Cooking with Ghee and storage?

Question

I know that Ghee can last quite a while w/o refrigeration but is it ok to refrigerate it anyways? What are the benefits of cooking with Ghee?

Answer 1

Unlike butter, ghee can be stored for extended periods without refrigeration, provided it is kept in an airtight container to prevent oxidation and remains moisture-free. But ghee will laster longer in the refrigerator.

Ghee benefits: it's an anti-oxidant

Ayurvedic texts describe many diverse mind/body benefits. For example:

Absorption: Ghee is an integral part of the science of ayurvedic herbal formulation. Since ghee is an oil, it can bond with lipid-soluble nutrients and herbs to penetrate the lipid-based cell walls of the body. It is stated to increase the potency of certain herbs by carrying the active components to the interior of the cells where they impart the most benefit.

Digestion: The ayurvedic texts say that ghee helps balance excess stomach acid, and helps maintain/repair the mucus lining of the stomach.

Mild Burns: Like aloe, ghee is said to prevent blisters and scarring if applied quickly to affected skin.

Mind: Ghee is said to promote all three aspects of mental functioning -- learning, memory and recall.

Ayurvedic Balance: Ghee balances both Vata (the dosha that controls movement in mind and body) and Pitta (the dosha that controls heat and metabolism).

Eating ghee is also believed to enhance virility and sexual potency.

(that's why India's pop is 1.3 billion! haha).
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Ghee is most notably said to stimulate the secretion of stomach acids to help with digestion, while other fats, such as butter and oils, slow down the digestive process and can sit heavy in the stomach. Although tests and research are still ongoing, it has been used in Indian medicinal practice to help with ulcers, constipation, and the promotion of healthy eyes and skin. An Indian folk-remedy for thousands of years, ghee is also said to promote learning and increased memory retention. It is used in Indian beauty creams to help soften skin, and as a topical for the treatment of burns and blisters.

In addition to ghee's nutritional value, it is rich with antioxidants and acts as an aid in the absorption of vitamins and minerals from other foods, feeding all layers of body tissue and serving to strengthen the immune system. A high concentration of butyric acid, a fatty acid that contains anti-viral properties, is believed to inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors.

Answer 2

Ghee is butter with the solids remove so it can be used in higher heat cooking.
The best thing about ghee, besides its fabulous flavor, is that it does not contain hydrogenated fats (bad for heart health).
I always store mine in the refrigerator but just remember to pull it out a few minutes early when cooking, so it will be easy to measure. It gets pretty hard when cold.

Answer 3

Yes, I refrigerate mine because I do not use it much. Ghee is clarified butter that is rendered of impurities so it keeps fairly long. It is the same as cooking with butter but it does not smoke or burn like butter and it can take a higher heat.

Answer 4

I buy my ghee in a can and store it in the cupboard. I have more cabinet space than fridge space.

The benefits of ghee are twofold - you can get the flavor of butter into a recipe and also cook at a higher temperature than you could using unclarified butter. It's very difficult to saute onions in butter because the butter will burn long before the onions are the perfect color and consistency.

Use it sparingly, it has a strong flavor.

Answer 5

Millet cooked with ghee instead of butter.. that's all.. Ghee, basically clarified butter, is commonly used in vegetarian India.

Answer 6

It does not have the milk proteins and sugars in it. It is basically clarified butter (just fat,) so it is good for people with milk allergies to use. It gets very hard in the refrigerator. There is no need to refrigerate it, but if you do, just let it sit out to warm up to room temp.

Answer 7

Ghee is just clarified butter...no mystery there!

Answer 8

I can't think of any benefits in cooking,but as it's clarified butter,it must be an unhealthy choice

Answer 9

I am going to suggest to you that you do not refrigerate it. It may break down after you let it set out to room temp agian to be able to use it. Keep it in a dark cool dry place though..

Answer 10

Yes, you can put it in the frige. and it does not burn like butter, so you can cook hotter with it.