Indian cuisine across the country has been using desi ghee (cow milk-based) for cooking. From making traditional sweets, desserts, and an assortment of pulaos, curries, and breakfast dishes, this dairy by-product is a staple. Even the ancient science of Ayurveda mentions the usage of ghee. At a time, clarified butter used to be produced in household kitchens. Over the years, due to various reasons, this practice began fading slowly. Many succumbed to their busy lifestyles and started sourcing ghee as commercially produced and sold products from the market. However, in the past few years, Indian consumers have become conscious of the purity of such ghee. This shift happened when nutritionists and dieticians highlighted the flip side of adulterated products. It is imperative to know how pure is the ghee you are buying.
According to experts, pure ghee has not been tampered with to change its taste, aroma, colour, or preservation properties. It should be prepared from cow butter milk procured from solely grass-fed cows. Such ghee is five times higher in beta carotene and CLA content than grain-fed cow milk butter. Determining the ghee's purity, however, is the main conundrum. However, following a few simple home tests, you could identify pure ghee. Let's do it together.
Body temperature says it all
Pure ghee is highly sensitive to heat. It reveals the quality when exposed to high temperatures. A basic test can be placing a spoon of cow ghee on your palm. If it starts melting, then it passes the test. The reason, authentic ghee dissolves against the human's standard body temperature.
Salt scrutiny
Melt a tablespoon of pure ghee. Now mix a dash of salt into it. Let it settle for some time. If you notice a hint of purple in the mixture, be sure that the ghee contains starch and is contaminated.
Sugar study
Grab a transparent bottle, pour a teaspoon of melted ghee and add a small amount of sugar. Close the lid and secure it tightly. Now shake it vigorously. Allow the mixture to rest for 5-10 minutes. It may be adulterated with vegetable oil if you notice a red tint at the bottle's bottom.
Pure desi ghee, Image Credit: farmnatural.in
Heat trial
Pure cow ghee has a creamy consistency and a yellow-golden appearance. Heat a teaspoon of cow ghee on a low flame. It proves its purity if the milk fat melts quickly. However, its purity has undoubtedly been damaged if it takes time to liquefy and turns light yellow rather than brown.
Freezing test
Melt a tablespoon of ghee, transfer it into a glass container, and put the jar in the refrigerator. Allow enough time to condense it. You can be sure that the ghee contains a blend of different oils if there are a couple of layers in the frozen part.
A Word of Caution
All ages are encouraged by contemporary dieticians to follow a ghee diet. However, there are three primary circumstances under which ghee is most advantageous.
- Using only unadulterated and organic cow ghee
- Consuming it under strict moderation (differs from person to person depending on age, health condition and physical activity level)
- Following an active lifestyle
Now you can check the purity of commercially sourced pure cow ghee and enjoy its benefits.