Sourcing Bones for Bone Broth

Bone broth is fast becoming very popular again! It is currently the number one superfood in America.

One thing to think about with the increasing reemergence of using this ancient healing elixir is the quality of bones and where they are sourced from.

Ethics and values are important with sourcing bones.   Usually the bones would be used as pet food, fertiliser, gelatin or wasted in a rubbish dump.

If an animal is to be slaughtered for our consumption of the meat it would be ethical not to waste the rest. Using the whole animal is the best possible sustainable practice.

My Nanna Hayse used to always say: ‘the only part of the pig you don’t eat is the oink!’

Quality of bones

What is the difference between grass fed and grain fed?

Not everyone can afford organic. Organic does not always mean grass fed.  Please ask your butcher where the bones have come from and how they have been fed. We are now becoming more aware of our food sources. If you don’t have a reliable butcher, try and purchase your bones from a farm gate, farmers’ market or even reputable online suppliers.

Ask about how the animal has been raised and fed. Looking the farmer in the eye and asking the question helps him to be more truthful with his answers. Anyone passionate about ethical and sustainable farming will be happy to share this information with you!

If you need any support or help with sourcing bones in your area, please join our Bone Broth Basics Facebook group.

Grass fed is your next best option if you can’t source organically grown bones.  Cows eat grass naturally. Grain is not a natural food source.

Grain fed cows are ‘usually’ given various medications to prevent medical complications that may arise from eating the grain.

When purchasing bones, take note the colour.  They need to look fresh, crisp and white, no dull and grey. Connective tissue and fat on the bone helps with the gelatin/nutrients.  The connective tissue helps create the fat layer that forms on top of the broth.  The fat can then be used for cooking or preserving the broth.

If you are going to take the time to cook bone broth  try to use the best quality bones you can get.

The broth is for healing purposes!  NOT to add in more toxins!

My calf

This is Dandelion my newest calf with her mumma Daisy. We treat her like a pet and give her love and attention. In return she gives us beautiful quality meat and the most amazing bones. I am grateful to know where the meat/bones have come from.

Our cows not certified organic, we don’t use sprays or medications just grass and her mother’s milk.

Here is to healing!