In a world of fast food and faster processing, Bilona Ghee stands as a quiet rebellion slow, deliberate, and deeply rooted in tradition. Made using a centuries-old technique that involves hand-churning curd and slow-heating butter, Bilona Ghee isn’t just another health trend it’s the original.
What Is the Bilona Method?
The Bilona method is a traditional Vedic process of making ghee that involves five key steps:
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Boiling A2 Desi Cow Milk
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Setting curd from the milk overnight
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Hand-churning the curd using a wooden churner (bilona) to extract butter
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Slow-heating the butter on a low flame to separate ghee
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Filtering and storing the golden ghee in glass or earthen jars
Unlike commercial ghee, which is made by heating cream directly, Bilona ghee is made from cultured curd, making it more digestible and nutritionally superior.
Why Is Hand-Churning So Important?
The act of manually churning curd (not cream) is what sets Bilona ghee apart. This process:
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Preserves butyric acid, which supports gut health
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Retains fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K
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Enhances the aroma and grainy texture of the ghee
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Reduces lactose and casein, making it easier to digest
Ayurveda considers this method essential for producing medicinal-grade ghee, known to nourish all seven dhatus (tissues) and enhance ojas the essence of vitality.
Nutritional Benefits of Bilona Ghee
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Rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
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Contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), known for fat metabolism
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High in butyric acid, which supports colon health
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Loaded with antioxidants that reduce inflammation
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Supports brain function, immunity, and hormonal balance
Why Bilona Ghee Costs More And Why It’s Worth It
Producing 1 liter of Bilona ghee requires 25 to 30 liters of A2 cow milk and takes over 48 hours. The process is labor-intensive and yields less but what you get is:
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Unadulterated purity
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No preservatives or chemicals
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Ethical sourcing from grass-fed desi cows
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Superior digestibility and taste
It’s not just ghee it’s a functional fat with therapeutic value.
How to Identify Real Bilona Ghee
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Grainy texture (not smooth like cream-based ghee)
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Nutty aroma with a slightly caramelized note
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Golden yellow color (not pale white)
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Packed in glass or earthen jars, not plastic
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A2 certification from native cow breeds like Gir, Sahiwal, or Tharparkar
Ayurvedic Perspective: Why Bilona Ghee Is a Rasayana
In Ayurveda, Bilona ghee is classified as a Rasayana a rejuvenating substance that:
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Enhances agni (digestive fire)
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Lubricates joints and tissues
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Balances vata and pitta doshas
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Acts as a carrier (anupana) for herbs and medicines
It’s used in Panchakarma, nasya, basti, and abhyanga therapies for its deep-penetrating and nourishing qualities.
Conclusion
The Bilona method isn’t just a process it’s a philosophy. It respects time, tradition, and the natural rhythm of food preparation. In return, it gives us a ghee that’s not only nutrient-dense but also spiritually aligned with the body’s needs.
So the next time you reach for ghee, ask yourself: is it just fat or is it Bilona?