Bone broth! It's essentially water that's been simmered for hours with nutrient-rich ingredients like chicken carcasses, feet, necks, and sometimes vegetable scraps.
The Health Benefits of Bone Broth
Bone broth is packed with vitamins, amino acids, and essential fatty acids, making it incredibly beneficial for your health. Here are just a few ways it can support your body:
Supports Digestive Health: The collagen and gelatin found in bone broth can help soothe and repair your gut lining.
Boosts Immunity: The rich nutrients in bone broth help strengthen your immune system and fight inflammation.
Eases Joint Pain: The collagen and amino acids may reduce inflammation in your joints and ease aches.
Supports Weight Loss: Bone broth is low in calories but rich in nutrients, making it a great addition to a weight-loss regimen.
Improves Sleep: It’s a calming and nourishing drink that may help improve your sleep quality.
Prevents Osteoarthritis: The collagen in bone broth supports joint health and may help prevent or manage osteoarthritis.
Promotes Healthy Skin: The collagen also supports skin elasticity, helping you maintain youthful skin.
With so many health benefits, it’s clear why bone broth is a must-have in your fridge!
How to make bone broth
Making bone broth is incredibly simple. The real challenge is remembering to use it in your cooking, but once you get into the habit, it becomes second nature.
You can make bone broth using a pot on the stove, a slow cooker, or, my personal favorite, an Instant Pot.
Here’s the basic process:
Add your ingredients to your chosen pot.
Set the Instant Pot to the “soup” setting (or simmer the ingredients for a few hours if you're using the stove or slow cooker).
Walk away and let it cook!
That’s it! You’ll have a nutritious broth ready to use in various dishes.
What Makes Bone Broth So Nutritious?
One of the most important factors in making bone broth is using a variety of bones—such as chicken feet, pig feet, oxtail, marrow bones, and knuckles. These different bones contribute a range of beneficial nutrients that support joint health, digestion, and skin.
Apple cider vinegar is a key ingredient in pulling these nutrients out of the bones and into the broth. Don’t skip this step, as the vinegar doesn’t affect the flavor, but it ensures that the broth is as nutrient-dense as possible.
Creative Ways to Use Bone Broth in Your Cooking
Bone broth is incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide variety of dishes. Whenever a recipe calls for water, I often ask myself, "Can I use bone broth instead?" More often than not, the answer is yes!
Here are a few ideas for incorporating bone broth into your meals:
Smoothies: Add a boost of nutrients by including bone broth in your smoothies for a protein-packed, savory option.
Gravies: Use bone broth as the base for rich, flavorful gravies that add depth to your dishes.
Soups: Bone broth is perfect for soups, adding extra richness and nutritional value.
Vegetables: When cooking vegetables that call for water, substitute bone broth instead for an added depth of flavor.
A Quick Tip: When making your own bone broth, it’s important not to add salt during the cooking process. This way, you can control the seasoning in the dishes you prepare later. Keep in mind that many store-bought broths can be loaded with salt, so making your own allows you to skip the excess sodium.
Now that you know how simple it is to make bone broth and how beneficial it is for your body, you might find that you want to keep it on hand at all times. If you’re short on time and can't make it yourself, our farm offers fresh bone broth for you.
Happy cooking, and I hope this helps you make the most of this nourishing, versatile ingredient!
From my family to yours,
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