Ghee is a clarified butter that originated in India and is commonly used in cooking, traditional medicine, and Hindu religious rituals. It is made by simmering butter and removing the impurities, leaving behind a clear liquid fat. Ghee has a caramelized flavor and aroma, with the taste, color, and texture varying based on the butter quality, milk source, and boiling duration.
Several brands manufacture ghee, including Pure Indian Foods, 4th & Heart, Banyan Botanicals, and Spring Sunrise Natural Foods. Ghee is available in various forms, such as original, cultured, herbal, and chai spice-infused. Key features of ghee include its high fat content (approximately 99.5%), absence of lactose and casein, and a high smoke point (up to 485°F). It does not require refrigeration and is considered shelf-stable. It is also rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, antioxidants, and healthy fats. Ghee is often used as a substitute for butter and cooking oils in Paleo, Keto, and Whole30 diets.
The price of ghee varies depending on the brand, size, and type. For example, Pure Indian Foods offers original ghee starting from $12.99. A 25 oz jar of 4th & Heart Original Ghee is priced at $32.00. Spring Sunrise Natural Foods sells Ghee in bulk buckets for $410. Ghee is widely available online through manufacturers' websites, as well as major retailers like Walmart and Amazon.