Bone Broth--Miracle Food!

Bone broth has a long history of nourishing human bodies.

However, in the early 1900's the discovery and large-scale production of monosodium glutamate (MSG) provided a cheap way for the food industry to replace the flavor that broth added to many foods.

The cascade of changes that has resulted both in our food ingredients and our health has led us down some unhealthy paths, but in recent years there has been a renewed interest in the superb value of bone broths. 

There are numerous testimonials of the healing capacity of this superfood, including but not limited to those suffering from:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Psoriasis
• Wounds
• Infectious disease
• Digestive disorders
• Cancer
• Mental health issues

Bone broth helps boost your immune system AND helps your digestion and gut health. Gelatin, the most prevalent protein in bone broth, binds with water in the gut helping food move through it.

Studies show gelatin combined with some of the other amino acids in bone broth can be therapeutic for inflammatory bowel disease. 

Bone broth can be helpful when trying to lose weight – the protein in it curbs your appetite making you feel full.

It helps with hydration.

It helps improve immune function through amino acid absorption and protection of the small intestinal barrier.

It can help support joint health – collagen from chicken cartilage improves pain, stiffness, and joint function in people with chronic arthritis.

It can help you sleep - the amino acid glycine found in bone broth supports healthy sleep patterns

It may even be anti-aging! The collagen in bone broth increases bone density and improves the skin’s elasticity, hydration, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.

Making bone broth also extends the number of meals and the value of a purchase, because one batch of broth can be used in several different meals...and if you choose some bones with meat on them, that can be used in at least one meal (or more--i.e. think whole chicken).

You can buy bone broth from the grocery store, and it is better for you than junk food…but the ingredients in the store-bought bone broth are not going to be as nutrient-dense as the locally grown, pasture-raised bones and meats from our farm.

Broth is simple to make (that said, you can also dress it up with extra ingredients for flavor), and bones are an economical source of nutrition.

There are nuances of bone broth making that I am still learning about myself (such as ideal amounts of cooking time for certain types of bones, and temperature sensitivity of the collagen fibers).

The following is a book we have on our personal bookshelf that is very educational regarding making bone broths: 

Nourishing Broth by Sally Fallon Morell and Kaayla T. Daniel, PhD, CCN

The book includes several recipes, information on what certain types of bones bring to the table, as well as some science behind the process. Additionally, the testimonies scattered throughout the book are so encouraging...so much healing is possible! You'll want to have your own copy of this!

I'm going to try to order several copies soon, so you might just be able to pick one up at the farm before long.

One of the last times I made beef broth, I roasted the bones in the oven for a bit first to add a little more depth to the flavor. You don't have to do this if you want to shorten the process somewhat. 

If this photo is any indication, I probably added way more water than I should have...so this batch of broth I made for our family was probably pretty thin. You really only want enough water to cover the bones. I know better now!

If we still have plentiful beef stock bones as the production season slows down, we hope to be able to make a few batches to sell in the farm store. So if you don't have time or desire to make it yourself, you might be able to snag a little for your family that way too. ;)

That said, our farm offers several great options for your own bone broth-making endeavors--multiple species and types of bones to choose from! To get started on your adventure of giving your body what it needs to get and stay healthy, order bones for your stockpot by clicking HERE.

You can do this...I believe in you!

Here's to a healthier YOU!