Making bone broth requires a lot of time, money, and a messy process. It’s not something I’d advocate doing unless you enjoy the process (and how it makes your house smell like rotting meat and bones for days on end). It is simpler to acquire bone broth in Canada. More information on this topic is provided below.
It is also becoming increasingly difficult to find bones of the right sort and quality at a price acceptable in the immediate area. Butchers now charge $10.99 per kilogram for meat they previously gave away for free.
The most reasonable choice would be to use a bone broth that has already been prepared. However, if you are concerned about your health, you should exercise caution and research before purchasing bone broth from grocery stores. You may choose from various of the greatest beef bone broth at our establishment.
What Is Bone Broth?
At its foundation, bone broth is the same thing our forebears knew as “stock”. Bone broth is simply stock that has been marketed more appealingly. The hipster interns at the company that makes bone broth share images of it on Instagram.
In all honesty, stock and bone broth include many of the same ingredients, but the latter has been cooked for a significantly longer period to extract even more nutrients and goodness from the bones.
- Cooking meat (often chicken, beef, or turkey), possibly some bones, aromatics, vegetables, and water, together with the fundamental ingredients for broth, results in the production of the broth.
- Making stock from scratch requires employing those aromatics and veggies and ensuring that the bones are slowly boiled in water.
- Using bone broth takes it to the next level by requiring a longer cooking time for the vegetables, aromatics and bones. An extremely significant amount of time, typically between 18 and 24 hours!
In addition, the flavour is absolutely out of this world, but that’s just a bonus.
After I have finished cooking a Paleo Roasted Chicken, I then make my chicken bone broth. Then, when everyone in our family has eaten as much as possible, I switch to one of these three cooking methods: the stovetop, the slow cooker or the Instant Pot. Another advantage is that cooking time can be significantly reduced using the Instant Pot method. But the other two choices are viable substitutes if you do not own a pressure cooker.
When you’ve finished making it, you’ll wonder, “Is that all?” because it’s so simple.
Is Bone Broth Good For You?
This prolonged soaking of the bones helps extract whatever minerals, protein and collagen may still be present in the bones.
And with that, I’m going to stray from the standard practice of telling you all the incredible advantages of drinking bone broth that other people are so fond of promoting. I think bone broth is lovely, tasty and soothing, but there is not enough reliable scientific data to support all of the claims that have been made about it.
People claim that it reduces inflammation, promotes healing, can facilitate better digestion, can help build immunity and can assist with maintaining gut health. The people who developed the GAPS diet strongly advocate drinking bone broth to heal your gut.
However, even the researchers at Harvard Medical School have shrugging expressions on their faces. It is not a panacea for all ills.
Here are a few of the benefits that I believe bone broth offers. People have a mental association with eating well and maintaining a “clean” diet. If you choose to make bone broth a regular component of your diet, then it is likely that your diet as a whole is more balanced due to this choice.
What should you look for on the packaging to ensure that you are drinking bone broth? On their product labels, food firms will employ a variety of marketing strategies in the hopes of persuading you to make a purchase.
Bone broth is quickly becoming recognized as the “superfood” of the future, and food manufacturers have seen that their customers are showing an increased interest in purchasing it. These makers know that as long as the words “BONE” and “BROTH” appear on the packaging, you will automatically think that the product benefits your health. And the vast majority of customers do fall for this ruse!
However, there is a catch here. Consumers need to be able to read the labels on the foods they purchase and be aware of the hidden components that are not obliged to be listed on the labels and the questionable processes that might take place. Because of this, selecting the best broth for your needs can be quite challenging.
Ingredients must be certified organic
I have devoted an entire blog post to the subject of why bone broth must be made from bones that have been certified as organic. Because of this, for us to reap the full benefits of consuming bone broth, the animal that provided the bones must have been in good health. Cattle kept in feedlots are medicated with hormones and antibiotics and fed a diet that is unnatural. All the poisons used in this treatment are stored in the bones, particularly in the marrow, and those toxins will be transferred into your bone broth. If it is not organic, then you are probably causing more harm than good by consuming it.
The product must not contain fillers
The names of dangerous chemicals are often spelled out in a way that makes them sound harmless. An example of this would be yeast extract, which is another name for monosodium glutamate, which is more commonly referred to as MSG. This flavour enhancer is a well-known chemical for enhancing flavour and is frequently used in place of natural foods. It would be best if you steered clear of putting this addition that could be hazardous into your soup at all costs.
Another popular ingredient is maltodextrin, a thickening and an extension of the product’s shelf life. We were personally asked to use maltodextrin in our product. Maltodextrin is derived from a starch that has been hydrolyzed, most commonly corn, rice, wheat or potato. Following processing, it takes on the appearance of corn syrup solids, but its sugar content is far lower than 20%. In a nutshell, it is a type of sugar that is a simple carbohydrate quickly absorbed. It is possible to use this in a bone broth, and if the proportion is low enough, a warning label is not required to be included. If the source is organic, then the product can also be considered organic. Please read our article titled “The Dangers of Maltodextrin” for further information.
Anti-caking agents are another ingredient that is frequently found in powdered bone broths. This addition will prevent the dried product from clumping together and accumulating moisture, giving it a good, even fine texture that is pleasing to the sight. To reiterate, this does not need to be mentioned on the food label if only a sufficient amount of the ingredient is used. Examine the product to check if it has a natural appearance. Does it appear to be something that you could make on your own at home?
The ingredients list does not contain contaminants
No mandate requires the inclusion of the names of chemical pollutants and harmful compounds like BPA and heavy metals that can be present in food on the ingredient lists of those foods.
Even straightforward procedures like purchasing pre-cut vegetables for mass distribution as an ingredient need to be washed in a water flume immediately after processing to prevent the growth of bacteria. It necessitates the use of chlorine and other chemicals, as well as the disinfection and sanitization of the water supply. In addition, the shelf life of pre-cut fruit and vegetables is frequently increased by dipping them in additional treatments, preventing the food from becoming brown and keeping the vegetables looking natural and fresh. There is no requirement for a food label to include this information to reiterate.
Keeping hot bone broth can become more difficult due to Food Standards Australia’s decision to mandate the use of food-grade plastic containers for all processes involving the cooling and storing of food products. Plastics disintegrate when heated, according to research, and this process can result in the production of substances that are endocrine disruptors.
Is it Pasture Raised, Free Range, Grass Fed/Finished?
These words do not have any significance. The terms “free-range chicken” and “pasture-raised chicken” are misleading. When treating animals, the conventional chicken industry is in a significantly worse position than the beef industry. Most of the year, chickens spend their time in enormous barns that are kept indoors. Are you interested in beef bone broth? No need to look any further! You won’t have any problems using Bone Broth.
In certain farming operations, the hens have access, in theory, to a small outdoor field that is attached to the covered barn. It is the origin of “free-range” and “pasture-raised,” respectively.
The most discouraging aspect is that chickens choose grassland very infrequently to forage in when given the option. Instead, they prefer to remain indoors and close to the food source.
Some smaller farming businesses rear their birds on pasture, and I would refer to those birds as pasture-raised. However, if you have ever seen or eaten a real chicken grown on pasture, you know that the meat is very different from what you are used to eating.
Due to their constant movement on the pasture, they have lost much weight. As a result, the meat is tough and stringy, making it unfit for consumption. It’s quite discouraging.
Even if grass-fed beef is superior, consumers should still be wary. In a technical sense, all beef comes from cattle kept on pasture for at least two-thirds of their lives. Therefore, you can describe everything as grass-fed.
I would have difficulty putting my faith in these statements if I couldn’t verify them by talking to the company that made the product and finding out where the grass-fed beef is coming from.
What about something that is grass-finished? Because there is no independent verification, you put your faith in those incentivised to tell you what you want to hear. As a result, you are putting yourself in danger. The system is, sadly, not functioning properly.
What’s in the Ingredient?
Another strategy is to include popular components, but only in minute amounts so that the finished product has a seductive-looking ingredient list. These ingredients are typically extra herbs or superfoods. Nevertheless, given their low concentrations, they are unlikely to affect the recipient’s health.
Because they include between three and five keyword ingredients, these products are easy to recognize. However, the ingredients must be listed in descending order of importance. Because of this, salt is typically added last.
Be wary of items that feature seductive components on the front of their packaging but list those components at the bottom of the ingredient panel on the back of the product. For example, are you interested in beef bone broth? No need to look any further! You won’t have any problems using Bone Broth.
Include some components with a good name but only a trace amount of them in the recipe. It will assist the list of ingredients to look more impressive. These ingredients are typically extra herbs or superfoods. Nevertheless, given their low concentrations, they are unlikely to affect the recipient’s health. Additionally, make it a point to be on the lookout for “natural” flavourings and “natural” colourings in addition to “added vitamins”. All of these are the product of human ingenuity and synthesis.
Is it Simmered Slowly?
The traditional preparation method for stocks, broths and bone broths involves putting the ingredients through a high-heat procedure for one to two hours. It is not a good method. You will want to ensure that your bone broth is prepared by simmering it low and slow for a significant amount of time.
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), vitamins and minerals from the bones, the cooking process must be performed steadily and progressively to remove collagen successfully. It is because the high heat ruins these amino acids.
When it comes to simmering, many home cooks and even some experts have misconceptions about making bone broth.
The times that the broth was allowed to simmer are not listed on the labels of many bone broths. If I were in this situation, the first place I’d look for more information is on their website.
What Type of Packaging is Used?
The ultimate disposal stage accounts for less than five per cent of the environmental impact that packaging has. Over ninety-five per cent of the damage may be traced back to the energy consumed and the chemicals produced during the production and delivery of packaging.
Things are not what they appear to be when a holistic approach is taken to calculating the environmental impact of your packaging. You would think that recyclable materials, such as glass jars, are the most environmentally responsible option based on how they appear on the surface. Unfortunately, PVC and other substances with a high toxicity level are the only exceptions to this rule.
The smallest and lightest packages provide the least garbage for the environment. However, it is the area with the greatest overall environmental impact.
Recycling is a great practice. Nevertheless, it is a catchphrase that keeps people’s attention but is a lesser priority decision than the package development to be as light and little as feasible.
How Much Protein Does it Have?
There need to be at least 8 grams of protein per 250 millilitres for the bone broth to have the consistency of a gel when it is chilled in the refrigerator. If there are less than six bones on the ingredient list, I would not consider it bone broth.
Several bone broths on the market claim to provide 15g or even 26g of protein per 250ml. However, these quantities are fabricated and should not be relied upon. It is not conceivable for bone broth to contain 26 grams of protein per 250 millilitres of liquid.
Most smaller companies will model their labels after those larger companies use, which will include the nutrition data. Unfortunately, I’ve seen that a few other businesses have plagiarized the nutrition information that we provide. The reason for this is that laboratory testing can be quite pricey. We pay between $800 and $1200 for each SKU for a nutrition facts analysis.
In your best interest, look for a product that has between 8 and 12 grams of protein every 250 millilitres. Some manufacturers pack more carbohydrates and fat into each serving than others. It is something that is entirely up to the individual. The addition of fat to the bone broth not only makes it taste better but also contributes a considerable number of calories. Again, the trade-off between calories and flavour is entirely up to the individual.
Is it Cooked in Stainless Steel Pots?
On the market, you can get a diverse selection of cookware, the majority of which is not very beneficial to your health. Cookware made of aluminium, which is often used, is one example of something that may put your health at risk regarding soup and broth.
During the cooking process, aluminium pots have been found to release metal into the meal. Even though we do not know what concentrations are dangerous to people, making this change is simple and could improve your health in the long run.
Please inquire with the company that sells you bone broth about the kinds of pots and kettles they use. That should be your answer to whether or not they are perplexed by the question you asked. Not likely to be a good broth for you.
One of the few metals that do not react with food when used as cookware is stainless steel. It means that the metal pots will not change the taste of the food and will not interact with it.
Don’t be fooled by the name of the product
When naming a product, a company that produces food can call it whatever they choose, regardless of the product. Because of this, many stock items have been mislabeled as bone broth, although they are prepared using completely different techniques and contain very different ingredients. You can learn more about the distinctions between stock and bone broth on this page. However, prospective purchasers should be aware that bone broth is significantly different from stock in terms of its flavour and curative capabilities.
Is The Bone Broth Frozen?
Traditional methods of storing bone broth involve placing it in the freezer, which locks in the broth’s flavour and keeps the nutrients at their highest levels. Additionally, this is the only way to store bone broth without adding artificial preservatives, shelf-stabilizers or processing ingredients.
Is The Bone Broth Certified Organic?
The phrase “produced with organic ingredients” is not identical to the CERTIFIED Organic label. Organic accreditation implies that EVERYTHING about the bone broth, from the ingredients to the cleaning products used in our facilities, must follow stringent organic requirements. It includes the ingredients, the cleaning products and even the facilities themselves. Look for the USDA Certified Organic symbol on your bone broth to verify that it was produced using organically grown ingredients.
Do The Ingredients Include Only Grass-Fed Bone – No Filler Broth?
It assures that the bones used to make your bone broth are of the highest quality, coming from animals grown on pasture and therefore free of any environmental pollutants. Additionally, some companies supplement their bone broth with pre-made broth to produce additional broth at a lower cost and in a shorter amount of time. However, it results in a less rich broth than real bone broth since it has been diluted with water.
Does The Bone Broth Turn To Gel When Refrigerated?
Gelatin is produced from collagen after it has been heated. Therefore, when a bone broth has been prepared correctly, you will know it is rich in collagen because it will convert into gelatin after being chilled. Gelatin is a solid form of collagen. Therefore, there should always be some gelatinous texture to the liquid in bone broth, even if the broth does not solidify when refrigerated like certain other types of stocks.
Following the water entry, the following item on the ingredient list should be bones. Neither “chicken stock” nor “broth” should be on the ingredient list. These should serve as quick warning signs. Additionally, it would help if you steer clear of anything that contains the word “base” in it. Bone Broth is home to some of Melbourne’s most delicious beef bone broth.
Companies trying to save money by taking corners start with a base made of broth or stock concentrate, then water it down and add other ingredients to try to cover up the unpleasant flavour. These broth bases are sourced from rendering facilities, which are known to employ bones of the lowest possible quality.
If bones aren’t on the list of ingredients, you won’t get the potent nutrients and amino acids (gelatin and collagen) contained in the bones’ connective tissue. Of course, you can use regular stocks and broths for cooking if you’re pressed for time, but they offer no nutritional value whatsoever.
As you can see, this is a minuscule sample of the activities behind the locked doors of food makers. The dominance of technology over nature paves the way for streamlined processes that result in significant cost reductions. Unfortunately, simply looking at the label of a pre-packaged food product provides the consumer with very little information to work with.