vanaspati
Also Known as
Hydrogenated fat
Description
Ghee is an essential and nutritional element in much of Indian cuisine. It has a rich, buttery taste and aroma. Vanaspati Ghee is made from hydrogenated vegetable oils. Is white and grainy (danedaar) in texture and is favored for deep-frying and making sweets and snacks. Vanaspati ghee is manufactured from partially hydrogenated permitted vegetable oils.
It is a mixture of vegetable oils that have been converted to solid form by the addition of hydrogen. Hydrogenated fat is used as a ghee substitute in cooking as well in the production of bakery products, sweets and snack items. When vanaspati is made, trans fatty acids are also produced; these increase the risk of heart disease when consumed in excess and are best avoided
Dalda Vanaspati is very popularly used as it is of superior quality.
How to Select
Every Indian pantry has a store of ghee. Ghee is available commercially, packed in metal cans.
Buy as per the requirement. The product is also fortified with vitamin A & D for health benefits. Hence, buy as per your choice.
Culinary Uses
· Vanaspati is so flavorful that you can use half or two-thirds as much as other cooking oils.
· It has a very high burning point and doesn't burn or smoke during cooking.
· It combines excellently with a wide variety of spices.
· You can use vanaspati ghee to sauté foods, in baking, to deep-fry, or even as a spread.
· Vanaspati ghee is the best for domestic home-use for direct human consumption.
· It is the best cooking media for frying to increase the keeping quality of fried products.
· Our most economical and versatile oil. It transforms the simplest of dishes into wholesome delights that nourish the body, mind and soul.
· Although use vanaspati ghee as a flavoring/seasoning rather than the primary fat
· It is the best cooking media for frying to increase the keeping quality of fried products and also to make sweets like frying gulab jamun, jalebis etc.
· Bakery food items are best made with vanaspati ghee. Puff, Khari, Breads & Biscuits, Nankhatai, Cakes, Sweets & Ice cream too.
How to Store
Vanaspati ghee can be stored in an air-tight container. It does not need refrigeration
Health Benefits
· Vanaspati ghee is most notably said to stimulate the secretion of stomach acids to help with digestion, while other fats, such as butter and oils, slow down the digestive process and can sit heavy in the stomach.
· It does not spoil easily, and actually preserves the original freshness and potency of herbs and foods.
· Helps balance excess stomach acid, and helps maintain/repair the mucus lining of the stomach.
· Vanaspati ghee is said to prevent blisters and scarring if applied quickly to affected skin.
· It is said to promote all three aspects of mental functioning -- learning, memory and recall.
· Moderate intake proves beneficial; however excessive amounts can cause weight gain and other lifestyle disease.