Bilona · By-product
Bilona Buttermilk (Chaas): What It Is, Benefits & How to Use It
Bilona buttermilk (chaas) is the liquid left after churning whole-milk curd and lifting out the makhan for ghee. Most of the fat goes into the butter, so chaas is light, while it keeps much of the curd’s protein, calcium and lactose-digesting cultures if fresh and unheated. It is the traditional summer drink with jeera and salt, and a base for kadhi.
Quick take
- What it is: curd minus the makhan.
- Low fat, with milk protein and calcium.
- Live cultures if fresh and not heated.
- Drink it with jeera and salt, or make kadhi.
Every jar of bilona ghee leaves behind far more chaas than ghee. In village homes it has always been the everyday drink.
Our A2 buffalo bilona ghee is churned from Murrah curd; the method is in what is bilona ghee.
How bilona chaas is made
- Whole milk is set to curd (buffalo milk curd).
- Curd is churned with water using a wooden bilona until butter floats.
- The makhan is lifted out for ghee; what remains is chaas.
How it differs from packaged buttermilk
| Bilona chaas | Packaged buttermilk | |
|---|---|---|
| Made from | Churned whole-milk curd | Often diluted curd or cultured skim milk |
| Fat | Low; traces of butter | Low |
| Cultures | Live if fresh | Depends on processing |
Benefits
- Light and hydrating in summer.
- Protein and calcium from the curd, with little fat.
- Easier on lactose: fermentation uses up some lactose (lactose).
- Digestive tradition: chaas with roasted jeera after a heavy meal.
Ways to use it
- Masala chaas: roasted jeera, salt, ginger, coriander.
- Kadhi with besan.
- Kneading dough for soft rotis.
- Marinating paneer or vegetables.
Storage
Keep refrigerated and drink within a day or two; it sours quickly. Very sour chaas is still good for kadhi. Weight-conscious? Chaas is a far lighter option than milk (milk for weight loss). Other by-products of ghee: ghee residue.
Sources & references
Frequently asked questions
What is bilona buttermilk?
The chaas left after churning whole-milk curd and removing the makhan for ghee.
Is bilona chaas healthy?
It is light, low in fat and carries protein, calcium and live cultures if fresh.
Is buttermilk good for lactose intolerance?
Many tolerate it better than milk because fermentation uses some lactose.
How long does chaas last?
A day or two in the fridge; sour chaas can be used for kadhi.
The makhan became our ghee
A2 Farmer Buffalo Bilona Ghee — A2A2 confirmed by PCR, 99.76% milk fat, hand-churned and glass-packed. From ₹799.
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