Traditional Bilona Ghee: Heritage, Process, and Market Opportunity

Introduction to Bilona Ghee in the Food Industry

The term Bilona, derived from Hindi, means "to churn". This traditional method of preparing ghee has deep cultural and historical roots in the Indian subcontinent—dating back to the Vedas and Puranas. Long before the advent of refined oils, Bilona ghee was a dietary staple in Indian kitchens, known for its rich taste, health benefits, and spiritual significance.

Today, as demand for authentic food products grows, food processing consultants and food manufacturing consultants are turning their focus to Bilona ghee production—tapping into a market that saw an 11.1% growth from 2011 to 2018 and continues to thrive within the ₹4,000+ crore ghee industry in India.

What is Bilona Ghee?

Bilona ghee is prepared by churning curd made from boiled and cooled milk of indigenous Indian cows (such as Gir or Sahiwal). The curd is churned into makkhan (butter), which is then gently heated to separate water and milk solids, yielding golden-yellow ghee with a nutty aroma and rich texture.

Key Characteristics of Traditional Bilona Ghee

Prepared from A2 milk of native cow breeds.
Rich in Vitamin A, E, and K2.
Contains beta-carotene, giving it a golden hue.
Exclusive nutty flavor due to diacetyl and flavonoid compounds.
Free from additives and chemicals.

A1 vs. A2 Milk: The Science Behind Superior Ghee

One of the biggest debates in modern food science—and a focus area for food technology consulting—is the difference between A1 and A2 milk proteins.

Understanding the Protein Difference

Milk contains beta-casein, a major protein.
A2 milk contains proline at position 67, while A1 milk has histidine.
A1 protein breaks down into peptides that may cause inflammation, while A2 is easier to digest.

Historically, cows only produced A2 milk. However, a mutation in Holstein cows introduced the A1 variant. Today, Indian native breeds naturally produce A2 milk, making Bilona ghee nutritionally superior.

Cost of Producing Bilona Ghee

From a food business consultancy perspective, Bilona ghee has a higher cost of production due to:

Higher milk requirement: 25–35 liters of milk per liter of ghee.
Labor-intensive manual churning.
Extended preparation time.

In contrast, commercial ghee production needs just 15–20 liters of milk per liter, making Bilona ghee a premium product positioned for niche, health-conscious, and export markets.

Health benefits of adding Bilona Ghee to diet

Enhances gut health and digestion.
Rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
High in MUFA (monounsaturated fats)—supports heart health.
High smoke point—ideal for Indian cooking.
Boosts immune system and supports cholesterol balance.

Such benefits position Bilona ghee as a functional food, creating opportunities for food processing consultants to integrate it into nutraceutical and wellness food segments.

Bilona ghee has been with our culture since time immemorial. Its rich flavour and colour are an exclusive feature of our subcontinent. It is prepared by churning out butter using traditional wooden or earthen churns and then it is then heated and melted to obtain bilona ghee. The indigenous milk is rich a2 beta-casein proteins. The manufacturers of bilona ghee claim that the presence of a2 proteins makes the bilona ghee superior to any other commercially produced ghee.

Conclusion

Bilona ghee represents a unique intersection of cultural tradition, food technology, and market potential. For food consultants and engineering firms involved in designing dairy facilities, integrating Bilona ghee production lines offers a promising growth area—both for the domestic and international markets.

Reference

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_a2_Milk_Company

2. https://www.navmi.co.in/what-are-desi-cow-bilona-ghee-and-the-process/

3. https://www.pureecoindia.in/why-a2-milk-is-much-healthier-than-a1-milk/

4. https://www.pureecoindia.in/why-bilona-ghee-is-doubly-nutritional-than-regular-ghee/

5. https://www.vaidikmart.com/what-is-desi-cow-bilona-ghee-benefits-of-pure-bilona-ghee/

6. https://www.thebetterindia.com/194810/lifestyle-organic-bilona-ghee-health-benefits-order-online-india/