As “healthy fats” is a topic increasingly being discussed, A2 Ghee has emerged as a popular choice for Indian households. But, as the demand is on the rise, so is the confusion. While a lot of products are claiming to be “A2 Ghee,” not all are pure.
Now, the question is, how do you actually determine whether the ghee you are purchasing is actually authentic A2 ghee or just a marketing gimmick? This article will help you understand this in a simplified manner.
What Is Pure A2 Ghee?
To make pure A2 ghee, milk from indigenous types of Indian cows such as Gir, Sahiwal, Red Sindhi, or Tharparkar varieties should be used. This milk contains the A2 beta-casein protein, unlike the milk from foreign or crossbreed cows that may contain the A1 protein.
Further, A2 milk, when traditionally converted to ghee especially by the bilona method, creates a nutrient-dense fat product that supports easier digestion coupled with traditional Indian dietary practices.
1. Check the Source of Milk
The first and most important sign of pure A2 desi cow ghee is the source of milk.
What To Look For:
• Clear mention of indigenous cow breeds
• Transparency regarding farm location and sourcing
• No vague terms like “desi style” or “traditional type” without proof
If a brand can’t tell you specifically where the cows come from with the milk they sell you, that should be a warning sign.
2. Look for the Bilona Method Mention
A2 ghee is traditionally prepared by the bilona method, which is actually an age-old traditional Indian technique.
Bilona Process Involves
1. Boiling A2 cow
2. Converting it into curd
3. Churning Curd and Making Butter
4. ghee by heating butter at relatively low heats
This process is quite labour intensive and is done in small batches, which retains the natural nutrients within it. Avoid ghee that :
• Made directly from cream
• Plastics processing can be defined as “industrial” or “mass-produced” processing
does not indicate the method of preparation.
3. Observe the Aroma and Taste
Pure A2 ghee possesses a unique natural aroma and rich taste.
Characteristics of Pure A2 Ghee:
• Pleasant nutty
• Mildly grainy texture at room temperatures
• Afters with a rich, lingering taste
Artificially made or mixed ghee also has an unpleasant flat smell or an oiliness that is too concentrated..
4. Check the Color and Texture
Also, dark yellow color is assumed to represent high-quality ghee, but that’s not always true.
Pure A2 Ghee Appearance:
• Golden to Light Yellow in Color (Can Vary)
• Solidifies in cooler temperatures
• Melts quickly when warmed
Too white or too shiny ghee could suggest excessive processing and blending.
5. Read the Ingredient Label Carefully
A genuine A2 Ghee product should have only a single ingredient.
Ideal Ingredient List:
• ‘A2 Cow Milk Ghee’ or ‘A2 Cow Ghee
Be Cautious If You See:
• Added Flavours
• Preservatives
• Vegetable oils or butter oil blends
Pure A2 ghee does not need additives for maintaining its shelf life.
6. Price Can Be a Clue
Production of pure A2 cow ghee through the traditional process is costly.
Why Authentic A2 Ghee is Pricier:
• Lower Milk Yield from Indigenous Cows
• Longer preparation time
• Ethical farming practices
• Small-batch production
If it sounds too good to be true, it most probably is.
7. Ask for Transparency and Testing
Reliable producers are transparent with their production process and willing to share:
• Lab test reports
• Farm images or videos
• Clear FAQs about sourcing and preparation
While there is no definitive way to prove that A2 proteins are present in ghee, transparency is key to building trust.
8. Texture Test at Home (Not a Final Proof)
Some try out home tests, such as heating ghee or checking grain formation. These can give hints but are not foolproof.
Pure A2 ghee can:
• Separate clean when melted
• Leave minimal residue
However, a lab-quality purity cannot be confirmed at home, so rely more on sourcing and process clarity.
Common Myths About A2 Ghee
All desi ghee is A2 ghee
Not true. Ghee can be desi-style but still made from mixed or non-A2 milk.
Color alone determines purity
Color varies based on cow diet and season, not purity alone.
Imported ghee can be A2
A2 ghee is best sourced from Indian indigenous cows, not foreign breeds.
Why Choosing Pure A2 Ghee Matters
Using pure A2 cow ghee supports:
• Improved digestion
• Nutritional traditions of India
• Clean eating and mindful eating
• Ethical dairy farming
More importantly, it ensures the intake of things your body knows are natural and familiar.
Final Thoughts
Understanding what pure ghee content is and how to know whether the ghee is pure A2 helps. Instead of being fooled by the labeling and marketing of the product, consider the source of milk, process, and ingredients.
If properly selected, “A2” ghee has tremendous potential as an integral part of a well-designed Indian lifestyle that combines tradition with moderation.