The Butcher Shop, Inc.

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Fresh Bone Broth is Easier Than You Think to Make from Scratch

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Rather than giving you another recipe for a fabulous meat dish, this week, we will provide you with directions on how to use some of the scraps–specifically, a poultry carcass. After enjoying a chicken (or turkey) from The Butcher Shop, you are often left with a pile of bones and skin from the bird. Instead of tossing it into the garbage, you can use these scraps to make an incredibly healthy bone broth.

What is bone broth?

Bone broth is a nutrient-rich liquid made by simmering animal bones (such as cow, chicken, pork, and fish) and connective tissue in water over an extended period of time. Despite its recent surge in popularity, bone broth is actually a centuries-old practice. Its origins can be traced back 2,500 years to Chinese medicine, where it was used to support kidney and digestive health.

What are the benefits?

Bone broth is considered healthy because it is a rich source of many nutrients that are beneficial for human health. Here are some of the key components of bone broth that contribute to its health benefits:

  1. Collagen: Collagen is a protein found in bones, skin, cartilage, and other connective tissues. When bones are simmered in water for an extended period of time, collagen is released into the broth. Consuming collagen-rich bone broth may help support joint, skin, and gut health.
  2. Gelatin: Gelatin is a protein that is derived from collagen. It gives the bone broth its characteristic gel-like texture when chilled. Gelatin may help support gut health by improving the integrity of the gut lining.
  3. Amino acids: Bone broth is a rich source of several key amino acids, including glycine, proline, and arginine. These amino acids may help support immune function, gut health, and liver function.
  4. Minerals: Bone broth is a good source of several vital minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. These minerals are essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
  5. Vitamins: Bone broth is a source of several essential vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin K2, and vitamin C. These vitamins support immune function, bone health, and overall health and wellness.

Overall, the combination of collagen, gelatin, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins in bone broth makes it a nutrient-dense and health-promoting food.

Here’s how easy it is to make from a poultry carcass:

  1. To prepare bone broth from chicken or turkey, just set aside the bones from your roasted bird, including any remaining legs and wings that were on the serving platter, and place them in a large pot or Dutch oven. Adding cooked lemon wedges, rosemary, or thyme from the whole roasted chicken is optional. You can add a few fresh herbs from your garden if you’d like.
  2. Add water until the bones are well submerged. For best results, use filtered water.
  3. Add about a teaspoon of salt to the water.
  4. Add one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. The cider vinegar helps bring the collagen from the bones into your broth.
  5. Bring the broth to a boil. Cover the pot and simmer for 12 hours until it has reduced by half. Reducing creates a more intense flavor and will provide enough time to extract the collagen from the bones. Alternatively, you can use a slow cooker and cook it on low for 24 hours.
  6. Strain the liquid to remove all bones, herbs, and other particles. Store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to consume it.

You can enjoy bone broth as a health tonic by sipping it straight. For added flavor, try stirring in some nutritional yeast, sea salt, and black pepper to taste. Adding a little miso, green onions, and minced garlic can also enhance its comforting, warming, and nourishing qualities.

The healthiest meals are made from fresh, local meat from The Butcher Shop.

Eating locally sourced, free-range or pastured meats provides several health benefits. These types of meats are typically leaner and may contain higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients than conventionally raised meat. The animals are also raised without the use of hormones or antibiotics, which can reduce the risk of antibiotic-resistant infections. Additionally, supporting local farmers can help promote sustainable agriculture practices and reduce the environmental impact of food production.

Why purchase meat and produce from a grocery store that comes from who knows where? We have such excellent, fresh meat and produce available to us locally! The Butcher Shop is your one-stop shop for locally sourced meats and produce from farms right here in Southern Oregon. At TBS, you’ll find the perfect cut of meat for your meals, fresh-baked loaves of bread, fresh fruit and vegetables, local wine and beers, and even quality food for your canine. Stop by today or call ahead to pre-order your ingredients.