There are three major types of ghee. These are Grass-fed cow ghee, Desi cow ghee, and Plant-based ghee. Choosing the right type is important for your health and well-being. If ghee isn’t for you, there are many vegan alternatives.
Grass-fed cow ghee
Grass-fed cow ghee is not vegan. It is made by simmering unsalted butter until the water content is gone and the milk solids separate. This process increases the butter’s smoke point, so it’s suitable for high-heat cooking. It is also stable and can last months without refrigeration. It is made from grass-fed cow’s milk, which is produced only in spring and fall.
In addition, grass-fed cow ghee is free of lectins, which may be present in dairy products from grain-fed or corn-fed cows. According to Dr. Gundry, the unnatural diet of corn and grain-fed cows causes lectins. These lectins can cause allergies, so it’s best to stick to grass-fed ghee.
Vegetable ghee
Vegetable ghee is an alternative to traditional cow’s milk ghee, which has trans fats and a lard-like feel to it. Unlike cow ghee, vegetable ghee is not as rich in cholesterol and does not contain any animal fat. It also has a buttery taste and is suitable for frying and cooking. While there are some health concerns associated with using ghee in cooking, they are not life-threatening.
Vegetable ghee is a great alternative to ghee and a vegan-friendly option. Unlike animal-based butter, vegetable-based ghee is free from animal products and contains no cholesterol, trans fats, or sugar. It can also be used in recipes requiring high-heat cooking.
Desi cow ghee
When it comes to Indian cooking, cow ghee is very popular. Although it is not vegan, many people choose it for its health benefits. Compared to vegetable ghee, which is made from hydrogenated oil and contains trans fats, cow ghee is higher in quality and less likely to cause health issues. Vegetable ghee is fine for occasional trips to India, but it is not the best choice for long-term use. It also contains cow milk, which can cause health problems in humans.
It is possible that desi cow ghee is vegan, but you should be aware of the dairy content. Since it is made from cows, it contains butterfat, which may not be suitable for vegans. It has a high smoking point and is made using a long simmering process. For this reason, you may want to make sure you are purchasing organic, grass-fed ghee.
Plant-based alternatives to ghee
You can replace ghee in your cooking by substituting plant-based fats. Many companies now offer dairy-free butter that can be used in the same ways that ghee is used in traditional Indian cooking. Another option is plant-based spreads, such as canola oil. These are a great alternative to ghee, as they do not contain animal products and are perfectly suitable for cooking at low temperatures.
While traditional ghee is made from clarified dairy butter, some companies are creating plant-based versions of ghee for people following a vegan or low-carb diet. These ghee alternatives contain a similar flavor, but are produced with a different process. Unlike traditional ghee, plant-based ghee contains no GMOs and can be used in frying, grilling, and baking.
