The health benefits of bone broth have been widely touted, and many people have incorporated it into their diets. However, the cost of purchasing bone broth can add up quickly. This has led many to wonder whether it is cheaper to make their own bone broth at home.
Making bone broth involves simmering bones and other ingredients for several hours, and can seem intimidating to those without experience. However, with the right recipe and tools, making your own bone broth can be easy and cost-effective. In this article, we will explore the cost of purchasing bone broth compared to making it at home, as well as provide tips and tricks for making your own delicious and nutritious bone broth.
The Rising Popularity of Bone Broth
The health benefits of bone broth have been widely reported, leading to a surge in its popularity in recent years. Bone broth is made by simmering bones, meat, and vegetables for several hours, resulting in a broth rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. It is believed that bone broth can improve digestive health, boost the immune system, and promote healthy skin, hair, and nails.
In addition to its potential health benefits, bone broth is also favored by those seeking sustainable and waste-free food options. The use of leftover bones and scraps reduces food waste and utilizes parts of the animal that are often discarded. With its rising popularity, many individuals are wondering if it is cheaper to make their own bone broth rather than purchasing it from specialty shops or online retailers.
The Cost of Store-Bought Bone Broth
Store-bought bone broth is a convenient option for many people, but it often comes with a hefty price tag. The cost of store-bought bone broth varies depending on the brand and the type of broth you’re purchasing. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $6 to $10 for a 32-ounce carton of bone broth.
While this may not seem like a lot of money, it can quickly add up if you consume bone broth on a regular basis. If you were to drink a 32-ounce carton of bone broth every day for a week, for example, you would spend between $42 and $70. Over the course of a month, that adds up to between $168 and $280. For many people, the cost of store-bought bone broth is simply not sustainable in the long run.
The Benefits of Making Your Own Bone Broth
There are several benefits to making your own bone broth that go beyond just saving money. Firstly, homemade bone broth is often richer in nutrients than store-bought varieties. This is because you have control over the ingredients and cooking process, allowing you to use high-quality bones, vegetables and herbs that add more nutrients to the broth.
In addition, making your own bone broth also allows you to avoid additives and preservatives that are commonly found in store-bought versions. This is particularly important for those with sensitivities or dietary restrictions. Homemade bone broth is also customizable to your individual preferences and needs, as you can adjust the flavor, consistency and cooking time to suit your taste and health goals. Overall, the benefits of making your own bone broth are plentiful, making it a worthwhile investment of your time and resources.
The Supplies You’ll Need to Make Bone Broth at Home
Making your own bone broth at home requires some basic supplies, but the good news is that you probably already have most of them in your kitchen. Here are the essential tools and equipment you’ll need to get started:
1. Large stockpot or slow cooker: A big pot or crockpot is essential for making bone broth. Make sure it’s large enough to hold all your ingredients and has a tight-fitting lid to keep in the heat and flavor.
2. Bones: The key ingredient in bone broth is, of course, bones. Look for high-quality bones from grass-fed, pastured animals to ensure the best flavor and nutrition.
3. Vegetables and herbs: While not strictly necessary, adding vegetables and herbs to your bone broth can enhance its flavor and nutritional value. Onion, garlic, carrots, celery, parsley, and bay leaves are all common additions.
4. Water: You’ll need plenty of water to cover the bones and vegetables in your stockpot or slow cooker.
5. Strainer: Once your bone broth is cooked, you’ll need to strain out the solids to create a clear, smooth liquid. A fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth works well.
The Time and Effort Required to Make Bone Broth
Making bone broth requires a significant amount of time and effort. It involves sourcing high-quality bones, simmering them for a long time, and straining the broth multiple times. The process can take anywhere from 12-48 hours depending on the type of bones used and the desired richness of the broth.
Additionally, making your own bone broth requires a fair amount of effort. You need to periodically check on the broth, skim off any foam or scum that rises to the top, and add water as needed to ensure the bones remain covered. The process can be time-consuming, especially for those with busy schedules. However, if you are willing to invest the time and effort, making your own bone broth can be a rewarding and economical way to enjoy this nutrient-rich food.
Savings and Cost-Effectiveness of Making Your Own vs. Buying
Making your own bone broth can be a cost-effective option, especially if you are looking to consume it frequently. The cost of making your own bone broth depends on several factors such as the quality of the bones, the use of organic ingredients, and the cost of fuel or electricity. However, even with all these factors in mind, making your own bone broth is still cheaper than buying premade ones.
On the other hand, buying bone broth can be more expensive in the long run. Pre-packaged bone broths can cost between $4-$10 per pint, while homemade broth can cost as low as $1 per pint. With the cost of bone broth increasing every day, making your own broth is both cost-effective and nutritional. Plus, you can customize the flavor according to your preferences and add in your favorite herbs and spices. In conclusion, making your own bone broth allows you to save money while still enjoying the nutritional benefits of this superfood, making it a much better option in terms of savings and cost-effectiveness.
Tips for Making Delicious and Nutritious Bone Broth at Home
Making bone broth at home is not only cheaper but also healthier than buying it from the store. Here are some tips to make a delicious and nutritious bone broth at home.
Firstly, start with high-quality ingredients such as organic bones, vegetables, and filtered water. Roasting the bones before boiling them enhances the flavor and richness of the broth. For added nutrition, include apple cider vinegar, which helps to extract the minerals from the bones. Additionally, adding herbs and spices such as bay leaves, rosemary, and thyme can enhance the overall flavor of the broth. Lastly, slow and low simmering for 12-24 hours ensures maximum extraction of nutrients. Strain the broth and store it in the fridge or freezer for future use. By following these tips, you can make a nourishing bone broth at a fraction of the cost of buying it from a store.
The Conclusion
After analyzing the costs and benefits of making bone broth at home, it is evident that it can be a cheaper option compared to buying pre-made bone broth from stores. The total cost of making the broth at home is significantly lower, and you are in full control of the quality and ingredients used. Additionally, the homemade broth has more nutritional value since you can add more bones and vegetables, making it more flavorful and beneficial to your body.
However, making bone broth at home requires time and effort, which might not be feasible for everyone. It also has a shorter shelf life, meaning it requires regular preparation, which is time-consuming. Therefore, the decision to make bone broth at home or purchase pre-made broth solely depends on individual preferences, availability, and lifestyle. Overall, the health benefits of homemade broth cannot be ignored, and it may be worth investing time and effort into making it at home to reap its many benefits.