Walk into any shop in Punjab and you’ll find a dozen jars that all say “desi ghee”. Some cost ₹600 a kilo, some cost ₹2,000. So what’s the difference? Most of it comes down to one word: bilona.
In this guide we explain, in simple words, what bilona ghee is, how it is different from regular ghee, why it costs more, and how you can check if your ghee is pure at home. We make bilona ghee ourselves in Sohana, Mohali, so we’ll also tell you exactly how ours is made.
What Is Bilona Ghee?
Bilona ghee is made the traditional way: milk is set into curd, the curd is churned in a wooden bilona (madhani) to separate makkhan, and the makkhan is slow-cooked on a low flame into golden ghee. In short: milk → curd → makkhan → ghee. This is why bilona ghee has a deep aroma and usually sets with a grainy, danedar texture.
Want the full step-by-step process? Read our guide: Bilona Ghee: Meaning, Traditional Making Process & Benefits.
How Is Regular Ghee Made?
Most ghee sold in big packs is made the fast, industrial way. Cream (malai) is separated from milk by a machine, or butter is bought in bulk, and it is then heated directly into ghee. There is no curd and no churning.
This is not “bad” ghee. It is real ghee if it is made from milk fat. It is simply quicker and cheaper to produce, so the taste, aroma and texture are different from bilona ghee.
Bilona Ghee vs Regular Ghee: Quick Comparison
| Bilona Ghee | Regular Ghee | |
|---|---|---|
| Made from | Curd → hand-churned makkhan | Cream (malai) or bulk butter |
| Process | Slow, small batches | Fast, large machines |
| Aroma | Strong, rich, “ghar ka ghee” smell | Milder |
| Texture | Usually danedar (grainy) | Often smooth |
| Yield | Low: a lot of milk gives a little ghee | Higher |
| Price (1kg) | Higher, roughly ₹1,200–₹2,500 | Lower, roughly ₹600–₹750 for big brands |
| Best for | Tadka, roti, kids’ food, sweets, pooja | Everyday bulk cooking on a budget |
Why Is Bilona Ghee More Expensive?
Because the curd route uses much more milk for every kilo of ghee, and every batch takes hours of setting, churning and slow cooking. You are paying for:
- More milk per kilo of ghee
- More time and labour: setting curd, churning, slow cooking
- Small batches, which means fresher ghee but no mass-production savings
That’s also why a very cheap “bilona ghee” is a red flag. Real bilona ghee simply can’t be made at the price of factory ghee. See current rates in our desi ghee price 1kg guide.
Is Bilona Ghee Better Than Regular Ghee?
For taste and aroma, most families clearly prefer bilona ghee. One spoon on a hot roti and you’ll notice the difference. Many people also find it lighter and easier to digest, which is why it has been the traditional choice in Punjabi homes for generations.
You’ll read many health claims online. Our honest view: ghee is a healthy traditional fat when eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet, and bilona ghee is the closest you can get to homemade ghee. If you have a medical condition, please ask your doctor how much ghee is right for you.
Bilona vs Danedar: Are They the Same?
No, and this confuses a lot of people. Bilona is the method (how ghee is made). Danedar is the texture (the grainy look ghee gets when it sets slowly). Pure bilona ghee usually turns danedar on its own, but a danedar look alone doesn’t prove the ghee is bilona.
Quick Purity Check at Home
Whether you buy bilona or regular ghee, check it. Two quick signs of pure ghee:
- Pan test: heated in a pan, pure ghee melts quickly into a clear golden liquid with a rich aroma.
- Palm test: a little pure ghee melts on your palm within a few seconds.
For all the tests, including the iodine test for starch and the fridge test for added oil, read How to Check Purity of Ghee at Home: 7 Simple Tests.
How to Choose Good Bilona Ghee
- Ask how it is made. A genuine maker will happily explain the curd → makkhan → ghee process.
- Check the price. If it is cheaper than factory ghee, it is unlikely to be real bilona ghee.
- Look at colour and texture. Cow ghee is golden yellow and buffalo ghee is white; both usually set danedar.
- Start small. Buy a 500g pack first, taste it, and then move to bigger packs.
- Buy local and fresh. Ghee from small batches nearby reaches you fresher than ghee that has spent months in warehouses.
Cow, A2 or Buffalo: Which Bilona Ghee Should You Buy?
- Bilona Desi Cow Ghee: golden, lighter and aromatic. Best for daily cooking, kids and pooja.
- A2 Desi Cow Ghee: made from the milk of desi cow breeds by the bilona method. Our premium choice.
- Desi Buffalo Ghee: white, thick and rich. The Punjabi favourite for parathas, pinni, panjiri, halwa and mithai.
Still deciding? Read Cow Ghee vs Buffalo Ghee and What Is A2 Ghee?, or call us and we’ll help you choose.
How We Make Nanak Ghee in Mohali
At Nanak Ghee in Sohana, Mohali, every jar is made the bilona way: milk set into curd, curd hand-churned into makkhan, and makkhan slow-cooked in small batches. We add no vanaspati, no oil, no colour and no preservatives.
| Ghee | 500g | 1kg | 2kg | 5kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bilona Desi Cow Ghee | ₹800 | ₹1,550 | ₹3,000 | ₹7,250 |
| Desi Buffalo Ghee | ₹650 | ₹1,200 | ₹2,300 | ₹5,600 |
| A2 Desi Cow Ghee | ₹1,150 | ₹2,200 | ₹4,150 | ₹9,900 |
We deliver to homes in Mohali, Chandigarh, Zirakpur, Kharar and Panchkula, ship across Punjab, Haryana and India, and you can always pick up fresh ghee from our shop on Landran Road, Sohana. Call or WhatsApp 97819 83883 to order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is all desi cow ghee bilona ghee?
No. “Cow ghee” tells you the milk source; “bilona” tells you the method. Cow ghee made directly from cream is not bilona ghee.
What is the price of bilona ghee per kg?
Real bilona ghee usually costs between ₹1,200 and ₹2,500 per kg, depending on the milk (cow, A2 or buffalo). At Nanak Ghee, bilona cow ghee is ₹1,550/kg, buffalo ghee is ₹1,200/kg and A2 cow ghee is ₹2,200/kg.
Can I make bilona ghee at home?
Yes. Set milk into curd, churn it to get makkhan, and slow-cook the makkhan into ghee. It takes time and a lot of milk, which is why many families now buy it from trusted small makers.
How long does bilona ghee last?
About 9–12 months at room temperature. Keep the lid tight, away from water and sunlight, and always use a dry spoon. No fridge needed.
Where can I buy pure bilona ghee in Mohali or Chandigarh?
You can order Nanak Ghee online, call or WhatsApp us on 97819 83883, or visit our shop on Landran Road, Sohana, Mohali. We deliver across Mohali, Chandigarh, Zirakpur, Kharar and Panchkula.
