Bone Broth is being mentioned more and more often in mainstream media today. Whether on a nationally-televised diet competition show, in books on gut health, or on cookbook bestseller lists. So what exactly is bone broth and how do you make it? And more importantly, why all the buzz around it?
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What is Bone Broth?
I personally find that Wikipedia has one of the most straightforward definitions of bone broth. ” It is a type of stock that is produced by boiling bones and other flavorings until the bones crumble apart into the stock.”
It differs from your standard beef, chicken or other broth, because of the length of time it takes to prepare. To create the best broth, many chefs recommended simmering ingredients for anywhere from 12 to 48 hours.
Bone broth has been around for centuries and has been eaten in varying forms by cultures worldwide. Its mainstream popularity has risen and waned, with present time being one of great interest.
Why is it Currently Growing in Popularity?
The Bone Broth popularity train got rolling with the increased interest in Paleo diets starting a few years ago. It has gained momentum as it has gotten into more and more restaurants, shops and mainstream groceries. Additionally, the fact that some high profile celebrities have jumped on the bandwagon has added fuel to the movement.
Many claims are made about the health benefits of bone broth ranging from it being helpful for weight loss to it assisting in healing inflammatory diseases and injuries. Dietitians and nutritionists differ in their opinions on the extend of the benefits of the broth, and a significant body of research about this food does not exist.
In the end, it is up to us individuals to decide, based upon our own experiences, the benefits of the broth to our bodies and how we incorporate it into our diets.
I am personally a big fan of moderation in all things. I can certainly see how eating food made from scratch without preservatives is preferable to ready-made preservative filled options. But I am also a realist, knowing that because of the prep time required for bone broth, this is probably not something that I am personally going to be eating week in and week out.
I know that it is something that I could incorporate into my food lineup in some way, if for nothing else than being able to use all the parts of the meat or fish. (This is just my opinion, based upon my lifestyle, though.)
How to Prepare Bone Broth
Bone Broth can be prepared using beef, chicken, fish, pork, or other animal bones. It can be simmered on the stove top or in a crock pot.
Along with the bones are generally added ingredients such as water, cider vinegar, vegetables (such as carrots, celery, onions, leeks) and spices (such as bay leaves, garlic, peppercorns). For recipes and prep instructions for various kinds of bone broth, check out:
Beef Bone Broth via Epicurious
Bone Broth with Tortellini by Jamie Oliver via The Globe and Mail.
3 Healthy Bone Broth Recipes from Around the World by Marco Canora via Vogue (Roasted Lamb Broth, Grassfed Beef Broth, and Hearth Broth)
How to Make Bone Broth in Your Slow Cooker by Davida at The Healthy Maven
How to Store Bone Broth by Michelle at Nom Nom Paleo.
You may wish to also check out more from Marco Canora at Brodo: A Bone Broth Cookbook.
For more Food Tips:
24 Bloggers with Outstanding Gluten Free Recipes
I always wondered what bone broth was, and I never even thought to look it up! Good thing you did, because now I know. I have heard a lot about it lately in the blogging world. Thanks for sharing and educating me.
Glad to share and so pleased this is helpful. Thanks so much for letting me know.
I’ve made my own veggie broth for the last few months, but I’ve never thought of making bone broth. Have you ever used oxtail bones? I absolutely love oxtail, and have heard that it makes the most divine, rich broth.
Thanks for sharing this. I’ll have to try it out.
Hi Sarah – Thanks for sharing with the Let’s Get Real Party. Pinned.
I currently purchase whole chickens from a local farmer who allows them free range, no hormones, GMOs ect. I use the leftover bones to make my bone broth when I can. Thanks for sharing at Let’s Get Real Link Party.
I *always* make bone broth with the left over chicken carcass (usually free range but often organic) and use it in all sorts of ways; soups, stews, gravy…
I like to let mine simmer for a long time and I don’t add anything else to it, just the bones and any fat or jelly left in the roasting pan that didn’t get used for gravy. I know I have a good batch when it turns to jelly in the fridge.
Brilliant stuff! Frugal and a great way of increasing your mineral intake.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience with making bone broth. You have it down to an art form. Very helpful. Sending some Twitter love back your way.
Loved the info about bone broth. Might try the slow cooker recipe. Will let you know how it tastes….
Slow cooker definitely looked like a great way to go.
I whole heartedly agree with you. I do it when I can, just to have on hand, but it’s not always practical… Thanks for sharing this post! #SmallVictories
Glad to and enjoying hopping over and linking up.