Bone Broth
What is Bone Broth?
Bone broth, sometimes simply called “stock” is obtained by simmering animal bones and connective tissue in water that has been brought to the boil. This causes much of the nutritious juices to leach into the water, creating a nutritious and often tasty broth.
Common acidic liquids like vinegar and lemon juice can be added to the water to help break down connective tissue and collagen.
Over recent years, bone broth has become a fashionable health brew/beverage with many people drinking it on a daily basis and claiming that bone both benefits them in a variety of ways.
How do I make Bone Broth?
Making bone broth is so straightforward that alot of people don't see the need to follow a recipe. To make it, you simply need bones, water, vinegar and a pot to boil them up in.
However, here is a simple recipe to get you started:
Essential Ingredients
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Approximately 1 kilogram of bones - a chicken carcass will often suffice
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4 liters of water.
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2 tablespoons of white vinegar.
Optional ingredients: chopped onion, celery, bay leaves, garlic cloves, salt and pepper
Directions:-
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Place bones and whatever vegetables you have in a large stainless steel pot.
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Add enough water to cover the contents. Splash in your vinegar.
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Bring the mixture to the boil.
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Once boiling, reduce to a simmer ten add salt and pepper to taste. Allow to simmer for anywhere between four and twenty four hours - check it occasionally to make sure you’re not losing too much liquid.
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The longer the broth simmers, the more nutrients and goodness will leech into it and the fuller the flavour will become.
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Once cooled, strain the solids and the broth is ready to consume.
When ready, the broth can be stored in the refrigerator for as long as five days provided it is in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Is Bone Broth actually good for you?
Bone broth is known to be full of a range of nutrients that offer a variety of health benefits.,
Some potential bone broth benefits include -:
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Contains glycine which has anti-inflammatory properties.
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Low calorie content, but very filling and is therefore helpful for losing weight.
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Contains glucosamine and chondroitin, both of which have been shown to boost joint health and relieve osteoarthritis symptoms
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Contains nutrients such as calcium, magnesium and phosphorus all of which are associated with bone Health:
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Glycine also has been shown to improve sleep patterns when taken before bed.
What is Bone Broth good for?
With all that goodness available, bone broth can be added to a range of meals that extends beyond simply soup stock. Bone broth is a great core ingredient for soups, casseroles, one pot meals and even cooking rice.
How to have Bone Broth?
Bone broth can simply be consumed after being heated in a mug. Alternatively it can be added to soups and stews.
How to serve Bone Broth?
Bone broth often forms part of a dish without even being noticed as it tends to be an ingredient rather than a headline dish. However, for those who move in circles that celebrate bone broth as a superfood to be enjoyed, there is an accepted way of serving it.
For these occasions, it should be served in a small cup with some seasoning that allows the guest to adjust to their taste..