Yes, the quality and type of butter significantly impact the flavor and quality of the ghee produced. Grass-fed butter generally yields ghee with a richer flavor and higher nutrient content.
The flavor of ghee is derived from the butter it's made from. Butter from grass-fed cows tends to be higher in beta-carotene, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and omega-3 fatty acids. These components contribute to a more complex and nuanced flavor profile in the resulting ghee, often described as richer, nuttier, and more aromatic. Regular butter, especially if sourced from cows fed primarily grain, may produce ghee with a blander or less distinctive flavor. The impurities and milk solids present in the butter also influence the final product. Higher quality butter, with fewer additives and a cleaner composition, will generally result in a purer and more flavorful ghee. The process of making ghee concentrates the flavors and fats present in the butter, so any differences in the starting material will be amplified in the final product.
For the best-tasting ghee, use unsalted, high-quality butter. Salted butter can leave a slightly salty or off-flavor in the ghee, and lower-quality butter may contain additives that negatively affect the taste and purity.