What Makes Ghee Different from Regular Butter?

Ghee and butter are byproducts of milk, but they are different in their nutritional composition, taste, texture, the way they are made, and their uses. For instance, ghee is 100% fat, while butter contains 80% fat along with milk solids and water. Ghee is made by cooking butter until the water evaporates, while butter is made by churning cream that forms on the surface when milk is boiled.

Difference between cow ghee and buffalo ghee

Cow Ghee – Colour, Texture & Digestibility

From north to south and east to west, India has over 40 breeds of cows, all with distinct characteristics. Cow ghee is made from the milk derived from these cows, like the Amritmahal, Sahiwal, Tharparkar, and Ghumusari, among others.
Cow ghee is generally light to golden in colour, has a soft texture, and melts much faster at room temperature.

Nutritionally, they are rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K and short-chain fatty acids that help with digestion and immunity.

Buffalo Ghee – Density, Taste & Shelf Life

Buffalo ghee, meanwhile, is derived from buffalo milk and is quite different from cow ghee. It is off-white in colour, richer and denser in texture, and has a higher fat content.

Their nutritional compositions

Buff ghee_Activ living community Here is a detailed list of the nutritional compositions of cow and buffalo घी.

Cow घी (1 tablespoon)

Calories: 123 kcal
Fat: 14 grams
Saturated fat: 9 grams

Buffalo घी (1 tablespoon)

Calories: 44 kcal
Fat: 5 grams

Taste, Aroma & Cooking Use

Let’s take a look at how cow ghee and buffalo ghee compare in terms of taste, aroma, and how they can be used in Indian cooking.

Cow ghee has a sweet aroma that gently engulfs the cooking area it is used in. It is ideal for cooking, sautéing, and roasting both savoury and sweet dishes, like kheers, dals, and pulavs, to enhance taste and texture. Buffalo ghee has a rich, intense, and buttery aroma, and it has a creamy texture. It can be used in all dishes to add depth and flavour.

Which Ghee Is Better for Daily Cooking?

Both cow and buffalo ghee are excellent for daily cooking. However, people generally prefer cow ghee, as it is lighter and easier to digest.

Best Ghee for Sweets and Traditional Dishes

Buffalo ghee is much more commonly used for sweets, as it is thicker and adds an extra layer of richness to all traditional dishes.

Medicinal and Ayurvedic Perspective on Cow vs Buffalo Ghee

Both cow and buffalo ghee are considered “amrit” and used extensively in Ayurvedic practices, as they can absorb the properties of medical herbs without losing their true essence.

Cow Ghee in Ayurveda – Cooling & Tridosha Balance

Cow ghee, considered satvic, is used to balance vata (dryness) and pitta (heat) doshas. It also helps build ojas, or vitality and immunity, in the body.

Buffalo Ghee in Ayurveda – Strength & Weight Gain

Buffalo ghee, considered tamasic, is used to balance kapha (grounding and strength-building) as it nourishes tissues within the body.

Cow Ghee vs Buffalo Ghee – Who Should Choose What?

Now, let’s look at a few real-life daily situations that most of us face and see which ghee is better.

For Weight Gain

Buffalo ghee is more effective for weight gain because it has a denser composition and is richer in fat and calories.

For Weight Loss

Cow ghee has comparatively less fat and fewer calories and is ideal for those watching their weight.

During Pregnancy

Both cow and buffalo ghee are beneficial for pregnant women. Cow ghee, for instance, is rich in omega-3 and helps in brain development. Meanwhile, buffalo ghee contains phosphorus and calcium, which are beneficial for bone health in both mother and baby.

For Kids and the Elderly

Cow ghee is better for kids and the elderly, as it is lighter and helps with better digestion. However, those involved in sports or muscle building will benefit from using buffalo ghee.

For Digestive Health

For those who are concerned about the health of their digestive system, cow ghee is a better option due to its generally gentler effect on the stomach.

Final Verdict: Cow Ghee or Buffalo Ghee—Which Is Better?

Cow ghee and buffalo ghee have varied significance in India’s long history. However, there’s no one single answer to the question, as it primarily depends on your body, food preferences, and physical goals.

अनुक्रमणिका

What Makes Ghee Different from Regular Butter?

Difference between cow ghee and buffalo ghee

Cow Ghee – Colour, Texture & Digestibility

Buffalo Ghee – Density, Taste & Shelf Life