BEAUT BROTH

As a base for dishes or a lovely healthy warming drink, bone broth gets the thumbs-up this winter.

In the age of food fads and trending ingredients, the mark of a good product is its longevity. While it has seen a resurgence in recent years, bone broth has been around since the early days of civilisation, when prehistoric hunter-gatherers would use up animal parts to make into a nourishing broth. Nowadays, consumers don’t have to go through the long process of making it at home, and instead, can find a range of bone broths easily available on supermarket shelves. When it comes to choosing, there are a few key things to keep in mind.

WHAT IS BONE BROTH?

Used as a base for soups, sauces, gravies or enjoyed on its own, bone broth is a liquid akin to stock that is made from animal marrow bones and connective tissue. There are several different bone broths, but they are typically made from beef, chicken or fish. The quality of bone broth depends on the ingredients and the cooking process. For example, the Restore Bone Broth and Bone Broth Tonics are made with free-range chicken and grassfed beef, which are free of any added hormones and antibiotics. From there, they are slow-simmered for up to 48 hours, with herbs, vegetables and spices to bring out the rich flavours and nutrients.

HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM STOCK?

Many people wonder whether bone broth is the same as regular stock. The key difference is the slow-cooking process that bone broth undergoes. By simmering it on a low heat for 24-48 hours, it extracts the rich nutrients from the bones, including collagen and amino acids, like glutamine.

WHY IS BONE BROTH GOOD FOR YOU?

While research on bone broth itself is limited, there is a lot of evidence around the benefits of the key nutrients found in bone broth. Minerals found in bone broth such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus help strengthen bones. It is also rich in amino and essential fatty acids, including glycine, which has been linked to improved joint health, reduced inflammation and the repair of intestinal lining. For many people, bone broth is a convenient and tasty way to incorporate more nutrients into their diet.

HOW CAN YOU ENJOY IT?

Bone broth can be used in any number of ways. You can add it to soups, curries and risottos, or even incorporate it into tasty dips and health-boosting smoothies. It can also be enjoyed simply by itself as a warming hot drink. Blended with ingredients like mānuka honey, ginger, turmeric and lemon, the Restore Bone Broth Tonics are a very popular option for the cooler months.

Restore Bone Broth is available at select supermarkets nationwide and to order online.

Visit restore.co.nz