By Fred Cheng (R.Ph.) and Christine Cheng (R.Ph.)
Bone broths are hip nowadays, but what’s the big deal? A true bone broth is prepared via a multi-step process. In essence, it requires special preparation of the bones and meats, followed by a prolonged system of boiling and simmering. There are many ways to make these broths, and different cultures will have different formulas. You can even add your own Hemp Hearts. The combinations of recipes are endless and broths can be made from beef, chicken, fish, pork, veggies, etc.
We remember being treated to different types of bone broth preparations as children growing up in a traditional Chinese family. It was regarded as a special treat or an appetizer to a meal, and bone broths have been successfully used for centuries to control symptoms of, and heal, food allergies, joint and muscle health, immune system issues, and leaky-gut syndrome.
Bone broths are actually a great source of nutrients for adults and the elderly, as well as infants or those who have a smaller appetite. They are not only nutrient-dense, but also highly flavourful. Minimal seasoning , salt or sugar is required and all the natural essences are retained. They can be served directly, or used as a basis for soups, gravy/sauce, or even Chinese congee (rice porridge). You can drink it on a daily basis to get a natural dose of protein, minerals and collagen, or use it when you’re feeling down. It’s also a great way to get a dose of nutrients into your kids, including infants.
Since it can be daunting (economically and practically) to prepare your own bone broths on a regular basis, there are now commercially available ones that make it extremely convenient. One we like in particular at Cloverdale Pharmasave is a line we carry, called “BONED BROTH”. The all-natural broth is actually brewed in small batches right here in CLOVERDALE! Boned Broths are made with grass-fed beef, grass-fed chicken, vegan hemp-hearts, organic garden vegetables, fresh herbs and spices, all from a 200-year-old Slovakian recipe. They are all free of gluten, dairy, GMO’s, preservatives, as well as hormones and antibiotics. The beef one contains a whopping 57g of protein per 500ml container, and you can actually taste the pure collagen in it. Come grab some out of our new LOW-CARB FREEZER.
So, are bone broths worth all the rage? In one word, yes. They are a wholesome and delicious way to add nutrients and flavour to your daily diet. And now, with products like BONED BROTH at Cloverdale Pharmasave, there is no excuse not to take advantage of this century-old recipe.
(Christine and Fred Cheng are a passionate, charismatic sister-brother pharmacist team at their unique, family-owned and operated Pharmasave Integrative Compounding Pharmacy in Cloverdale, B.C. with a 34-year history [open 7 days a week], and was just awarded this year’s Clovies Award for Business Excellence Under 18 Employees. They specialize in natural remedies and compounding for both human and veterinarian use. Everything mentioned in their article is available InStore.)
