Ghee, Oils & Vinegars

There are benefits to each one. You’ll get different smoke points, flavors, and uses out of each.

Speaking of pantry staples, how about vegan vinegar? Punchy, vinegar adds that extra oomph to a lot of dishes. Vegan vinegar isn’t limited to adding bold flavors. It can also add light and vibrant taste if you know how to use it. How do you learn to use vegan vinegar? Just use it whenever you think you can or need to. Don’t be afraid of vinegar. It’s so useful in the kitchen!

Ghee vs Oil: What’s the Difference?

Oil

Generally speaking, oil is a plant, animal, or synthetic liquid fat that can be used in cooking, frying, and baking. Technically speaking, ghee can be classified as a type of oil. But for the sake of clarifying and simplifying its uses and features, we’ll be discussing them differently.

There are different kinds of cooking oils in liquid form - those are the most common. Canola oil, grapeseed oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, olive oil… There are a lot of them. Their main differences are taste, fat content, and smoke point (and therefore uses). Oils with a higher smoke point can withstand higher temperatures. That means their uses and applications increase.

Since there are loads of cooking oils, it’s best to look at the full list on our website to see what you need. 

Vegan Ghee

Traditionally, ghee is made from cow’s milk. It is a type of clarified butter that is often used for cooking. Sometimes, it is used for medicinal purposes. Ghee, although similar to butter, go through a more extensive heating process that allows any excess water and caramelized milk solids to be removed. Basically, it’s melting regular butter until you get clarified butter. That’s how it’s made.

That’s why ghee is said to have a richer, nuttier taste than butter. If you’ve ever cooked with butter, you’ll notice that it turns brown (burns) quite easily and cannot withstand higher temperatures. Ghee has a higher smoke point than butter. That’s why some prefer to use it when cooking (to the extent of deep-frying) instead of regular butter.

So, can ghee be vegan? Yes! Vegan ghee can be made by heating oil (usually coconut oil for consistency) to its smoke point and then infusing it with preferred flavors. After straining, keep this infused mixture in a resealable container then you have your vegan ghee.

We, of course, have plant-based ghee here at PlantX! Vegan ghee is made from a blend of different plant-based oils. Here’s one from Nutiva. It’s their Organic Vegan Ghee!

The Three Essentials: Vegan Ghee, Oils, and Vinegar

Cooking, frying, or baking? Making salad dressings, condiments, sauces? Adding some flavor to your meals? If you want to do all that, then you’ve come to the right place!

Why Every Home Needs a Good Bottle of Vinegar

We’re all aware that vinegar can be used to make loads of miracle solutions to clean the house or remove certain stains. Regular vinegar can be used for those types of tasks.

But what about a good bottle of vinegar? You know, they come a little bit pricier than those other brands in their plastic bottles. Good home cooks and chefs know the value of cooking with vegan vinegar. It brings punch, acidity, and so much depth to dishes.

Dressings, marinades, and a variety of sauces need a splash of vinegar. Different vegan vinegar, different flavors. Experiment with tangy, sour, sweet, mild, malty, and woody flavors with different bottles of vinegar.

At PlantX, we have more than just plain vinegar. Not to say that plain vinegar isn’t good - but if you’re looking for something different, we’ve still got you. We’ve got balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, and just about any other type of vegan vinegar you could ever wish for.

Some of Our Favorites

Napa Valley Naturals’ Balsamic Grand Reserve Vinegar

Balsamic is like the fine wine among vinegar varieties. It’s no wonder, too! Napa Valley Naturals’ Balsamic Grand Reserve Vinegar is made with aged Italian grapes. The Lambrusco and Trebbiano grape varieties are aged in oak and chestnut barrels, giving this balsamic its signature smoothness and tart taste.

Chosen Foods’ Organic Avocado, Coconut and Safflower Oil (Bottle or Spray)

Chosen Foods’ Organic Avocado, Coconut, and Safflower Oil are great for all-around use. Use it to cook, bake, dress, grill, and fry! It’s got a smoke point of 490°F, so you can confidently use it around the kitchen with little to no trouble at all. Plus, it has a mild, neutral flavor - it won’t overpower your recipes! 

California Olive Ranch’s Avocado Oil Blend

What’s in California Olive Ranch’s Avocado Oil Blend? Just equal parts avocado oil and extra virgin olive oil. This blend gives us a buttery texture with a moderately fruity flavor. Plus, this is one versatile oil ideal for high-heat cooking. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use vegan ghee instead of oil and vice versa?

You absolutely can! Whether it’s regular or plant-based ghee, it can 100% replace cooking oil if you’ve run out. You can also use cooking oil instead of vegan ghee in some recipes, too.

If you’re replacing vegan ghee with cooking oil, make sure to use one that can withstand the temperature you’re going to cook it on. Some oils have a low smoke point (like certain sunflower oils, for example) and would do horribly for deep-frying.

Does vegan ghee need to be refrigerated?

Unless the manufacturer clearly states the need for it, plant-based ghee does not need refrigeration. A general worry is that ghee is made with milk and may go bad if left at room temp. Since plant-based ghee does not contain the milk solids anymore, it should be fine at room temp - refrigeration could just help prolong the shelf life.

That’s why plant-based ghee is so much better since it’s usually shelf-stable.

My oil has solidified, is that bad? 

No, it’s not! Oil just generally solidifies when cooled. If you keep it at a warmer room temperature, it should go back to its original, liquid state. Don’t place it in direct sunlight, though! That won’t do it any good.

While we’re on the topic, your plant-based ghee might also liquefy in warmer room temperatures. That’s because plan-based ghee is usually a blend of oils - which makes it behave similarly to how oil would when there are any changes to the temperature.

Is plant-based ghee healthier than ghee?

Not much has been researched as to which one is really healthier than the other. If we’re talking blood pressure, regular ghee is no better or worse than plant-based ghee. Yes, regular ghee contains fat, one might argue. Let’s not forget that vegan ghee is still made from oils - which contain their own trans fats. So, they appear to be even on the scales.

There’s actually a lot of info you can find online saying that ghee is actually safe for people with cholesterol and blood pressure issues to consume in moderation. We think the same applies to vegan ghee - enjoy it in moderation!