Desi Cow Ghee vs Regular Ghee: Simple Comparison of Benefits, Nutrition & Taste
Desi Cow Ghee vs Regular Ghee
Ghee is a major factor in Indian cuisine and traditional medicine. It is widely used for cooking, digestion, skin care, and even spiritual rituals besides. However, there are two principal forms of ghee: Desi Cow Ghee and Regular Ghee. The majority of people are still not aware of the real distinctions between them. This straightforward article elucidates everything in very simple terms, so that anyone can grasp the manufacturing process, the appearance, the mechanism of action in the human body, and the comparison in terms of taste, health benefits, and price between the two types.
The following comparison is drawn on the basis of numerous significant parameters such as the milk source, protein type, texture, nutrients, digestion, and the Ayurvedic value. Each category reveals how Desi Cow Ghee and Regular Ghee are not the same.
Source of Milk (Explain comparison of below points)
Desi Cow Ghee
Desi Cow Ghee is produced from the milk of Indian cow breeds. The cows have a hump on their back and the breeds are Gir, Sahiwal, Rathi, Tharparkar, Red Sindhi, and others. Their milk is rich in A2 protein and is very nice to the stomach. The cows are grazed on grass and natural fodder and survive mainly on Indian climate and land. Their milk is very nourishing and is thus considered pure and traditional. Desi cow milk contains and also has a yellow pigment known as beta-carotene, so the ghee gets its natural yellow color.
Regular Ghee
Regular Ghee is obtained from the milk of mixed-breed cows or foreign breeds like Jersey or Holstein Friesian. Quality differs though these cows produce more milk. Their cow milk mainly consists of A1 protein, which is the reason why some people find it hard to digest. Usually, regular cow milk is white and it does not have such an amount of beta-carotene. Since these cows produce more milk, the ghee is cheaper and more easily available in the market.
Type of Protein (A2 vs A1)
Desi Cow Ghee
Desi Cow Ghee is made from A2 milk. The A2 protein is thought to be healthier and easier for human digestion. A2 milk is preferred by many lactose-intolerant persons since it does not cause inflammation or pain. A2 milk is very much like the milk which ancient Indian scriptures talk about as being good for strength, immunity, and brain health.
Regular Ghee
Regular Ghee is prepared with A1 milk. During digestion A1 protein turns into a compound called BCM-7 which can lead to some digestive problems for certain individuals. Not all people get affected by A1 milk but the ones with sensitivity may experience bloating, feeling heavy or discomfort. According to Ayurveda, A1 milk is not as soft as A2 milk.
Color & Texture
Desi Cow ghee
The color of Desi Cow Ghee is typically a natural golden yellow. The Indian cow's milk is the source of the beta-carotene that gives this color to it. The feel is soft and grainy. It melts when you touch it. When heated, it gives off a delightful smell. Its thickness and richness are due to the traditional method of preparation.
Regular Ghee
Regular Ghee is characteristically light yellow or nearly white in hue. It has a soft and velvety texture with no grains at all. The final product varies according to the kind of milk and the processing method adopted. The scent is mild and weaker than that of desi cow ghee. It melts pretty much like regular ghee but lacks the same richness.
Nutrient Profile
Desi Cow Ghee
Desi Cow Ghee is rich in natural vitamins that are A, D, E, and K, to name a few. In addition to these, it contains healthy fatty acids, antioxidants, and beta-carotene. The fact that it's made with A2 milk and mostly done through the traditional method means that a greater amount of nutrients is kept. Desi cow ghee is good for the brain, heart, skin, and digestion. Due to its hormone and chemical-free nature, many people consider it a superfood.
Regular Ghee
Regular Ghee has fats and vitamins, but the nutrient quality varies with the milk source. If the cattle are fed with processed feed or given chemicals, then the nutrient value will be lower. Regular ghee will still give energy, be useful in cooking, and add flavor, but it will not be as nutritious as desi cow ghee.
Digestion & Gut Health
Desi Cow Ghee
Desi Cow Ghee is considered a very digestible fat. By containing butyric acid, which is one of the most important factors for intestinal health, it helps in the overall health of the gut. It also helps in the process of benefiting from food. It is very comforting to people suffering from gas, acidity, and weak digestion. Ayurveda permits the use of desi cow ghee for babies, elderly, pregnant women, and those recovering from illnesses.
Regular Ghee
Regular Ghee is also a fat that is easily digestible, yet some people may find it heavier on their stomach. Sensitive people may experience mild digestive issues due to the presence of A1 protein. It however, helps in digestion better than refined oils, but it is still not as mild as desi cow ghee. Those, who want a stronger support of digestion, usually go for the desi cow ghee.
Cow Ghee Method of Preparation
Desi Cow Ghee
The traditional Bilona method is commonly employed to make Desi Cow Ghee. Churning, butter separation, and slow heating of curd to make ghee are the steps involved in this process. The method preserves all the nutrients and even improves the medicinal quality. It is a very time-consuming and labor-intensive process. For instance, 25–30 liters of milk are required to produce only 1 liter of traditional desi cow ghee.
Regular Ghee
Regular Ghee is generally produced by a cream-based process in which the cream is collected, churned, and heated to ghee. The process is quicker, and the yield is higher. It is suitable for mass production and thus, lowers the price. However, this method may still have a negative impact on the nutritional and medicinal quality of the product when compared to traditional desi cow ghee.
Cow Ghee Ayurvedic Benefits
Desi Cow Ghee
The Ayurvedic system of medicine regards Desi Cow Ghee as a pure substance (satvik) and very good for health. It is excellent for balancing the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Besides, It also supports the liver's function, enhances the memory, fortifies the immune system, and makes the digestive process stronger. Besides, It is recommended in Panchakarma therapy, Ayurvedic medicines, and spiritual practices. Besides, It is referred to as the best ghee for healing and rejuvenation.
Regular Ghee
Regular Ghee also has various benefits. Still, Ayurveda places it lower compared to desi cow ghee when it comes to medicinal value or strength. It can assist with digestion, be an energy source, and give vitality to the body, but it is not equal to the medical treatments. It is mainly for cooking and flavor rather than for healing.
Cow Ghee Taste & Aroma
Desi Cow Ghee
Desi Cow Ghee is noted for its strong, rich, and pleasant aroma. Its flavor can be described as nutty, earthy, and very deep. It is very quick to enhance the taste of chapati, dal, rice, or halwa when added. A big number of people like it as even a tiny bit gives a huge taste.
Regular Ghee
Regular Ghee has a milder flavor. It lacks the same depth and aroma as desi cow ghee. It is fine for daily cooking, but it does not impart any very strong flavor. It is suitable for those who like a mild taste in their food.
Cow Ghee Price
Desi Cow Ghee
Desi Cow Ghee has a high price tag due to it taking more milk, more time, and more effort to produce. The bilona method makes less ghee but that ghee is quality-wise superior. Besides, the A2 milk pricing is also high, thus making the final product premium. The ghee is sought after for its health benefits and purity.
Regular Ghee
Regular Ghee is a less costly product as it uses cream-based methods and high-yield cow breeds in its making. The process of production is massive, thus the retail price is lower. It is suitable for daily household cooking and is cheap and readily available in every market.
