By Hannah Lester
hlester@opelikaobserver.com
Have you picked up a batch of ghee in the store before? Do you know what ghee is?
Ghee is a form of clarified butter that, according to Gauri Deshpande, a local who makes ghee herself, has been gaining popularity because of its health benefits.
“Honestly, I had myself never made ghee at home but I looked around and saw that it was gaining so much popularity for its numerous health benefits,” Deshpande said. “However, the ghee that is sold in grocery stores was not the ‘authentic’ kind which reminded me of my home in India where my mom used to make ghee every two weeks. And when I made that at home over here for the first time, I loved it and so did my family.”
Now, Deshpande is making ghee not just for her family, but for anyone interested in trying it.
About a year ago, she started a business, The Sage Way, to sell her ghee, which has found a home in The Well.
The Well is Opelika’s newest venture — incorporating women-run businesses and products into one inclusive experience on Avenue A.
“I remember meeting Rachel, who is now a co-owner of The Well, at a community event and we happened to chat briefly about what we do,” Deshpande said. “I am glad she remembered me and my business and gave me a call. After meeting her and seeing the space they are operating, I was plain grateful to be considered as a vendor.”
Including ghee in the menu at The Well was a way to encourage the community to try the product, Deshpande said.
“The Sage Way is a business that wants to bring honest products to the market,” she said. “I want the ghee to nourish the mind and body as it is meant to and it will only happen when it is made the way our mothers and grandmothers made it when we were growing up.”
The health benefits of ghee? It includes short-chain-fatty-acids, butyric acid, omega 3 fatty acids and lonleic acid, all of which are beneficial to the body.
“The ancient doctors said that Ghee is the best food to improve memory and mental functions,” Deshpande said. “Ghee imparts beautiful glow to the skin. It is considered one of the best fats to nourish the fat tissue.”
The Well is located at 824 Ave. A, Opelika and is open:
Monday: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Tuesdays – Thursday: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
This is the third in a series of articles on the different businesses that are located inside The Well.