Ghee made from buffalo milk is usually white or light cream in colour, while cow ghee has a natural yellow hue due to the presence of beta-carotene in cow milk.
If you've ever made ghee at home, you've probably wondered why some milk yields much more ghee than others. While cow ghee is often praised for its flavour and health benefits, buffalo milk is known for producing a significantly larger quantity of ghee. So, which one comes out on top, and does more ghee mean better milk? Here's what you need to know.
Why Buffalo Milk Produces More Ghee: Buffalo milk contains significantly more fat than cow milk. While cow milk typically contains 3–4% fat, buffalo milk contains around 7–8% fat. This higher fat content makes buffalo milk thicker and creamier, resulting in a larger quantity of butter and ghee during processing.
How Much Milk Is Needed For 1 Kg Of Ghee? According to dairy farmers, producing 1 kg of ghee requires approximately: 16–20 litres of buffalo milk and 27–30 litres of cow milk. This is why buffalo milk is often preferred for commercial ghee production, as it yields more ghee from a smaller quantity of milk.
Cow Milk Vs Buffalo Milk: Which Is Healthier? When it comes to nutrition, both types of milk have advantages. Cow milk is lighter, easier to digest and lower in fat, making it a popular choice for children, older adults and those with a relatively sedentary lifestyle.
Buffalo milk, on the other hand, provides more calories, protein and calcium, making it suitable for people with higher energy needs, such as athletes and those engaged in physically demanding work.
If your goal is to make the maximum amount of ghee, buffalo milk is the clear winner. However, that doesn't mean it's automatically the better choice for everyone. Nutrition experts say both cow and buffalo milk have unique benefits, and the right option depends on your health needs, lifestyle and dietary preferences.
Fun Fact: Ghee made from buffalo milk is usually white or light cream in colour, while cow ghee has a natural yellow hue due to the presence of beta-carotene in cow milk.