Clarified butter (AKA ghee) has…
- A higher smoke point than regular butter, which means it’s great for high heat cooking (450°F, compared to 350°F for regular butter).
- Longer shelf life than regular butter (at least 3 months).
- Conjugated linoleic acid, or CLA, a fatty acid known to be protective against diabetes, carcinogens, and artery plaque.
- Healing properties to the gut/digestive system because it is high in butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid that “reduces inflammatory conditions.” It can aid in the repair of the mucosal wall (Prescription of Nutritional Health).
- Vitamin K2, which is very important for oral and brain health.
What exactly is clarified butter?
Clarified butter is made by melting butter and removing the milk solids, water, and impurities from the butterfat. People who are lactose or casein intolerant should consume clarified butter instead of regular butter. It’s a great swap for rancid, highly processed vegetable oils!
Materials needed to make clarified butter…
- Mason jar or something to store it in
- Cooking pot
- Stove (of course)
- Spoon
- Cheesecloth
- Unsalted grass-fed butter (You can usually find good butter at Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s. I like the Kerrygold brand.)
How to make clarified butter…
Clarified butter is surprisingly easy to make. Usually, I eat regular butter, but sometimes it’s nice to switch it up with ghee. I often use ghee for cooking.
- Cut the stick(s) of butter into smaller rectangles/squares.
- Melt the butter in a pot on the stove using low heat.
- Once it’s fully melted, allow it to continue to heat until it comes to a boil. The milk proteins will form a thin, foam-like, white layer at the top of the pot.
- Don’t be concerned about the milk solids burning since that temperature is quite low. Use a spoon or to remove the foamy layer at the top of the pot.
- Place the cheescloth over your jar or bowl and pour in the melted butter.
- Optional: After letting it cool off for a few minutes, if you notice the water and fat have separated, spoon off the butter and put it in your final glass jar.
- Store it in the fridge and enjoy!
How to jazz up your clarified butter..
You can make flavored ghee by adding herbs and spices… Checkout some ideas here.
Can I order ghee online if I don’t want to make it myself?
Yes! Bulletproof, Ancient Organics and Pure Indian Foods offer pre-made, grass-fed, organic ghee.
Thanks for reading!
