Bone broths have been cherished for generations, celebrated for their incredible nutritional benefits. These elixirs from nature are not just delicious; they’re a treasure trove of health, well-being, and tradition. From supporting digestion to enhancing skin health, bone broths offer an array of essential nutrients and compounds that can truly transform your diet and your life.
In this blog post, we’ll delve deeper into the science behind bone broths and explore why they are such a valuable addition to your culinary repertoire. Along the way, we’ll also introduce you to the concept of “Perpetual Bone Broth,” a time-honored method that not only maximizes the nutritional content but also celebrates the enduring tradition of simmering bones to extract their essence.
The Nutritional Magic of Bone Broths
Bone broths are a nutritional powerhouse. They’re teeming with protein, essential minerals, and amino acids that form the building blocks of a healthy body. One of these remarkable amino acids is glycine. Glycine not only aids in the body’s detoxification process but also contributes to the synthesis of vital compounds like hemoglobin and bile salts. Furthermore, it plays a pivotal role in supporting digestion and the secretion of gastric acids.
Proline, another amino acid found in bone broths, teams up with vitamin C to promote radiant skin health. The dynamic duo works synergistically to nourish your skin from the inside out, giving you a natural glow that no cosmetic product can match.
The Wonders of Gelatin in Bone Broths
Gelatin, a gel-like substance extracted from the bones during the simmering process, is a superstar in the world of bone broths. Its benefits are manifold and include supporting skin health, much like proline and vitamin C. Additionally, gelatin is your gut’s best friend. It aids in digestive health, helping to soothe and strengthen your intestinal lining – a critical component of the Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS) diet.
Chicken Soup: The Ultimate Cold Companion
Ever wondered why a steaming bowl of chicken soup feels like a warm embrace when you’re battling a cold or flu? There’s a scientific explanation for that too! Chicken broth contains a substance that inhibits neutrophil migration. In simpler terms, it helps alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms of colds, flus, and upper respiratory infections. So, when Grandma’s chicken soup recipe is passed down through the generations, it’s not just folklore – it’s grounded in science and the comforting power of tradition.
The “Perpetual Bone Broth” – is a method that has been used for centuries to create the richest, most nourishing broths. Our recipe is not good for you, its easy, and is bound to become a cherished tradition in your own kitchen.
Perpetual Soup or Bone Broth – The Easy Way
Perpetual soup: Bone broth can be made in a slow cooker using this simple technique.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole organic chicken (or the frame of a roasted chicken)
- 2 sweet bay leaves
- 1 Tbsp black peppercorns
- Any vegetable scraps you have on hand
- Filtered water
Instructions:
- Place one whole chicken or the frame of a roasted chicken into your slow cooker with sweet bay, black peppercorns and any vegetable scraps you have on hand. Cover with filtered water and cook on low for one week.
- After twenty-four hours, you may begin using the broth. As you need broth or stock, simply dip a ladle or measuring cup into the slow cooker to remove the amount of stock you need. Pour it through a fine-mesh sieve or, preferably, a reusable coffee filter which will help to clarify the broth.
- Replace the broth you remove from the slow cooker with an equivalent amount of filtered water. If you’re using a whole, fresh chicken, you may also remove chicken meat from the slow cooker as desired for stir-fries, or soups.
- At the end of the week, strain off any remaining broth and discard or compost the bones. The bones from your chicken should crumble when pressed between your thumb and forefinger. Their softness is an indication that much of the nourishment from the bones – minerals, amino acids – have leached from the bones and into the broth you’ve enjoyed all week long. Wash the insert of your slow cooker and start again.
Recipe by The Nourished Kitchen.
