Bone broth has been a staple in traditional cuisines for centuries, and its popularity has experienced a resurgence in recent years as a health food trend. This nutrient-rich liquid simmers the bones and connective tissues of animals (usually beef, chicken, or fish) for an extended period of time to extract their flavours and nutrients.

As a result, bone broth has a rich, savoury taste that can be used as a base for a variety of recipes, and it is believed to have numerous health benefits, such as aiding digestion and supporting joint health.

From soups and stews to sauces and sipping broths, bone broth can be a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. In this article, we'll explore some of the common recipes that make use of this delicious and nutritious ingredient.

In this blog post, we are going to discuss, rather unveiling, the popular foods that often use bone broth as a key ingredient, whether it’s to enhance the flavour, add density or make it more nutritious. Let’s keep reading.

Some popular foods that include bone broth as a key ingredient are as follows:

Bone broth is a versatile ingredient used in many popular dishes. These dishes benefit from the nutrient-rich broth, which provides a variety of health benefits and a rich, savoury flavour.

Some popular foods that use bone broth as a key ingredient include:

 

• Soups (e.g. chicken noodles, vegetables, pho)
• Stews (e.g. beef, chicken, lamb)
• Sauces (e.g. gravies, demi-glaces)
• Braised dishes (e.g. short ribs, pulled pork)
• Risottos
• Rice and grain dishes
• Ramen
• Sipping broths or drinks.

Why one must use bone broth in their recipes?

In NZ, bone broth is a versatile ingredient that is commonly used in a variety of dishes for its flavour, nutrition, and tenderizing properties. Let's elaborate on why one must use bone broth while making the following items:

Soups

Bone broth adds depth and richness to soups, making them more flavorful and satisfying. The slow-simmered broth provides a balance of minerals, amino acids, and collagen that enhances the overall taste of the soup.

Stews

Adding bone broth to stews can help to tenderize the meat and keep it juicy. The collagen in the broth can also help to thicken the stew, making it a creamy, flavorful addition to the dish.

Sauces

Bone broth can be used as a base for sauces such as gravies and demi-glaces, adding flavour and nutrition to the dish. The broth can be seasoned and flavoured to taste, making it a versatile ingredient for sauces.

Braised dishes

The collagen in bone broth can help to keep the meat in braised dishes moist and tender, even after long cooking times. It can also add flavour and nutrition to the dish, making it a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.

Risottos

Using bone broth as the base for risotto can add depth and richness to the dish. The broth provides a balance of minerals and amino acids that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Rice and grain dishes

Adding bone broth to rice and grain dishes can enhance the flavour and add nutrition to the dish. The broth provides a rich, savoury flavour that balances well with the nutty, earthy flavours of the grains.

Ramen

Bone broth is a key ingredient in ramen, adding depth and richness to the broth. The slow-simmered broth provides a balance of minerals, amino acids, and collagen that enhances the overall taste of the ramen.

Sipping broths or drinks

Bone broth can be consumed as a sipping broth or beverage. The broth provides essential nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, making it a nutritious addition to one's diet.

In NZ, bone broth is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes to add flavour, nutrition, and tenderizing properties. Whether used in soups, stews, sauces, braised dishes, or as a base for rice and grain dishes, ramen, or sipping broths, it is a delicious and nutritious ingredient that can elevate any dish.

History of bone broth

Bone broth has been used for centuries as a staple food in many cultures around the world. It is believed to have originated in ancient times when people would boil bones from slaughtered animals to extract nutrients and flavour. Over time, the tradition of making and consuming bone broth evolved into a staple in many cultures, serving as both a food and a medicinal remedy.

In traditional Chinese medicine, bone broth has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments, including joint pain, digestive issues, and colds. In European cultures, bone broth was commonly used as a base for soups and stews, providing both flavour and nutrition.

In recent years, bone broth has gained popularity as a health food trend, with proponents claiming it has a variety of health benefits, including improved digestion, joint health, and a strengthened immune system. While research on the health benefits of bone broth is limited, it is widely recognized as a nutritious food that is rich in essential minerals, amino acids, and collagen.

The history of bone broth can be traced back thousands of years to ancient times when it was used as a staple food and medicinal remedy in many cultures around the world. Today, bone broth continues to be a popular ingredient in many dishes, recognized for its flavour and nutrition, as well as its potential health benefits.

Other non-food items where bone broth has been used popularly over centuries (read: it’s not a 21st-century item)

Bone broth is not just a popular food item, it has also been used for various non-food purposes in many cultures and traditions. Some examples of non-food items where bone broth has been used include:

Skincare

Bone broth is rich in collagen, which is an essential protein for skin health. Some people use bone broth as a topical treatment to improve the appearance of their skin, reduce wrinkles, and increase skin elasticity.

Health and wellness

Bone broth is believed to have numerous health benefits, including improved joint health, a stronger immune system, and improved digestion. Some people drink the bone broth as a natural remedy for various health issues.

Hair care

The collagen in bone broth is believed to strengthen and nourish the hair, promoting healthy growth and reducing hair breakage. Some people use bone broth as a hair rinse or add it to their shampoo to improve the health of their hair.

Home remedies

In traditional medicine, bone broth has been used as a home remedy for various ailments, such as colds and flu, joint pain, and digestive issues. Some people continue to use bone broth as a natural remedy for various health issues.

In conclusion, bone broth is not just a popular food item, it has also been used for various non-food purposes, including skincare, health and wellness, hair care, and home remedies. While more research is needed to fully understand the benefits of bone broth, it continues to be a popular ingredient in many cultures and traditions.

Unique nutritional benefits of bone broth?

Bone broth is a nutritious food that provides various health benefits due to its unique nutritional content. Some of the unique nutritional benefits of bone broth include:

Amino acids

Bone broth is rich in amino acids, particularly glycine and proline, which are essential for many bodily functions, including the production of collagen, the reduction of inflammation, and the regulation of metabolism.

Minerals

Bone broth is a good source of essential minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are important for strong bones and teeth, as well as healthy muscle function.

Collagen

Bone broth is a rich source of collagen, a protein that helps maintain the structure and integrity of skin, hair, nails, and connective tissues.

Gelatin

Bone broth contains gelatin, a protein that can help improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and support joint health.

Glucosamine

Bone broth is a natural source of glucosamine, a compound that can help support joint health and reduce inflammation.

Bone broth is a nutritious food that provides a variety of unique health benefits due to its high content of amino acids, minerals, collagen, gelatin, and glucosamine. While more research is needed to fully understand the health benefits of bone broth, it is widely recognized as a nutritious food that can improve overall health and wellness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, bone broth is a nutrient-rich food that has been used for centuries in various cultures and traditions. It is made by simmering bones and vegetables in water to extract the minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients.

Bone broth is widely recognized in NZ as a nutritious food that provides various health benefits, including improved joint health, a stronger immune system, and improved digestion. It is also used in many traditional and modern recipes, such as soups, stews, sauces, braised dishes, risottos, rice and grain dishes, ramen, and sipping broths or drinks.

In addition to its use in food, bone broth in NZ has also been used for various non-food purposes, including skincare, health and wellness, hair care, and home remedies. While more research is needed to fully understand the benefits of bone broth, it is widely considered a nutritious food that can improve overall health and wellness.

Looking for high-quality bone broth in NZ? Feel free to check out our range of broths and place your order today!