Today, we’re diving into a topic that is near and dear to me: bone broth. Yes, that comforting, savory elixir is not just for cozy soups or hearty stews—it’s also a secret weapon in your skincare arsenal! So, grab a cup of tea (or bone broth), settle in, and let’s explore why bone broth deserves a special spot in both your kitchen and your beauty routine.
I grew up with a mother who made her homemade soups starting with the bone. So I know the flavour that it gives for our soup and meals, but it wasn't until later in life that I learned about the vast benefits the broth provides to our bodies. So now I gladly make homemade bone broth regularly, and am grateful for the massive nourishment it provides my family, and my skin!
Why Bone Broth?
Bone broth is packed with nutrients that can do wonders for your skin. Rich in collagen, gelatin, and essential minerals, it provides the building blocks your body needs to maintain a youthful, radiant complexion. Here are some of the fantastic benefits of incorporating bone broth into your diet:
1. Boosts Collagen Production: Collagen is crucial for skin elasticity and hydration. Drinking bone broth regularly can help your body produce more of it, leading to plumper, more resilient skin.
2. Supports Gut Health: A healthy gut means better nutrient absorption. Bone broth is loaded with amino acids like glycine and proline, which promote gut healing, and when your gut is happy, your skin often reflects that health.
3. Reduces Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of bone broth can help reduce redness and irritation in the skin, making it a great addition for those with conditions like acne or eczema.
4. Hydrate: Staying hydrated is key for maintaining skin’s natural glow. Bone broth can be a delicious way to up your fluid intake while nourishing your skin.
How to Make Bone Broth
Ready to whip up some bone broth? Here’s a simple recipe to get you started. You can customize it based on your taste preferences and what you have on hand. When our family butchers beef, I use the fresh joints to make my broth with. I find the joints have the most collagen in them.
Ingredients
- 2-3 pounds of bones (beef, chicken, or turkey bones work great)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (helps extract minerals)
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2-3 carrots, chopped
- 2-3 celery stalks, chopped
- 3-4 cloves of garlic (optional, but delicious!)
- Fresh herbs (like thyme or parsley)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water (enough to cover the bones)
Instructions
1. Prep the Bones: If you’re using raw beef bones, you can roast them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes for extra flavour. This step is optional but highly recommended. I don't skip this step as I really find it helps with the flavour. If I am roasting a whole chicken or turkey- then I would cook the bird first for our meal, then use the leftover bones to continue with the next step.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large pot or slow cooker, combine the bones, vegetables, herbs, and apple cider vinegar. Add enough water to cover everything by about an inch.
3. Cook:
- Stovetop: Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 12-24 hours, adding water as needed. I find this takes a lot of maintenance therefore I don't prefer this method.
- Slow Cooker: Set on low for 24-48 hours. (My preferred method for chicken bones)
- Pressure Cooker: Place on high for 90 minutes. (My preferred method for beef bones) then use a natural release for 15 minutes when finished.
4. Strain: Once it’s cooked, I let it cool for a bit then strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl. Discard the solids (I will give the solid big beef bones to my dog at this point! But I discard the chicken bones as they can be brittle).
5. Store: Let it cool, then transfer to jars or containers. You can store it in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for later use. Large ziploc bags work well for this and freeze flat. Then when I am making homemade soup, I just add a bag of frozen broth.
Tips for Enjoying Bone Broth
- Sip it as a warm drink.
- Use it as a base for soups and stews.
Incorporating bone broth into your diet is an easy and tasty way to boost your skin health from the inside out. Whole foods is key for our health. So, whether you sip it straight, use it in cooking, or mix it into your favorite recipes, remember that this humble broth is more than just a comfort food—it's a beauty elixir!
Cheers to healthier skin and happy cooking! Let me know if you give this recipe a try or if you have any favorite bone broth tips of your own. Happy sipping! 🥣✨
