How to Drink Bone Broth
What is Bone Broth?
Bone broth is made using water, collagen-rich bones (typically beef or chicken), salt and vegetables or seasonings. Many people drink bone broth as part of their daily nourishment for its deep flavor and wholesome appeal.
Bone broth can be a key ingredient in an intentional, balanced lifestyle. Here are ways to incorporate it into your routine.
Fire Up Your Senses
Having a cup of bone broth right away in the morning can wake up your dormant taste buds and alert your senses. Enjoy it before or after a brisk morning walk or bring it in your travel mug as you drop off the kids. While it doesn’t contain caffeine like a morning cup of coffee, it’ll help you feel nourished and ready for the day.
Enjoy a Mindful Moment, Sip by Sip
A cup of bone broth is an ideal way to refresh your body and mind while taking a moment to yourself, and it only takes a few minutes to heat. Intentionally enjoy warm sips as you do a quick meditation or step outside for some fresh air.
Warm Up Your Day
There’s nothing better than stepping into the warmth of your home after a day of errands, work and juggling the tasks of life. Having a cup at the end of your work day can help you relax before starting your evening.
How to Enhance Bone Broth’s Natural Flavor
The natural umami flavor of bone broth is delicious on its own, but there are ways to enhance the flavor of bone broth to your preference.
- Dried Seasonings - This is one of the easiest ways to customize bone broth with what you have on hand. If you want to deepen the flavors with a smoky kick, add some paprika or crushed red pepper. If you like zest, try adding ginger and garlic.
- Fresh Vegetables and Herbs - Simmering vegetables or herbs in bone broth can add even more fresh flavor. Try adding savory flavors, like garlic and rosemary. You can also focus on bright, zesty flavors like lemon and ginger.
Incorporating Bone Broth Into Recipes
While drinking bone broth by itself is great, there are times when you might want something a little different.
In many recipes, you can use bone broth in place of water to add rich flavor to your dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Cooking rice, quinoa and other grains: Instead of filling a pot with water, fill it with bone broth. All the flavor of the broth will be absorbed by the grains as they cook.
- Sautéing veggies: Bone broth is a great start to any dish where you sauté and then roast.
- Poaching and blending: Next time you make a recipe that involves poaching, try using bone broth instead of water. This also works well when you’re puréeing vegetables, like mashed potatoes or cauliflower, because the broth serves as a liquid base to enhance the flavor of the vegetable.
- As a base for soups, stews and more: These dishes really shine when they have flavorful bone broth as the key foundational ingredient.
Common Questions About Drinking Bone Broth
What’s the best way to heat up bone broth?
There’s no “right” way to heat up bone broth, but we prefer simmering on the stovetop, particularly if you’re adding herbs or vegetables. This gives the flavors time to meld.
Is there a right amount of bone broth to drink daily?
We encourage you to experiment to find what works best for your lifestyle. Some enjoy a cup once a week; others drink more than that per day. Go with whatever makes you feel like your best self, or if you have more questions, schedule a Telenutrition appointment with one of our registered dietitians!
What’s the best way to season bone broth?
No matter which seasonings you’re using, first sip the broth on its own to taste it. When seasoning, start with a small amount, heat and taste again. Adding small amounts will build the flavor over time, while still allowing you to enjoy the richness of the broth itself.
Ready to incorporate bone broth into your routine? Try Pacific Foods bone broth that is offered in a wide variety of flavors, including unsalted chicken, chicken with black garlic and shiitake mushroom, and chicken with lemon balm and sage. Explore more from our sponsors at The Kroger Wellness Festival.
Disclaimer: This information is educational only and is not meant to provide healthcare recommendations. Please see a healthcare provider.