Edibles 101:
Clarified Butter vs. Ghee – What’s the Difference?
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Whether it is your first time making cannabis-infused butter, aka ‘Cannabutter,’ or your 100th, there is one commonly skipped step that can be taken to elevate your results to the next level. This is taking the time to clarify your butter pre-infusion or using Ghee instead. While not necessary, the clarification process can result in a more stable product with various benefits, which we will discuss below.
What’s the Difference?
Both clarified butter and ghee are forms of butter with varying preparation methods, flavors, and health benefits, making them ideal for different uses, including cannabis-infused creations.
Clarified Butter
Clarified butter is butter that has been melted to separate the milk solids and water from the butterfat. This process leaves behind a pure, golden liquid that is ideal for high-heat cooking.
To make clarified butter, gently heat it until it melts completely. As it melts, the product separates into three distinct layers:
- A frothy layer on top,
- Clear yellow butterfat in the middle,
- Milk solids at the bottom
The butterfat is then carefully strained, leaving the milk solids and water behind. The strained product, which is now ‘clarified butter,’ has a mild, buttery flavor and a higher smoke point than regular butter, making it suitable for sautéing and frying. Its shelf life is longer than regular butter but shorter than ghee.
Beyond its flavor and high smoke point, clarified butter is ideal for infusing with cannabis. This is because, being almost entirely butterfat, the product is much more efficient at extracting and holding the desired THC, CBD, etc. Furthermore, removing milk solids and water means that the resulting cannabutter will have a significantly longer shelf life and better consistency, allowing for a more predictable level of potency (especially when used with an emulsifier like sunflower lecithin).
Pros and Cons
- Cheaper than Ghee
- Higher smoke point than regular butter
- Better, more consistent, infusions than regular butter
- Less pronounced flavour
- Multi-step preparation process
- Typically cannot be found in-stores
- Benefits not as pronounced as Ghee
Ghee
Ghee, on the other hand, is a staple in Indian cuisine. While it is technically a form of clarified butter, one key difference separates the two—it is simmered longer, allowing the milk solids to caramelize before being strained out. This process imparts a nutty, richer flavor to the final product.
To make ghee, start by melting the butter over low heat. Once melted, continue to simmer the butter until the milk solids begin to brown and caramelize. This process enhances the flavor and color of the ghee. The mixture is then strained to remove the caramelized milk solids, leaving a clear, golden liquid behind.
The resulting product will be similar to clarified butter but with even more pronounced characteristics. This means an even longer shelf life that typically does not require refrigeration, an even higher smoke point, and a bolder flavor that is typically described as rich and nutty. Finally, due to the resulting product’s higher purity and fat content, more efficient and consistent infusions can be expected.
Pros and Cons
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Longest shelf life
- More efficient and consistent infusions
- Highest smoke point for cooking with cannabutter
- More expensive if purchased
- Longer preparation process if homemade
Nutritional Differences
Interestingly, while both clarified butter and ghee are composed primarily of fats, the latter offers a few additional health benefits due to the caramelization of milk solids.
Clarified Butter: Retains some of the original butter’s milk proteins, which can be an issue for those with lactose intolerance.
Ghee: Contains butyrate, a fatty acid known for its anti-inflammatory properties and benefits to gut health. It is also lactose-free, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
Conclusion
Both clarified butter and ghee offer unique benefits and drawbacks when used for making cannabutter. Your choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Ghee, with its longer shelf life, richer flavor, more efficient and consistent infusions, and higher smoke point is ideal for those seeking a versatile and robust option for cannabis infusion. Clarified butter, with its mild flavor and cost-effectiveness, is suitable for those who prefer a lighter taste and are looking for an easier, more affordable option. Understanding these differences should allow you to make an informed decision, ensuring that your cannabis-infused culinary creations are both potent and delicious.
Whether you opt to clarify your butter or make your own Ghee, taking the time to do so is well worth it and will take your cannabutter to the next level. For those who don’t mind spending a few extra dollars, Ghee is typically the way to go, as you can buy the product pre-made in stores. This means you can skip the entire clarification process and have the perfect infusion medium ready to go. It is also clearly the superior product due to its various described benefits.
