Bone broth isn’t anything new. It’s actually been around since prehistoric times. But recently, drinking bone broth as a nutritional supplement has become an extremely popular wellness trend.
If you’re interested in adding bone broth to your routine, consider making your own. It’s easier than you think!
Benefits of Bone Broth
Bone broth is not the same as the broth or stock in a can that you only use for cooking. Broths are made with meat (and sometimes bones), giving them a mild flavor. Bone broth is made with bones and connective tissue, giving them a richer flavor.
You can cook with bone broth too. It’s especially good in soups and sauces. However, many people prefer to enjoy bone broth as a warm beverage.
Bone broth is also extremely nutritious, which is why there’s so much hype around it. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. However, most people drink bone broth for specific nutrients like gelatin (a type of protein), glycine and proline (types of amino acids), glucosamine, and chondroitin.
All of these nutrients get released as bones simmer and collagen breaks down.
Drinking bone broth on a regular basis can help with:
- Digestion
- Joint health
- Fighting inflammation
- Weight loss
- Brain health
- Bone health
How To Make Bone Broth
The actual process to make bone broth is simple, but it’s pretty time-consuming.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own.
1. Gather the bones you want to use
First, decide which type of bones you want to use. You can make bone broth with beef, chicken, turkey, or broth.
If you want the highest-quality bone broth, you need to choose high-quality bones. Bone broth is famous because of collagen, but certain bones will give your broth more than others.
Bones that contain more connective tissue will give you more collagen. For example, beef knuckles, wing-tips, neck bones, or ham hocks.
For good flavor, use a combination of joints and more meaty bones.
2. Simmer
We mentioned that making bone broth is time-consuming, and this is where that part comes in.
For bones to release collagen and all of the other good nutrients we want in our bone broth, it has to simmer for a long time.
After you have your bones, the next step is to place them in just enough water to cover and simmer for 16 to 20 hours.
Try this in a slow cooker to make the process even easier.
3. Skim as it cooks
As the bones simmer, a layer of foam will form on the top. Skim this off frequently so it doesn’t interfere with the flavor and texture of your broth.
If you’re using a slow cooker, just skim the broth at the end. Or, you can strain your broth using cheesecloth.
Optional Steps
Some people like to roast the bones before simmering to add a stronger flavor. This also encourages the bones to release more fat.
Some bone broth recipes add an acid, like apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or wine to help break down the connective tissue and balance the flavor.
Finally, add flavor. Early in the cooking process, you can add herbs and spices like bay leaves or pepper. You can also add roasted garlic and onion before you leave your broth to simmer.
Towards the end of the simmering process (the last 20 minutes or so), you can add other herbs like parsley, or vegetables like carrots and celery.
These steps are all optional but add great flavor.
Homemade vs. Bone Broth Protein Powder
We mentioned that making your own bone broth takes quite a bit of time. This can really add up if you want to start drinking it on a regular basis (and you will if you want the benefits).
If you opt for the convenience of bone broth protein powder instead of making your own, will you sacrifice quality? Not if you know what to look for.
Naked Broth sources premium beef bones from England, which are later processed using a specific technique to retain nutrients. This broth is unique in that it comes in powder form, making it even more convenient and versatile.
Whether you decide to experiment with making your own or let a brand do the work for you, the best way to reap the benefits of bone broth is to drink it regularly.
