What is the difference between A1 and A2 milk?

A1 milk contains A1 beta-casein protein, found in crossbred and foreign cows. A2 milk contains A2 beta-casein protein, found in Indian desi breeds like Gir and Sahiwal. A2 milk is easier to digest and healthier.

Is A2 milk better for digestion?

Yes. A2 milk does not release BCM-7 peptide during digestion, making it gentler on the stomach and suitable for people with milk sensitivity.

Can children and pregnant women drink A2 milk?

Absolutely. A2 milk is highly recommended for kids, pregnant women, and elders because it supports immunity, bone strength, and overall health.

Why is Gir cow A2 milk special?

Gir cow A2 milk has a natural golden hue due to A2 beta-carotene. It is nutrient-rich, easily digestible, and traditionally valued in Ayurveda for its health benefits.

Where can I buy A2 Gir cow milk in Ahmedabad?

You can order fresh A2 Gir cow milk from Dhenu Milk. We deliver daily in glass bottles directly from our gaushala. Contact us on WhatsApp to start your subscription.

What is Bilona Ghee? Traditional Process, A2 Benefits & More

Introduction: Why Not All Ghee is Created Equal

Ghee, a cornerstone of Indian cuisine and Ayurvedic tradition, is often called “liquid gold.” However, the ghee you find on most supermarket shelves is typically made using modern industrial methods that prioritize speed and volume over nutritional quality. This process often involves high heat and chemical refining.

Enter Bilona Ghee—a product that stands in a league of its own. Made using an ancient, painstaking method, Bilona ghee retains maximum nutritional value, a richer aroma, and superior health benefits.

But what exactly is Bilona Ghee, and why is the traditional process so crucial?

The Traditional Process: Decoding "Bilona"

The word “Bilona” refers to the wooden churner used in the traditional, two-way churning method. This process is complex, time-consuming, and labor-intensive, but it is the key to creating superior ghee. Here is the step-by-step traditional method, which is starkly different from commercial preparation:

Step 1: Boiling and Culturing the Milk

The journey begins not with cream, but with whole milk—ideally A2 milk from indigenous Indian cow breeds like the Gir, Sahiwal, or Rathi.

The milk is slowly boiled and cooled.
A spoonful of curd (starter culture) is added, and the milk is left overnight to form dahi (curd or yogurt).

Step 2: The Crucial ‘Bilona’ Churning

This is the most critical step, giving the ghee its name and unique properties.

The dahi is poured into a wide-mouthed pot.
It is then churned using a wooden churner (Bilona), rotating in both clockwise and anti-clockwise directions.
This churning separates the contents into two layers: butter (makkhan) floating on top, and liquid buttermilk below.

Step 3: Heating the Butter (Makkhan)

The separated butter is collected and slow-heated over a low, gradual flame. This low-heat process is vital to preserve the volatile nutrients.
As the butter simmers, the milk solids and water separate. The milk solids settle at the bottom, turning a deep golden-brown.

Step 4: Straining and Storage

The pure liquid gold (the ghee) is carefully strained through a muslin cloth, separating it from the caramelized milk solids.
The final product is pure, granular, and nutrient-dense Bilona Ghee, ready to be stored in an airtight container.

The Difference: Commercial ghee is made directly from cream (malai) using large machines and high temperatures, skipping the curdling and two-way churning steps, which strips it of many beneficial properties.

Why Bilona Ghee is Superior: Health Benefits

The traditional churning process ensures that Bilona Ghee retains essential micronutrients and beneficial fatty acids often destroyed by high heat in commercial methods.

1. Rich in Essential Fatty Acids

Butyric Acid: Bilona Ghee is exceptionally rich in Butyric Acid, a short-chain fatty acid known for promoting gut health. It acts as the primary source of energy for the cells lining the colon, helping to reduce inflammation and support a healthy intestinal wall.
CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid): Derived from the grass-fed diet of A2 cows, CLA is known for its potential benefits in weight management and reducing bad cholesterol.

2. Boosts Digestion and Gut Health

According to Ayurveda, ghee stimulates the secretion of stomach acids, which aids in better digestion. Because of its purity and butyric acid content, Bilona Ghee lubricates the intestinal walls and helps prevent constipation.

3. High Smoke Point for Safe Cooking

Bilona Ghee has a high smoke point (around $45 0^{\circ} F$ or $23 2^{\circ} C$ ), making it one of the safest fats for cooking, deep-frying, and sautéing, as it resists breaking down into harmful free radicals.

4. Natural Source of Vitamins

It is naturally abundant in fat-soluble vitamins:

Vitamin A: Important for vision and immune function.
Vitamin D: Critical for calcium absorption and bone health.
Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant that supports skin health.
Vitamin K: Necessary for blood clotting and bone health.

5. Supports Cognitive and Immune Function

Bilona Ghee is considered a Medhya Rasayana (brain tonic) in Ayurveda, believed to improve memory, brain function, and overall cognitive development. Its anti-inflammatory properties also play a role in strengthening the immune system.

Conclusion: Investing in Wellness

Choosing Bilona Ghee is more than just choosing a cooking oil; it is a commitment to a centuries-old tradition that prioritizes wellness and purity. While it may be priced higher than industrial ghee, the traditional process—from A2 milk to two-way churning—ensures you are consuming the most authentic, nutrient-rich, and healthy form of “liquid gold” available.

What is Bilona Ghee? Traditional Process & Health Benefits Explained