Ghee is a golden treasure in Indian kitchens. It is not just a cooking ingredient – it is part of our culture, tradition, and even Ayurveda. But do you know that the ghee you buy from the market may not be the same as the one your grandmother used to make at home?
Most people think ghee is just ghee, but that’s not true. There are mainly two types of ghee: Cream Ghee and Desi Ghee (also called Bilona Ghee). They may look similar, but their production methods, health benefits, taste, and effects on your body are very different.
In this blog, let’s uncover the shocking truth about Cream Ghee vs Desi Ghee and other related types like Butter Ghee vs Desi Ghee, Malai Ghee vs Makhan Ghee, and Curd Ghee vs Cream Ghee that most people don’t know. After reading this, you’ll understand which one is the real ghee and why it matters for your health.
What is Cream Ghee?
Cream Ghee is the type of ghee you usually find in most markets and grocery stores. It is made in large factories using cream (malai) separated from milk. This is often called Malai Ghee or sometimes confused with Makhan Ghee (butter ghee).
How is Cream Ghee Made?
- First, milk is collected from cows (or buffaloes).
- The milk is processed in machines to separate cream or malai.
- This cream is then churned and heated to make ghee.
- The process is industrial, fast, and made in bulk.
- Often, preservatives and chemicals are added for longer shelf life.
So, Cream Ghee (or Malai Ghee) is basically ghee made from cream separated from milk, not from curd. This difference in the base ingredient is very important.
What is Desi Ghee (Bilona Ghee)?
Desi Ghee is the traditional ghee that our ancestors used. It is made using the Bilona method, a slow and natural process that uses curd as the main ingredient.
How is Desi Ghee Made?
- Whole milk (usually from A2 cows) is boiled and cooled.
- A small portion of curd is added to ferment the milk overnight.
- The next morning, the curd is churned by hand or wooden churner (bilona) to make buttermilk and butter.
- The butter is separated and slowly heated on low flame to produce pure, aromatic Desi Ghee, also called Bilona Ghee.
This process is slow, requires patience, and does not involve any chemicals. It is 100% natural and full of nutrients.
Difference between Cream Ghee vs Desi Ghee :
| Feature | Cream Ghee (Malai Ghee) | Desi Ghee (Bilona Ghee) |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Made from cream (malai) separated from milk | Made from butter churned from curd (Bilona method) |
| Preparation Process | Industrial, fast, often with preservatives | Traditional, slow, natural, no chemicals |
| Taste & Aroma | Mild flavor, less aromatic | Rich, nutty, deep aromatic flavor |
| Nutritional Value | Lower nutrients, lacks probiotics | High in nutrients, contains probiotics |
| Calories | Similar calorie content but less beneficial fats | Healthy fats like CLA and butyric acid |
| Texture | Smooth, often softer | Grainy (danedaar), solidifies when cold |
| Health Benefits | Limited health benefits, harder to digest | Supports digestion, metabolism, and overall health |
| Common Names | Malai Ghee, Cream Ghee | Desi Ghee, Bilona Ghee, Curd Ghee |
How to Identify Pure Desi Ghee or Bilona Ghee?
Here are some quick tips to spot real Desi or Bilona Ghee:
✅ It has a grainy texture (danedaar) and a deep golden colour.
✅ It smells rich, nutty, and aromatic.
✅ When stored, it solidifies in cold weather and melts in heat.
✅ It does not leave a chemical aftertaste.
✅ Always check if the label says Bilona Ghee or made from curd (curd ghee).
FAQs:
Is Butter Ghee the same as Desi Ghee?
No, Butter Ghee is made by melting butter (usually from cream), while Desi Ghee is made by churning curd using the Bilona method. Desi Ghee is considered healthier and more natural. Some people get confused between Butter Ghee vs Desi Ghee. Butter ghee is made by melting butter, which itself is churned from cream. On the other hand, Desi Ghee is made from butter obtained by churning curd using the Bilona method. So, Butter Ghee is generally a more processed form of ghee made from cream or butter, while Desi Ghee (Bilona Ghee) is made from curd and considered more nutritious and closer to nature.
How does Curd Ghee differ from Cream Ghee?
Curd Ghee (Desi or Bilona Ghee) is made from fermented milk (curd), which adds probiotics and improves digestion. Cream Ghee is made directly from cream and lacks this fermentation, making it less nutritious.
Which has more calories: Cream Ghee or Desi Ghee?
Both have similar calorie content as they are fats. However, Desi Ghee contains healthier fats that support metabolism, making it better for overall health.
What is the difference between Malai Ghee and Bilona Ghee?
Malai Ghee is made from cream separated from milk, often factory-processed. Bilona Ghee is traditionally made by hand-churning curd and slow cooking the butter, making it richer in taste and nutrients.
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