Ghee guide
What is bilona ghee, and why is it different?
By Vedika Ghee · 30 July 2026
The word bilona is on almost every premium ghee jar today. But real bilona ghee is a specific, slow method, not just a label. Here is what it means.
What does bilona mean?
Bilona refers to the traditional method of making ghee from cultured curd, rather than from cream. The milk is first set into curd, the curd is hand-churned to draw out fresh white butter, and that butter is slow-simmered into ghee. You can read the full process in our guide on how ghee is made.
Bilona ghee vs factory ghee
Most commercial ghee is made by separating cream and clarifying it in minutes. It is fast and cheap, but flat in aroma. Bilona ghee starts from curd, which builds the aroma, the grain, and the easy digestibility that people associate with real desi ghee.
Why bilona ghee costs more
It takes roughly 25 to 30 litres of milk to make a single litre of bilona ghee. The process is slow and low-yield and cannot be rushed. That is the honest reason genuine bilona ghee is priced higher.
How to spot real bilona ghee
- It sets grainy (danedar), not perfectly smooth.
- It has a strong, nutty aroma.
- The label names the method and the breed, and ideally comes with a lab report.
Our A2 Gir cow bilona ghee is made this way, in small batches, and is lab tested.
Frequently asked questions
Is bilona ghee better than normal ghee?+
Bilona ghee is made from cultured curd rather than cream, which gives it a richer aroma, a grainy texture, and easier digestibility. Many people prefer it to fast, cream-based ghee.
Why is bilona ghee expensive?+
It takes about 25 to 30 litres of milk to make one litre, and the hand-churning process is slow and low-yield, so it costs more than factory ghee.