Sip bone broth on its own or use it as a base for your favorite soup. Photo Credit: Alpha

Bone broth enthusiasts believe that properly made broth has many benefits.  Packed with protein, vitamins, minerals, collagen, and keratin, the broth appeals to those who wish to improve their health and their skin.  The gelatin in the broth is thought to help to seal up holes in intestines, essentially curing chronic “leaky gut” diseases and symptoms.  It is supposed to protect your joints in the same way a glucosamine supplement would, and the phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium is thought to build healthy bones.  The bone marrow can help to strengthen your immune system.  And then there are those who believe in the beautifying powers of the broth, as it is a rich source of collagen which can make your skin, hair, and nails stronger, healthier, and lustrous.

Simmer bones for 12-48 hours for delicious broth. Photo Credit: Romi

Although there is still much research that needs to be done to draw definitive conclusions about the benefits of bone broth, there is no doubt of its simplicity and all-natural qualities.  Bone broth is made by simmering animal bones for a very long time, usually 12-48 hours, to extract maximum flavor and goodness.  As the bones and connective tissues break down, vitamins and minerals are released, along with high amounts of protein.  The result is a product that is naturally gluten-and dairy-free, high in protein and nutrients, all-natural, and with no added flavor-enhancers.

At Brodo (Italian for “broth”) in New York City, a patron can order “chicken, gingered beef, or the Hearth broth, made with chicken, turkey and beef, and add-in items like chili oil, fermented beet juice or mushroom tea, for an extra flavor boost,”  according to Today Food.  Just don’t ask for noodles—at Brodo they only serve the broth without the added carbs.  Chefs, restaurants, and retail locations across the United States are capitalizing on the bone broth trend, charging anywhere from $4 for a small cup from a take-out window in New York, to online sales beginning at about $7 per 16-ounce jar, and upwards of $22 for a cup at some swanky restaurants.  Making the broth takes time, but even if your favorite location uses only the finest of organic ingredients, the resulting product is extremely inexpensive to make—profit margins have the potential to be huge!  Here is a simple, yet delicious, recipe for bone broth from Epicurious here.

Have you ever had bone broth?  Do you sip it straight from a cup or use it as a base for your favorite soup?  Either way, we’d love to hear from you.  Let us know your thoughts.

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