Ghee is undoubtedly an integral part of any Indian household. Apart from using the A2 cow ghee to enhance the flavour and texture of the dishes, they are also used for their nutritional and health values. There are different types of desi ghee available in the market. This discussion will provide you an insight into some of the best cow breeds and their characteristics. This helps you to make an informed decision to buy the best ghee for your loved ones.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF DESI COW BREEDS IN INDIA:
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GIR COW
Gir is an indigenous cattle breed from India known for its dairy production properties. This cattle breed is indigenous to the Gir hills and the forests of Kathiawar. It is considered as one of the best and most sought after dairy production breeds. Gir cows produce an average of 6 – 10 liters of milk per day. They give birth to 10 – 12 calves during their lifetime. They produce A2 milk which comes with high nutritional value. It is considered as the #1 cow breed in India. The Gir cow is a superior breed, and its milk and ghee are proven to have numerous health benefits.
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SAHIWAL
The Sahiwal breed originated in the Montgomery region, when it was a part of undivided India. It is known to be one of the best dairy breeds in the country. It yields between 1400 and 2500 liters of milk per lactation on average. It is known as one of the best and second superior desi cattle breeds in India.
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RED SINDHI
Red Sindhi cattle breed is also well renowned for its highly nutritious dairy products. They are native to Hyderabad and the Pakistani districts of Karachi. The body color of this cattle breed is primarily red, thus the name Red Sindhi. The milk yield of these cows varies between 1100 and 2600 liters. It is considered to be the third best dairy breed in India.
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RATHI
Rathi cow breeds are generally found in the desert regions of Rajasthan. This milch breed is the main source of income for the farmers belonging to these areas. These are medium-sized animals with spots all over their body. On average, these cows produce about 1560 liters of milk. It is considered to be the fourth best dairy breed in India.
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ONGOLE
Ongole or Nellore cattle breed gets its name from the region where it is bred. This cattle breed has a gleaming white coat and males are distinguished by dark markings on the head, neck, knees and humps. An Ongole cattle can produce up to 2700 liters of milk. These cattle breeds are used for both domestic work and milk production. It is the fifth best cow breed in India.
GIR COWS AND THEIR AMAZING CHARACTERISTICS:
Gir cattle breeds are famously known for their resistance to a wide range of tropical diseases. They are generally very gentle and polite, and enjoy being around people. Gir cows are very affable and at night they form a very close circle for sleeping. Due to the highly nutritious milk produced by these cattle breeds, they are very popular in India and other parts of the world.
Gir cows produce six to ten liters of milk per day. They have an average lifespan of twelve to fifteen years. This cattle breed gives birth to ten to twelve calves during their lifetime. Their body color ranges from red to spotted white.
WHY DOES A2 GIR COW GHEE STAND OUT FROM OTHER DESI A2 GHEE?
A2 GIR Cow ghee is undoubtedly the purest form of ghee available on the market. This ghee is made through a special process called the traditional Bilona method. The ghee is dark yellowish in color and has a grainy texture. The rich aroma and the taste of the Gir cow A2 ghee makes it an excellent choice for cooking.
Gir cow ghee is also very high in vitamins, minerals as well as Omega 3 fatty acids, and it is gluten free. The major health benefits of the Gir cow ghee include enhanced digestion, immunity boost, skin care and nourishment benefits. However, unlocking these benefits is only possible if you are using the A2 Gir cow ghee. On the other hand, using the desi cow ghee obtained from crossbreed cows might have the worst effect on your health.
SCIENTIFIC THEORY:
According to scientific studies, the hydrolysed milk containing the A1 of beta-casein has 4 fold higher BCM7 than the A2 milk. Lately, a study of the relationship between the risk of various diseases and the consumption of specific bovine β-casein with A1 or A2 variants have been identified. According to the studies, BMC7 is associated with numerous health hazards in humans. It can potentially affect many opioid receptors in the immune, nervous and endocrine systems. People who consume cow milk containing high levels of A2 variant have lower incidences of type 1 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A2 Gir cow milk is definitely one of the healthy alternatives for all age groups.
References:
Sodhi M, Mukesh M, Kataria RS, Mishra BP, Joshii BK.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3475924/
TIPS TO EXTEND THE SHELF LIFE OF A2 GIR GHEE:
Ghee has been a part of Indian culture from ancient times. Preserving the ghee in the right way will help you to increase the shelf life to enjoy them for a long time. Firstly, it is important to store the ghee in an airtight container. It is also important to keep it away from direct sunlight. Although refrigerating the ghee can enhance its longevity, storing it at room temperature is considered as an ideal option.
It is also very important to use a clean and dry spoon to take out the ghee. The ghee will not last for a long period if it is contaminated with foreign particles, dust or dirt. Therefore, it is very important to use a clean spoon to take out the ghee or pour it directly from the container. If you are using the ghee on a regular basis, it is important to transfer a small amount from the large container and use the transferred portion for regular usage. Choosing the right type of container to store the ghee is also very important. Glass containers are ideal for storing large quantities of ghee.