Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most common questions about our A2 ghee, raw honey, and cold-pressed oils - how they are made, where they come from, and how we get them to your door.
About Shahji Foods
What is Shahji Foods?
Shahji Foods is a natural foods brand rooted in a family dairy legacy going back to 1957. We offerA2 bilona ghee made from indigenous cow and buffalo breeds, raw unprocessed honey sourced directly from beekeepers across India, and cold-pressed oils extracted without heat or chemicals. Every product is free from additives, preservatives, and artificial processing of any kind.
Are your products lab-tested for purity?
Yes. Every batch of our products is tested at an NABL-accredited laboratory before dispatch. We test for purity, adulteration, and safety - and our lab reports are available on request. This applies to our ghee, honey, and cold-pressed oils without exception.
Do you use artificial additives or preservatives?
None. Our ghee contains only A2 milk. Our honey contains only honey. Our oils contain only the cold-pressed seed or nut. No artificial colours, flavours, preservatives, or processing aids - in any product, ever.
Where are your products manufactured?
Our products are manufactured both locally and globally. We carefully select our manufacturing partners to ensure our products are high quality and a fair value.
How do I know your products are genuinely natural and not adulterated?
We understand why this question gets asked - adulteration is a real problem in the Indian natural foods market. Here is what we do: every batch is NABL-certified and third-party tested before it ships. We source directly from registered indigenous breed farmers and partner beekeepers - no middlemen, no blending. You can request our lab reports at any time by writing to us at care@shahjifoods.com.
What is A2 ghee and how is it different from regular ghee?
Regular ghee is made from crossbred or hybrid cows that produce milk containing both A1 and A2 beta-casein proteins. A2 ghee comes exclusively from indigenous Indian breeds - Gir cow, Sahiwal cow, and Murrah buffalo - whose milk contains only the A2 protein. A2 protein is structurally different from A1 and is widely considered easier to digest. It is how Indians consumed dairy for thousands of years before crossbreeding became common.
What is the Bilona method and do you use it?
Bilona is the traditional Indian method of making ghee. The process: A2 milk is first converted to curd, the curd is hand-churned using a wooden churner (bilona) to extract white butter, and that butter is then slow-cooked on a low flame to produce ghee. This is exactly how we make our A2 ghee. The Bilona method requires significantly more milk per kilogram of ghee than industrial methods - which is why genuine Bilona ghee costs more and why most commercial brands do not use it.
What is the difference between Gir cow, Sahiwal cow, and Murrah buffalo ghee?
Gir cow ghee has a deep golden colour and a rich, nutty aroma - it is the most traditionally prized and is what most people mean when they say "desi ghee." Sahiwal cow ghee is milder in flavour and slightly lighter - a good everyday choice. Murrah buffalo ghee is the densest and richest of the three, with a higher fat content and a more intense flavour - preferred by those who want maximum richness in cooking.
Is A2 ghee suitable for lactose intolerant people?
Many people with lactose sensitivity find A2 ghee well-tolerated. The Bilona clarification process removes almost all lactose and casein from the final ghee. That said, individual responses vary - if you have a diagnosed lactose intolerance or dairy allergy, check with your doctor before trying any ghee.
How should A2 ghee be stored and how long does it last?
Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration is not required and can make the ghee solid and difficult to use. Always use a clean, dry spoon - moisture introduced into the jar shortens shelf life. Properly stored, our A2 ghee stays fresh for 12 months from the date of manufacture.
Is A2 ghee good for daily cooking? What is the smoke point?
Yes. A2 ghee is one of the best fats for high-heat Indian cooking. Its smoke point is approximately 250°C - significantly higher than butter (177°C) and most refined oils. It does not oxidise or produce harmful compounds at normal cooking temperatures, making it safe for sautéing, tadka, and deep frying.
How is your honey different from what I find in a supermarket?
Most commercial honey sold in Indian supermarkets is heat-treated and ultra-filtered to prevent crystallization and extend shelf life. This process destroys natural enzymes, antioxidants, and pollen - the very things that make honey nutritious. Our raw honey is unheated and unfiltered. It goes from hive to jar without any processing, preserving everything that makes it genuinely beneficial.
How do I know your honey is not adulterated?
Honey adulteration - adding sugar syrup, glucose, or rice syrup - is a widespread problem in India, and we understand why customers are sceptical. Here is our answer: every batch of our honey is tested at an NABL-accredited lab for adulteration and purity before it is dispatched. We do not blend, dilute, or add anything to our honey. The natural crystallization you will see in our honey over time is itself strong evidence of purity - adulterated honey rarely crystallizes because the added sugars prevent it.
Why does my honey crystallize and is it still safe to eat?
Crystallization is a natural process in pure, raw honey. It happens when glucose in the honey separates from water and forms crystals over time - completely normal and not a sign of spoilage. To return it to liquid form, place the sealed jar in a bowl of warm water (not boiling) and stir gently. Never microwave honey - heat above 40°C degrades the natural enzymes and antioxidants.
What makes Kashmir White Honey different from other varieties?
Kashmir White Honey is collected from bees foraging on rare high-altitude Himalayan wildflowers - primarily Acacia and other alpine species found above 2,000 metres. The result is a delicate, almost floral honey with a lighter colour and milder sweetness compared to most other honeys. It is available only in limited quantities each season, which is why it is priced differently from our other varieties.
How should honey be stored and what is its shelf life?
Store honey at room temperature in a sealed jar away from direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate - cold temperatures accelerate crystallization. Never use a wet spoon. Raw honey has an exceptionally long shelf life; when stored correctly, it does not spoil. Our jars carry a best-before date of 24 months from manufacture, but honey kept properly can remain good well beyond this.
What does cold-pressed mean and why does it matter?
Cold pressing extracts oil from seeds or nuts using only mechanical pressure - no heat, no chemical solvents. The oil that comes out retains its natural colour, flavour, aroma, and nutritional content. In contrast, the high-heat refining used for most commercial oils destroys antioxidants, natural fats, and flavour compounds - and often requires chemical deodorising afterwards to make the oil palatable.
Is cold-pressed mustard oil safe to eat in India?
Yes. Our yellow mustard oil meets all FSSAI requirements for edible use and is labelled accordingly. Cold-pressed mustard oil has been the dominant cooking oil in North Indian, Bengali, and Punjabi cooking for centuries. The erucic acid concerns that led to some international trade restrictions do not reflect the traditional Indian usage pattern, and FSSAI approves mustard oil for consumption within India.
Which cold-pressed oil is best for daily cooking at high heat?
Cold-pressed groundnut oil and yellow mustard oil are both well-suited to high-heat Indian cooking - both have smoke points above 200°C. Virgin coconut oil works well for medium-heat cooking and baking. Almond oil is best used for light sautéing, salad dressings, or finishing - its delicate flavour and lower smoke point make it less suited to high-heat applications.
Can almond oil be used for skin and hair as well as cooking?
Yes. Our cold-pressed almond oil is pure enough for both culinary and topical use. It is a natural source of vitamin E, oleic acid, and linoleic acid - widely used for skin moisturising, under-eye care, and hair conditioning. Because we use no chemical solvents in extraction, the same jar works for cooking and personal care.
How should cold-pressed oils be stored and how long do they last?
Store in a cool, dark place - away from heat and direct sunlight. Unlike refined oils, cold-pressed oils retain their natural antioxidants which help extend shelf life, but they are more sensitive to light and heat than their refined counterparts. Keep the cap tightly closed when not in use. Shelf life varies by oil: mustard oil lasts up to 12 months, groundnut oil up to 9 months, coconut oil up to 18 months, and almond oil up to 12 months from the date of manufacture.
Do you deliver across India and how long does it take?
Yes, we deliver pan-India. Standard delivery takes 4 to 7 business days depending on your location. Expedited options are available at checkout for select pin codes. You will receive a tracking link by SMS and email once your order is dispatched.
Is Cash on Delivery available?
Yes, COD is available across all serviceable pin codes. You can also pay via UPI, debit or credit card, net banking, or EMI at checkout. No extra charge for COD orders.
Why does my honey crystallize and is it still safe to eat?
Crystallization is a natural process in pure, raw honey. It happens when glucose in the honey separates from water and forms crystals over time - completely normal and not a sign of spoilage. To return it to liquid form, place the sealed jar in a bowl of warm water (not boiling) and stir gently. Never microwave honey - heat above 40°C degrades the natural enzymes and antioxidants.
Do You Offer Free Shipping?
Yes. Shahji Foods offers free standard shipping across India on all orders, with no minimum order value required. Whether you order a single jar of honey, a bottle of cold-pressed oil, or multiple products, shipping charges are included at no additional cost.
My order arrived damaged. What do I do?
Photograph the damaged product and the outer packaging, then WhatsApp the photos at +91 9899968048 within 48 hours of delivery. Include your order number. We will arrange a replacement or a full refund - whichever you prefer - within 2 business days of receiving your email. We do not accept returns of opened, undamaged products for hygiene reasons, but any genuine quality concern will be resolved.
Can I cancel or modify my order after placing it?
Yes. Orders can be cancelled or modified within 12 hours of placement. To request a cancellation or make changes to your order, please WhatsApp us at +91 9899968048 and share your order number.
After 12 hours, orders are typically packed and dispatched for shipment, and we may no longer be able to accommodate cancellation or modification requests.
Do you offer bulk or wholesale pricing?
Yes. We offer bulk pricing for orders above a certain quantity - for ghee, honey, and oils separately. WhatsApp us at: +91 9899968048 with your requirement and we will share a custom quote within 24 hours. We work with households, restaurants, caterers, and retailers.
Need More Help?
If you still have questions, our customer support team is here to help.
Contact Shahji Foods
Email: help@shahjifoods.com
Phone: +91 9899968048
Business Hours:
Monday - Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
We appreciate your trust in Shahji Foods and look forward to serving you.