How to Make Bone Broth

Bone broth is valued all over the world for its delicious taste and highly nutritious components. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, collagen, gelatin, keratin, and stock full of amino acids. Bone broth is an amazing elixir that is made from essentially simmered animal bones, herbs, and spices. It tastes amazing, is super healthy, and can be used in various ways. 

I make bone broth often, switching up my techniques from a slow-simmer two-day process to a "quick fix" broth that can be finished in just a few hours. Either way, homemade bone broth lends itself to a full flavor profile that can warm your belly and heal your body. And never worry about making too much -- throw the extra stock into the freezer as this versatile recipe can be made into anything from soups to bean dishes, to sautés.

I like to switch up my recipes- this one I added garlic, ginger, celery, onion and rosemary! 

Health Benefits of Bone Broth

Bone broth is a nourishing and wholesome food that fits into almost all diets (Whole30, paleo, low carb, organic, etc.). Bone broth, a nutrient-rich liquid made by simmering animal bones and connective tissues, offers a plethora of health benefits. Firstly, it provides essential amino acids and minerals that support joint health, as the simmering process extracts collagen and gelatin from the bones, promoting flexibility and reducing inflammation. The gelatin in bone broth is known to support digestive health by aiding in the repair and maintenance of the gut lining, potentially alleviating issues such as leaky gut syndrome. The abundance of nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus in bone broth contributes to overall bone strength and density, making it a valuable addition to a well-rounded and nourishing diet.

• Promotes bone health

• Improves digestive health

• Provides trace minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus

• Great source of collagen

• Fights colds and flu, supports immune function

• Helps reduce joint pain and inflammation

Nutritional Components of Bone Broth

The nutritional constituents of bone broth render it a nutritional powerhouse. The bioactive compounds within bone broth, such as collagen and amino acids, are acknowledged for their role in promoting joint health. The mineral composition, including calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, contributes to the potential benefits of digestive well-being and bone health.

• Protein

• Glycine

• Chondroitin sulfate

• Collagen

• Hyaluronic acid

• Glucosamine

• Essential minerals and electrolytes such as Calcium, magnesium, and potassium

Ways to use Bone Broth

Incorporate bone broth into your culinary repertoire by utilizing it as a base for soups, stews, and sauces, enhancing both flavor and nutritional content. Additionally, sipping on a warm cup of bone broth or using it as a cooking liquid for grains and legumes can elevate your daily intake of essential amino acids, minerals, and gelatin, contributing to overall health and well-being.

• Soup base

• Use instead of water when cooking rice, grains, or beans

• Freeze into ice cubes to use for flavoring later

• Puree with vegetables and make into baby food

• Drink warm as a nourishing elixir (as you would tea or another broth)

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Simple Bone Broth Recipe 

Ingredients

• 1 pound of organic bones from beef, chicken, lamb, or even fish ( you can grab some beef bones from the butcher or use them from leftover cooked meat)

• 4 cups of water

• 1 Tbsp. Unfiltered Apple cider vinegar

• Optional- veggies and spices. I love to add ginger and turmeric! But anything works like carrots and celery, onions, garlic, rosemary, etc. Feel free to experiment with a variety of veggies and herbs to change and boost the nutritive powers of this healing elixir.

Procedure

*If starting off with raw bones place them on a baking sheet and place them into the oven at 450 for about 15 minutes as this helps deepen the flavor!

1. Place all bones in a large pot and cover with cold water

2. Add the vinegar and let the bones soak for about 30 minutes

3. Bring water to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer and remove any froth that forms

4. Allow broth to remain at a slow simmer for 4 hours and up to 2 days. This can be done in a crock pot. The mineral content increases with time!

5. Halfway through cooking- add your veggies and spices

6. After cooking, remove pot from heat remove the bones and veggies

7. Strain the remaining broth with a metal strainer or a cheesecloth

8. The broth will be stored for around five days in the fridge or several months in the freezer!

9. Enjoy!