Do you enjoy using ghee in your cooking?
Ghee, often known as clarified butter, is a common ingredient in most Indian dishes. Ghee’s light flavor makes it great for sautéing food and preparing different sorts of foods.
While preparing ghee is a very quick and simple procedure, many people choose to purchase it from a store. If you find a good price on ghee at your local store, you might want to buy a few jars.
But does ghee go bad?
Or can you keep it for as long as you want?
How To Store Ghee?
If you purchased a jar of ghee at a store, it will be shelf stable. As a consequence, you may safely store the jar in the pantry or kitchen cupboard. It is preferable to select a cool area away from direct heat and light.
You may keep the jar of ghee in your kitchen cupboard even after you’ve opened it. Keep in mind that the consistency of ghee will vary depending on the temperature. It is most likely a liquid during the summer and solid during the winter.
Ghee, on the other hand, can be kept in the refrigerator for several months. In the fridge, the ghee will get somewhat hard. However, if you are cooking with it, this will not be an issue.
Ghee Freezing
It is possible to freeze leftover ghee if you are not planning to use it for a long time. If you bought your ghee in a glass jar, place it in an airtight plastic container or a freezer bag. If you want to use a little ghee at a time, you can freeze it in small portions.
It is best to defrost the ghee in the fridge overnight before using it. However, freezing ghee makes sense only if you do not intend to use it for an extended period of time. Otherwise, it should be safe to store it in the fridge.
How Long Does Ghee Last?
If you purchased a jar of ghee, it should have a best before date on the label. This date is normally a year or two after the canning process has been completed. The jar of ghee, on the other hand, is likely to last at least six months after the best before date has passed.
Once the jar of ghee is opened, it should be used within six months. Refrigerating the ghee might increase its shelf life by up to a year. If you want, you can freeze ghee for up to three years.
How To Tell If Ghee Is Bad?
Ghee can be stored properly for several years after its best before date. This is due to the fact that ghee contains no milk solids and has a very low moisture content. However, there are a few occasions when you will no longer want to cook with ghee.
Ghee, like all oils, will go rancid over time. A strong and unpleasant odor distinguishes rancid ghee. It will most likely be stark white rather than golden in color and will taste rather sour.
It is best to avoid cooking with ghee if it smells odd. The off-odor is most likely a clue that it is rancid. Even if the ghee is not rancid, the bad smell will go into anything you’re cooking with the ghee.
Take a peek...
After storing your ghee for a time, thoroughly check the surface for discoloration and mold. This might happen if the container is not securely sealed. Cooking with moldy ghee will degrade the flavor of your dish.
Even if your ghee has passed its expiration date, there is no need to discard it. Even if the ghee is unsuitable for cooking, it can be used to moisturize the skin. Additionally, ghee can be used as a makeup remover and hair oil, as well as to fill lanterns.
Are You Looking For High-Quality Ghee?
If so, these are some of the best ghee on the market right now.
Ancient Organics Ghee
Best characterized as an artisanal brand of ghee created from the finest ingredients. The product is made in the traditional Indian manner and is designed to benefit the body, mind, and earth. It is made from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows and is USDA organic, which means it is hormone and antibiotic-free.
This casein, lactose, and gluten-free product has a distinct caramelized nutty flavor and smell that complements many types of baked items. It does not, however, overshadow the meal because it becomes milder when cooked.
4th & Heart Ghee
This ghee does not require refrigeration and can be spread at room temperature. It is made from hormone-and antibiotic-free grass-fed, pasture-raised cows from New Zealand. It is also lactose and casein-free, with a high smoke point of 485°F.
4th & Heart Ghee is light in color and has a smooth, creamy texture. There are other flavored variants available, like turmeric, vanilla bean, garlic, and Himalayan pink salt, if you want something a little different.
Bulletproof Grass-Fed Ghee Clarified Butter
Anyone sticking to a strict keto or paleo diet will be capable of using this product without hesitation. It, like the rest of the Bulletproof line, is intended for folks who pay close attention to what they consume. It’s delicious in a morning Bulletproof coffee, and it’s also available as part of a coffee starter kit.
It comes from grass-fed cows in New Zealand and has a high smoke point of 485°F. It is naturally gluten-free, sugar-free, and non-GMO, and it contains high concentrations of omega-3, beta-carotene, CLA, and vitamins A, D, K, and E.
Carrington Farms Organic Ghee
This ghee is obtained from the Philippines and manufactured by an ethically conscious firm.
It’s USDA Certified Organic and made from grass-fed cows, with a medium-high smoke point of 350 °F. It is triple filtered to eliminate all milk particles, making it an excellent alternative for lactose intolerant consumers.
Last Thoughts
One of the best things about ghee is that it is extremely concentrated. People who are lactose intolerant frequently discover that they can consume ghee without issue. This is due to the separation and disposal of buttermilk during the clarifying process.
When purchasing ghee from a store, ensure that it is of great quality. It should ideally be organically certified and devoid of preservatives. A pure product is not only better for your body, but it is also better for the environment.
Enjoy your Indian cooking!
