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Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

FAQ

What is bone broth & how does it work?

Bone broth combines the best of both worlds: bones, meat, and sometimes skin or other tissue go into the recipe. In addition to these base ingredients, stocks and broths may contain aromatic vegetables, and broths are usually seasoned with salt (and sometimes pepper) as well.

What is bone broth made out of?

Bone broth is quite simply broth made from animal bones — in this instance, from a whole roasted chicken. You can also opt to make bone broth out of beef or pork bones, but this recipe demonstrates using the bones from a whole roasted chicken. It may be all the rage these days, but bone broth isn’t a new concept!

Where did bone broth come from?

Bone broth dates back to prehistoric times, when hunter-gatherers turned otherwise inedible animal parts like bones, hooves, and knuckles into a broth they could drink. You can make bone broth using bones from just about any animal — chicken, pork, beef, veal, turkey, lamb, bison, buffalo, venison, or fish.

What is bone broth?

“Bone broth is a rich, flavorful stock made from boiling animal bones for many hours, creating a broth packed with protein and minerals,” explains Kim Kulp, a registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in gut health in the San Francisco Bay Area.

What types of bones make good bone broth?

The bones and tissues of many types of animal may make good bone broth, including cow, chicken, and even fish bones. Bone broth can provide important nutrients, especially minerals, derived from these tissues. This may make bone broth a beneficial dietary supplement for many people.

What protein is found in bone broth?

Collagen is the main protein found in bones, tendons, and ligaments. While cooking bone broth, collagen from bones and connective tissue breaks down into another protein called gelatin. Gelatin contains important amino acids that support joint health. These include proline and glycine, which your body uses to build its own connective tissue.