Clarified Unsalted Butter

Clarified butter, also known as ghee, is butter that has had its water and milk solids removed. This process involves slowly heating butter and skimming off the foam that rises to the top, then carefully pouring off the clear liquid butterfat, leaving the milk solids behind. This results in a pure butterfat with a higher smoke point and longer shelf life than regular butter.

Manufacturers use clarified butter for its rich, buttery flavor and its high heat tolerance, making it ideal for sautéing, frying, and baking. It's often found in Indian cuisine, baked goods, and as a spread. Its pure fat content also contributes to texture in some products.

Clarified butter is primarily fat. Like all fats, it is calorie-dense. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists butter oil (a form of clarified butter) as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). JECFA has evaluated butter and butterfat, setting an acceptable daily intake. While it contains saturated fat, typical consumption as part of a balanced diet is not associated with adverse health effects.