Ghee

Description

Ghee is a type of clarified butter made by simmering butter until the milk solids separate from the fats and caramelize, infusing a nutty aroma. It is then strained off to remove all caramelized milk solids. The filtered clear pure fat is known as ghee. Ghee finds mention in ancient literature and recipes, Ayurvedic practices and Hindu mythology. According to one of the stories of creation, Prajapati, a Vedic deity churned the first ghee out of nothing by rubbing his hands together. He then poured it into the fire to create his offspring, leading to a practice that Hindus consider auspicious and continue to this day. Ghee from the sacred cow is offered into fires (homa/ havan) during marriages and other religious ceremonies as it symbolizes auspiciousness, nourishment, creation and positivity. Ayurveda, the traditional medicine system, extolls the virtues of this pure butterfat. Ghee is seen as beneficial to the immune system (ojas) and a nourisher of body tissues (seven dhatus).