats and other nutrients.

Here are some potential health benefits of cow ghee:

Good source of healthy fats: Cow ghee is high in healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
May aid digestion: Cow ghee is rich in butyric acid, which has been shown to improve digestion and reduce inflammation in the gut. It may also help stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, improving overall digestion.
May boost immunity: Cow ghee is rich in antioxidants, including vitamin E and beta-carotene, which can help boost the immune system and protect against oxidative stress and inflammation.
May promote skin health: Cow ghee is believed to have moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular ingredient in many skincare products. It may also help improve wound healing and reduce the appearance of scars.
May have anti-inflammatory properties: Cow ghee is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation throughout the body and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

It is important to note that while cow ghee has potential health benefits, it is high in saturated fat and calories, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Individuals with a history of heart disease or high cholesterol levels should consult with a healthcare provider before adding cow ghee to their diet.

Types of Cow Ghee

There are different types of cow ghee available based on the type of cow milk used and the method of production. Here are some common types of cow ghee:

Desi Ghee: This is a traditional form of cow ghee made using the milk of indigenous Indian cows, which are believed to produce milk with a higher nutritional value. Desi ghee is typically made by simmering the butter on a low flame until it turns a rich golden color, giving it a distinct nutty flavor and aroma.
Bilona Ghee: Bilona ghee is a premium form of cow ghee made using the traditional method of churning curd to produce butter, which is then used to make ghee. This process results in rich and creamy ghee with a smooth texture and a strong flavor.
Clarified Butter Ghee: This is a type of cow ghee made by melting butter and separating the milk solids and water from the pure butterfat. Clarified butter ghee is typically light in color and has a mild flavor, making it a versatile cooking oil.
Grass-fed Cow Ghee: This is cow ghee made from the milk of cows that are fed a natural grass diet. Grass-fed cow ghee is believed to be richer in nutrients and healthy fats compared to ghee made from cows fed a grain-based diet.
Flavored Ghee: Flavored cow ghee is made by infusing the ghee with different spices and herbs such as garlic, ginger, and turmeric. Flavored ghee can be used to add a unique flavor and aroma to dishes or as a spread for bread and toast.

Each type of cow ghee has its unique characteristics and flavor, making it a popular ingredient in many cuisines around the world.

Uses of Cow Ghee

Cow ghee is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways in cooking and for health and beauty purposes. Here are some common uses of cow ghee:

Cooking: Cow ghee has a high smoke point, which makes it ideal for high-heat cooking methods like frying, sautéing, and roasting. It can also be used as a substitute for butter or oil in baking.
Flavoring: Cow ghee has a rich, nutty flavor that can enhance the taste of many dishes, including curries, stir-fries, and rice dishes. It can also be used as a spread on bread or toast.
Ayurvedic Medicine: Cow ghee is a key ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine, where it is used as a carrier for herbs and other natural remedies. It is believed to have a calming effect on the body and mind and may be used to treat a variety of health conditions.
Skincare: Cow ghee is a common ingredient in many traditional skincare products, including soaps, creams, and balms. It is believed to have moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and heal dry or irritated skin.
Oil Pulling: Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice where a tablespoon of oil, such as cow ghee, is swished around in the mouth for 10-20 minutes to remove toxins and improve oral health.

Overall, cow ghee is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many ways to enhance the flavor of food and provide potential health and beauty benefits.