How to Test Ghee Purity at Home: 7 Simple Methods That Actually Work

You bought ghee labeled "pure" and "traditional."

But is it really?

The Indian ghee market is flooded with products claiming to be Bilona, A2, grass-fed, and farm-fresh. Unfortunately, many don't live up to their labels.

The good news? You don't need a lab to spot the difference. These 7 home tests will help you identify whether your ghee is authentic—or adulterated.

Why Ghee Adulteration Happens

Let's be honest about the economics:

• Pure buffalo ghee requires 17-20 liters of milk per liter of ghee
• Adulterated ghee can be produced at a fraction of the cost
• Labels are easy to print; authenticity is harder to deliver

Common adulterants include:

• Vanaspati (hydrogenated vegetable oil)
• Refined oils (palm, soybean, cottonseed)
• Animal fats (cheaper alternatives)
• Starch (to add weight and thickness)
• Artificial colors (to mimic cow ghee's golden hue)

Now let's learn how to catch them.

Test 1: The Palm Test (Melting Test)

What You Need: Your palm

How to Do It:

1. Take a teaspoon of ghee
2. Place it on your palm
3. Observe how it behaves

What to Look For:

Reliability: Moderate. This test indicates purity but isn't conclusive on its own.

Test 2: The Heat Test

What You Need: A steel spoon, small flame

How to Do It:

1. Heat a steel spoon over a low flame for 30 seconds
2. Add half a teaspoon of ghee to the heated spoon
3. Observe how it melts

What to Look For:

Reliability: Moderate to good. One of the more reliable home tests.

Test 3: The Refrigeration Test

What You Need: Glass jar, refrigerator

How to Do It:

1. Take a small amount of ghee in a transparent glass container
2. Place in refrigerator for 30-60 minutes
3. Remove and observe

What to Look For:

Reliability: Good for detecting oil-based adulteration.

Test 4: The Texture Test

What You Need: Just the ghee jar

How to Do It:

1. Open the jar at room temperature
2. Look at the surface and texture
3. Scoop some with a clean, dry spoon

What to Look For:

Signs of Authentic Bilona Ghee:

• Slightly grainy texture (especially in cooler temperatures)
• Uneven, natural surface—not perfectly smooth
• Soft and scoopable, not rock-hard

Red Flags:

• Perfectly smooth, plastic-like texture
• Overly hard consistency
• Unnaturally uniform appearance

Reliability: Good indicator, but requires some experience.

Test 5: The Aroma Test

What You Need: Your nose

How to Do It:

1. Open fresh jar of ghee
2. Smell it immediately
3. Heat a small amount and smell again

What to Look For:

Buffalo Ghee Specific: Authentic buffalo ghee has a distinctive deep aroma—richer and more intense than cow ghee.

Reliability: Highly reliable for experienced users. Takes time to develop this sense.

Test 6: The Iodine Test (For Starch Detection)

What You Need: Iodine solution (available at pharmacies)

How to Do It:

1. Melt a small amount of ghee
2. Let it cool slightly
3. Add 2-3 drops of iodine solution

What to Look For:

Reliability: Highly reliable for starch detection specifically.

Test 7: The Transparency Test (Heated Jar Test)

What You Need: Transparent glass jar, warm water

How to Do It:

1. Place ghee jar in warm water for 10-15 minutes
2. Let ghee melt completely
3. Hold jar against light and observe

What to Look For:

Reliability: Moderate. Best used in combination with other tests.

Beyond Tests: How to Identify Authentic Bilona Ghee

Home tests catch adulteration. But how do you know if ghee is truly made using the Bilona method?

Questions to Ask the Seller

1. What is your starting material?

   • Bilona: Whole milk → Curd → Makkhan → Ghee
   • Commercial: Milk → Cream → Butter → Ghee

2. Do you ferment the milk into curd before churning?

   • Bilona: Yes (8-12 hours fermentation)
   • Commercial: No fermentation

3. What churning method do you use?

   • Bilona: Wooden bilona (hand or motor-powered)
   • Commercial: Industrial cream separators

4. Where do you source your milk?

   • Authentic brands can name specific regions or farms
   • Vague answers like "various sources" are red flags

→ Learn more about the Bilona process

Price Reality Check

Be realistic about pricing:

If someone offers "Bilona ghee" at ₹500/liter, question it. The math doesn't work.

Quick Reference: Authentic vs. Suspect Ghee

Limitations of Home Tests

Let's be honest: home tests have limits.

They can detect obvious adulteration but cannot:

• Measure exact percentage of adulterants
• Detect sophisticated blending
• Verify breed of animal (A2 vs. regular)
• Confirm organic certification

For complete assurance, look for:

• Lab test reports (FSSAI-compliant)
• Transparent manufacturing information
• Brands willing to answer direct questions

What We Do at 24 Karat Manthan

We welcome questions. Here's what we can tell you:

• Milk source: Indigenous buffalo breeds from rural Rajasthan
• Process: Whole milk → Curd → Bilona churning → Slow-cooked ghee
• Ratio: 17-20 liters of milk per 1 liter of ghee
• Additives: None. Zero preservatives, colors, or blending.

We're confident our ghee will pass every test on this list.

→ Try Our Buffalo Bilona Ghee

→ Explore Full Ghee Collection

The Bottom Line

Testing ghee at home isn't about paranoia—it's about making informed choices for your family.

Use these tests as a starting point. Ask questions. Trust brands that are transparent.

And when you find ghee that passes every test? Stock up.