Chai Spiced Ghee

Our ghees are made in-house in small batches and are organic, sustainably sourced, and fairly traded.

1. What gives ghee its golden color?
2. What does Banyan's ghee smell like?
3. What is the culturing process for the butter used to make this ghee?
4. What is the benefit of using cultured butter to make the ghee? 
5. Why does the texture vary?
6. The texture of my ghee is liquid or semi-liquid. How do I make my ghee solid and creamy?
7. Do I need to refrigerate ghee?
8. How do I know if ghee has gone bad?

1. What gives ghee its golden color?

The rich golden yellow color of ghee comes from a compound called beta-carotene. This carotenoid pigment comes from the cows' diet, which consists primarily of grass, dried grass, grains, and cereals. This golden color can vary depending on seasonal changes and the abundance of lush green grass that the cows graze upon. 

2. What does Banyan's ghee smell like?

Our original ghee has a mild, sweet, and slightly nutty aroma, which comes from the cultured butter we use.

3. What is the culturing process for the butter used to make this ghee?

In traditional Ayurveda, the first step for making ghee starts with a process called “culturing.” Bacterial cultures are added to cow's milk and churned to make butter cream. The butter is then cooked until all the water is removed to form clarified butter, or ghee.

4. What is the benefit of using cultured butter to make the ghee?

Cultured butter is considered to be easier to digest and more balancing to all three doshas, including kapha. It also gives the ghee a unique nutty flavor.

5. Why does the texture vary?

Ghee contains many fatty acids that have different melting points, which can make the texture vary. This is caused by the melting and crystallization of the fats as the temperature and conditions change during production, storage, or transit. While this can change the texture, it does not impact the taste, quality, and shelf life of the ghee.

6. The texture of my ghee is liquid or semi-liquid. How do I make my ghee solid and creamy?

You have two options:

Simply place the ghee jar in a hot water bath for about 5·10 minutes until you notice the ghee turn completely liquid, then remove and let it cool. This may seem counterintuitive if it's already in a liquid or semi-liquid state, but it's the cooling process that matters!

Another option is to refrigerate the ghee jar overnight or leave the jar on the counter for the night. If you choose to leave it on the counter, you may notice a granulated texture. If you don't want this, we suggest refrigerating.

7. Do I need to refrigerate ghee?

While you can refrigerate ghee, it can also be stored in your cupboard. Keep it cool, out of sunlight, and free of any water or contaminants.

8. How do I know if ghee has gone bad?

The smell and color will let you know. It will smell rancid or sour. Original, unspiced ghee will turn white, and both the original and spiced ghee will form black spots on the top layer.