What makes Ancient Organics’ ghee artisanal?
Ancient Organics Ghee is always made by hand in small batches, using only organic sweet cream butter from Straus Family Creamery. We are committed to making ghee of uncompromising quality.
Is your ghee made from grass-fed cows?
We exclusively source unsalted sweet cream butter from our local Straus Family Creamery. The Straus cows are pastured and grass-fed year round enjoying the Mediterranean micro climate of Marin and Sonoma county which provides a constant high level of moisture. The climate, soil and terrain contribute to the nutrient-dense pasture that Straus cows thrive on. Sweet coastal grasses provide a diverse diet for the cows including native herb and wildflower species like Purple Needlegrass and Cow Clover. Today, cattle grazing is considered an essential tool to keep non-native flora under control and ensure the future of the California coastal ecosystem.
How do I maximize the lifespan of my ghee?
One of the great qualities of ghee is its inherent shelf stability. The two things that will comprise this stability are moisture and sunlight. When you use your ghee, use a clean, dry utensil to obtain your desired serving. Replace the lid as soon as possible. Be careful no to let any moisture get into the jar. (An easy way you can tell if your ghee has gone sour is to smell it. If it does not smell sweet, it has spoiled.) Sunlight will cause ghee to oxidize and lose its nourishing properties. We recommend keeping unopened jars in a cool, dark, temperature stable place. Opened jars can be kept in a cabinet, away from light for up to 3 months, or refrigerated for up to a year thereafter.
Is there any lactose or casein in ghee?
In properly made ghee, there is no lactose or milk sugar. Ghee is the perfect choice for those who are lactose or casein intolerant.
Is your ghee pasteurized?
We agree that pasteurizing milk destroys the enzyme lactase that digests the milk sugar lactose. Because ghee has no lactose in it, this is not an issue. We boil our butter at approximately 217ºF for several hours. This is higher than most pasteurization temperatures (except for ultra-pasteurization).
What should the consistency of my ghee be?
In general, the consistency of ghee depends on the ambient temperature in which it is stored. When kept in a kitchen cabinet, it will usually remain soft and when it is kept in a refrigerator, it will become hard. In the final stage of production, after being poured into jars, ghee will change from a liquid to a solid. Depending on the ambient temperature of it’s environment, this process may happen quickly or slowly. It is perfectly normal for ghee to be liquid, solid or a combination of consistencies. All of these factors depend on the rate of cooling and the temperature outside the jar.
What is the difference between clarified butter and ghee?
Clarified butter is made simply by heating butter and removing the milk solids which have risen to the top of the pot. In the making of traditional ghee, butter is brought to a boil and cooked until all the moisture is boiled off, and all the milk solids (lactose and casein) have settled to the bottom. These milks solids which have settled on the bottom of the pot are intentionally burned or caramelized, developing nutty flavor to the ghee. Ghee is the pure extraction of oil from butter.
Why do you make your ghee on the full or waxing moons?
In the Vedic culture of ancient India, ghee was made on the full or waxing phase of the moon. This period of the moon cycle is known as the shukla paksha or the white part of the moon, and is considered auspicious. It is said the moon is considered to rule or control soma; the juice or essence of plants, and of life itself. In the Vedas, milk is said to be the essence of grass, and ghee is said to be the essence of milk. Therefore, the waxing moon and full moon represents the increase of this essential quality.
Why do you use the Mahamrtunjaya mantra while making your ghee?
The Mahamrtunjaya mantra was traditionally used to make ghee. This sacred mantra for liberation is known for its healing and balancing effects. We believe it is important to create a harmonious, relaxed and healing environment in which we can produce the very best ghee.
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