Bone Broth Explained
Bone broth is all the rage these days. But what is it and what does it do? This registered dietitian and health coach has done some investigating to get you the scoop on this “soup.”
What is Bone Broth?
Let’s start with what it is. Bone broth is a stock. It’s made from the bones and connective tissues of animals and fish. The bones and tissues are simmered in liquid for four to 24 hours. The result is a gelatinous stock with trace minerals. True bone broth—not one made from a powdered flavor packet or bouillon cubes—is nutrient-dense and easy and inexpensive to make.
Benefits of Bone Broth
Bone broth is rich in protein and contains a unique combination of compounds, including amino acids, minerals, collagen, gelatin, and cartilage. Collagen and cartilage have long been used to promote healthy hair, skin, and nails. And people with osteoarthritis swear by collagen supplements to provide relief for their aching joints.
Bone broth enthusiasts claim the stock can do anything—fight fatigue, detoxify their bodies, calm their allergies, promote healing, improve their digestion, reduce inflammation—and they consume a quart or more daily! Some drink it plain with salt and pepper; others use it as a base for soups, stews, and braised meats and vegetables.
It’s my kind of … supplement? Not really—it’s food! And some of the recipes I found that include homemade bone broths sound pretty tasty.
Final Verdict
So what’s the final verdict on bone broth? Will it cure your ailments? Probably not. The claims about that seem to exceed the evidence.
But if you want to include more broth in your diet and reduce your food waste, it may be a good option for you. And having it will give you an excuse to make more chicken noodle soup!
Here’s a simple recipe for homemade broth. Enjoy!
Turkey bone broth (traditional cooking method)
Recipe ingredients:
- Leftover bones from roasted turkey (any amount will do but aim for ¼ to ½ carcass)
- ½ cup white wine (acid to help break down bones)
- Water
Recipe steps:
- Add turkey bones and wine to a large stock pot.
- Cover with water by 2 inches.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and keep at a simmer for four to six hours.
- Strain broth and serve immediately.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or in the freezer for six months.
Turkey bone broth (Instant Pot method)
Recipe ingredients:
See above
Recipe steps:
- Place bones and wine into Instant Pot and cover with water (see above).
- Cook on high for 90 minutes.
- Allow pressure to release naturally.
- Follow serving and storing instructions above.
