This bone broth is slow cooked to really concentrate the delicious flavors and the bones are roasted beforehand to really pack in the flavor. The broth can then be canned to use later alone or in soups, or sauces, or to cook in or warmed and enjoyed for its delicious goodness.

Bone broth is an amazing liquid. Full of essential nutrients it has been used to alleviate colds and boost immunity for centuries. It also allows us to use the entire animal, nose to tail, and not let any of it go to waste.

When my husband got his first buck of the season a few weeks ago, I was so excited to save those bones to make some delicious broth with. I’m passionate about utilizing every bit of an animal we can and the bones are no exception.

It seems like a fairly simple liquid, just some bones, and vegetables simmered in water for what seems like an eternity. But, there’s so much more to it even beyond its nourishing benefits. And it should be a skill in every homesteader’s arsenal.

What is the difference between broth and stock?

Broth versus stock… they are pretty much the same thing. However, stock is more viscous than traditional broth. In fact, what we usually call bone broth, is stock.

Stock is typically cooked low and slow to get as much of that beautiful collagen out of the bones as possible. It really can’t be overcooked and to make a good bone broth from beef or venison, it takes around 12-16 hours. Chickens, a little less time.

Regardless, when it cools, it will have that kind of jello consistency. Which, is what stock is. But, we call it bone broth (the same thing).

What are the benefits of bone broth?

Bone broth is amazing and has been used for centuries. While you need to make sure your bones came from a healthy, naturally raised animal, the benefits of bone broth are tremendous. Here are just a few benefits of regularly enjoying bone broth:

• Rich in nutrients. The bones are full of nutrients that are released when they’re cooked. Everything from calcium to magnesium and phosphorus.
• High in collagen. The bones are also high in collagen and when this is cooked, it turns into gelatin that provides you with multiple amino acids.
• May reduce inflammation and heal the gut. Anyone who has read nourishing traditions knows that bone broth is prized to help heal the gut and reset our systems. Some of the amino acids contained in bone broth may help heal your gut as well as reduce chronic inflammation.

What kind of bones do you use for bone broth?

Bone broth can be made from pork bones, venison bones, beef bones, chicken bones, lamb bones, or even a mixture of all of the above.

If you’re headed to the butcher, you can simply ask them for soup bones and they’ll know what you’re looking for. If they’re giving you long bones like the femur, you’re going to want them to cut them in half for you.

But good bone broth is made with a mixture of bones. The knucklebones have a lot of collagen in them and add a lot of richness to your broth. Adding in shank, oxtail, or short ribs will add even more flavor.

The younger the animal, the more cartilage they contain, making them excellent for making broth. Lamb and veal bones are great for making broth if you have them available.

When making chicken broth, you can’t beat using the feet (scalded first, of course) and necks. You must save these wonderful things it will make the richest bone broth you’ve ever had.

How to use bone broth

You made it, now how do you use it up?

• Drink it. The simplest of simple is simply to warm it up and drink it like a warm beverage. I used to loathe doing this as a child when my mom would bring me a warm cup of broth when I was sick, but I really enjoy sipping on its goodness now.
• Boil potatoes or pasta in it. It adds flavor and a few of the nutritional benefits when you boil your pasta or potatoes in bone broth.
• Make soup. Of course, the most obvious of all uses is to utilize it to make a delicious soup.
• Make a sauce or gravy. Have a savory sauce to make or need to make some gravy? Use broth in place of water in sauces or in place of mixes for gravy. It’s so much more flavorful.

Ingredients for the Best Homemade Bone Broth

• A variety of bones (make sure to include feet and necks if making chicken bone broth)
• Onion
• Celery
• Carrots
• Garlic
• Parsley
• Sea Salt
• Peppercorns
• Dried Sage
• Apple Cider Vinegar

Supplies needed to make and can bone broth

• Crockpot
• Large Stockpot
• Colander
• Roasting Pan
• Pressure Canner
• Pint Sized Mason jars
• Lids & Rings (or tattler lids)

Take the time to roast the bones

The best bone broth is made with roasted bones. You can make bone broth without roasting them first, but for the most flavorful and rich broth you’ve ever tasted, you’ll want to take the time out to roast the bones first.

Recipes to use bone broth:

• Loaded Potato Soup
• Oxtail Soup
• Amish Chicken & Noodles

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