What is Clarified Butter?
Clarified butter, often referred to as ghee, is a form of butter from which the water and milk solids have been removed through a gentle heating process. This process increases its shelf life and smoke point, making it a popular choice for cooking. During clarification, the butter is heated, causing the water to evaporate, and the milk solids to separate. These solids are either skimmed off the surface or sink to the bottom of the pan, leaving behind the pure butterfat. Ghee is a type of clarified butter that undergoes a slightly longer cooking process, which allows the milk solids to brown, giving it a distinct, nutty flavor.
Calorie Content: Why is it High?
The high calorie count of how many calories are in 100 grams of clarified butter can be attributed to its composition. Unlike regular butter, clarified butter is almost pure fat. The process of removing water and milk solids concentrates the fat, which is the most calorie-dense macronutrient, providing about 9 calories per gram.
Nutritional databases generally list the calorie content of 100 grams of clarified butter between 876 and 900 calories. Therefore, the average value of 895 calories is a good estimate. The absence of water and milk solids means that clarified butter has a higher calorie density compared to regular butter.
Nutritional Breakdown Per 100g
In addition to calories, 100 grams of clarified butter offers the following nutritional profile:
- Total Fat: Around 99-100 grams.
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 60-67 grams.
- Cholesterol: Amounts can vary, often between 250-290 mg.
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams.
- Protein: 0 grams.
- Sodium: 0 mg (if made from unsalted butter).
- Vitamins: Rich in fat-soluble vitamins such as Vitamin A, D, E, and K.
Comparing Clarified Butter and Regular Butter
The following table compares the nutritional differences between 100 grams of clarified butter and 100 grams of regular butter:
| Nutrient | 100g Clarified Butter (approximate) | 100g Regular Butter (approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 895 kcal | 717 kcal |
| Total Fat | ~100 g | ~81 g |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g | ~0.1 g |
| Protein | 0 g | ~0.9 g |
| Water | 0 g | ~16 g |
| Lactose | Trace amounts | ~0.1 g |
| Smoke Point | High (~450°F / 232°C) | Lower (~302°F / 150°C) |
Clarified Butter in Cooking
Clarified butter is valued for its high smoke point, making it suitable for cooking at high temperatures without burning. This property makes it an excellent choice for a variety of culinary applications:
- Sautéing and Pan-Frying: Its stability at high heat prevents burning, which is ideal for searing meats, frying eggs, or sautéing vegetables. This leads to a cleaner flavor.
- Sauces: It's a key ingredient in classic French sauces, such as Hollandaise and Béarnaise, because of the removal of milk solids creates a more stable emulsion.
- Poached Dishes: It's suitable for poaching delicate items like lobster, providing a rich, buttery flavor.
- Dipping: Clarified butter, served warm, is often used for dipping shellfish.
- Baking: Can be used in some baking recipes where a clean, butterfat flavor and texture are desired.
- Popcorn: Drizzling clarified butter on popcorn prevents sogginess and adds a rich, buttery taste.
Health Aspects of Clarified Butter
Clarified butter, although high in calories and saturated fat, may provide certain health benefits in moderation.
- High Smoke Point: Its high smoke point prevents the formation of harmful compounds when heated.
- Lactose and Casein-Free: The process removes lactose and casein, making it suitable for people with sensitivities.
- Butyric Acid: Ghee contains butyrate, which may support gut health and offer anti-inflammatory properties.
- Fat-Soluble Vitamins: It is a good source of fat-soluble vitamins, especially when sourced from grass-fed butter.
Clarified butter should be consumed in moderation due to its high calorie and saturated fat content, especially for those managing their cholesterol or weight.
Making Clarified Butter at Home
Making clarified butter at home is a simple process, providing a pure and fresh product.
- Melt: Gently melt unsalted butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over low to medium-low heat. Avoid stirring.
- Separate: The butter will separate into three layers. The top layer is a foam of milk solids.
- Skim: Skim off the white, foamy layer of milk solids from the surface and discard.
- Simmer: Continue to simmer gently. As the water evaporates, the bubbling will decrease. The process is complete when the bubbling subsides.
- Strain: Carefully pour the golden, translucent butterfat through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof container, leaving the browned milk solids at the bottom.
- Cool and Store: Allow the clarified butter to cool completely before sealing and refrigerating. It can be stored for several months in the refrigerator.
Conclusion: The Energy Content of Clarified Butter
In conclusion, 100 grams of clarified butter provides approximately 895 calories because it is almost entirely composed of pure butterfat. Its high caloric content is due to the concentration of fat, with zero carbohydrates and protein. Its high heat stability and clean flavor make it suitable for cooking methods that require high heat. For individuals with lactose sensitivities or on specific diets like keto, clarified butter can be a useful fat source. However, its high calorie density means it should be used in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Understanding the composition helps in utilizing its culinary benefits and managing nutritional intake. Healthline's comparison of ghee vs. butter provides more insight into its differences from regular butter.
