What Makes Bilona Ghee Better Than Regular Ghee?

It's no secret that a spoonful of desi ghee improves the flavor of any Indian meal tenfold. For generations, our mothers and grandmothers have been using ghee to cook food and adding it to steaming dals and rice given its delectable taste and varied health benefits. It has also been equated to gold in the Scriptures. 

Indians have always considered ghee as a great source of nutrients which makes it a household staple. As an Ayurvedic tradition, ghee is utilized in conjunction with herbal therapy to better overall health and immunity. Recently, it has gained popularity amongst the millennials as a healthier alternative to butter in most cases, owing to its purported medicinal benefits. As all of the milk solids are removed during the production of ghee, it's also a great supplement for lactose-intolerant people. However, not all kinds of ghee have the same benefits. The benefits of ghee vary and depend on the process it is manufactured from. Let us look at how the different processes affect the nutrients of ghee. 

What is Desi Bilona Ghee?

Bilona (or Luni) method is the traditional 4-step process of preparing ghee and is considered to provide the purest and most authentic taste, as well as multiple health benefits. Bilona ghee is traditionally made by hand, and the hand churning apparatus is known as bilona. Bilona ghee retains more vitamins and nutrients as it is made using a low-heat method. It has a rich, nutty flavor and a smooth, creamy texture, making it a versatile pantry staple that can be substituted for butter or any other cooking oil.

Bilona Ghee vs. Processed Ghee: What's the Difference? 

In order to compete and survive in the market, manufacturers compromise on the quality of ingredients used for regular ghee in many ways like spinning raw milk at high speeds by an industrial motor until the fat separates, exposing the mixture to high heat until ghee forms, as well as using several additives for extended shelf life. Due to these methods, ghee loses its authenticity and several of the nutrients that give ghee its aroma and health benefits. Additionally, the cows that provide milk for this ghee are rarely fed organic green feed and are routinely injected with hormones to increase milk production.

On the other hand, Bilona ghee is produced in three stages. It is produced from the milk of grass-fed, free-range cows using traditional methods. Firstly, the milk is boiled and curdled by adding a little amount of curd and letting it sit overnight. Next, using the Bilona Method, curdled milk is hand-churned into makhan. Finally, the makhan is heated to produce Bilona ghee. This ghee is nutrient-dense and a lot lighter and healthier than ghee that is processed. It is abundant in butyric acid, amino acids, and vitamins A, D, K, and E - all of which stimulate body metabolism while also promoting immunity and improving intestine health.

Benefits of Bilona Ghee over Traditional Ghee

• Strengthens the immune system: Bilona Ghee is high in fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, which help boost immunity. These vitamins are essentials for heart and brain function, as well as bone growth.
• Helps in weight loss: Butyric acid in Bilona ghee helps in digestion along with burning stubborn fat in the body, thereby improving metabolism. This helps the body in weight management making ghee an important part of a balanced diet for weight control.
• Helps detox: Consuming at least a teaspoon of Bilona ghee during a meal helps dissolve and eliminate toxins like lipid-soluble through the digestive tract.
• Improved energy levels: Bilona ghee is a fantastic source of instant energy as it can be easily absorbed. The body feels more energetic right away because of the rapid conversion of fat into energy.
• Nutrition for kids: Because of its exceptional quality and nutrition, Bilona ghee is an essential part of baby diets. It is an important source of energy for growing children. The Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids in Bilona ghee aid in memory and brainpower enhancement and minimizes the risk of neurological disorders.

Ghee prepared using the Bilona method produces phospholipids, which are sources of energy, fat-soluble vitamins, and fatty acids. The difference in the nutritional content and flavor of Bilona ghee as compared to processed ghee makes it the perfect addition to different types of cuisines and dishes. Here are a few recipes using Bilona ghee:

Carrot Halwa

Carrot halwa is a mouthwatering Indian delicacy. Also known as Gajar ka halwa, it can be made in a variety of ways, but this is the classic slow-cooked method. The flavor of ghee is best brought out when the carrots are fully cooked in milk, sugar, and ghee flavors.

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp Organic Bilona ghee
• 5 tbsp powdered sugar
• 5-6 carrots
• For the topping: almonds, cashews, golden raisins

Instructions

• Wash, peel, and grate the carrots. 
• Add the ghee to a deep, thick-bottomed pan, then pour in the milk and shredded carrots. Bring the entire mixture to a boil over low heat.
• Allow 45 minutes for the mixture to simmer. When the milk has been reduced by 90%, add sugar to the pan. Continue to whisk on low heat until the milk and sugar are entirely combined.
• Finally, add cashews, almonds, and raisins and cook for a few minutes. Remove it from the heat and serve it hot or cold, depending on your preference.

Rosbora

Rosbora is a festival sweet dish. This Bengali dessert is simple to prepare and delicious. Rosbora made to perfection, is very light and fluffy, and melts in your mouth. The aroma of ghee adds to the richness of this dessert and the flavor blends well with the milk and sugar.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp Organic Bilona Ghee
• ½ cup semolina
• 3/4 cup milk + 2 tbsp
• 1¼ tsp cardamom powder
• 1¼ tsp baking soda
• Syrup
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• ¹¼ tsp cardamom powder

Instructions

• Fry semolina in ghee for 4-5 minutes over low heat, stirring constantly. Once it has reached dough consistency, set it aside.
• Prepare a syrup by melting sugar in water in a separate pot. Add the cardamom powder and mix well. Turn off the heat.
• Toss the semolina with the milk and cardamom powder. Knead for 6-7 minutes and then stir in 2 tablespoons of milk.
• Create little flat spherical forms with a thickness of 12 inches. In a deep-bottom pot, heat oil. Deep fry the spheres until golden brown and set aside to cool.
• Before serving, dip the fried semolina in the syrup saucepan. Enjoy!

Bilona ghee is one of the few dairy products that is still made using traditional methods that have been passed down for generations. Its flavor and nutritional profile make it a great addition to everyday cooking. It is also the only dairy product that is completely free of lactose - when it is slowly heated, the lactose and casein (a milk protein) are gradually removed, as well as the milk solids or other contaminants. This makes Bilona ghee a great option for lactose-intolerant people, as it is a dairy product without any lactose components. The consumption of this ghee is said to aid in weight loss, help in detoxifying the body, and generally boosting immunity. So give our Organic Bilona ghee a try!