Discovering Traditional Wisdom
In our journey toward health and wellness, we often find the best solutions in the wisdom of traditional practices. One such gem is the recipe for chicken bone broth from the beloved book Nourishing Traditions. This book is not just a collection of recipes but a guide to embracing nutrient-dense, whole foods that our ancestors cherished. Today, let’s explore the benefits of chicken bone broth, the science behind it, and how it can lovingly support your immune system during pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting.
The Comfort of Chicken Bone Broth
Chicken bone broth is a true nutritional powerhouse, celebrated for its rich content of minerals, collagen, and amino acids. These components are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, promoting gut health, and supporting joint and skin health. The slow-cooking process extracts these valuable nutrients, creating a nourishing elixir that has been cherished for generations.
Recipe: Chicken Bone Broth
Ingredients:
- 1 whole free-range chicken or 2-3 pounds of chicken bones (backs, necks, wings, and feet)
- 4 quarts of cold filtered water
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 1 large onion, coarsely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped
- 3 celery stalks, coarsely chopped
- 1 bunch of parsley
- Optional: 1-2 cloves of garlic, crushed; 1-2 teaspoons of sea salt; 10-12 black peppercorns; 1 bunch of thyme
Instructions:
- Preparation: Place the chicken or chicken bones in a large stockpot and cover with cold filtered water. Add the apple cider vinegar and let it sit for 30 minutes. This helps draw out the minerals from the bones.
- Simmering: Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Skim off any foam that rises to the top during the first hour of cooking.
- Adding Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. These vegetables add flavor and additional nutrients to the broth.
- Cooking Time: Let the broth simmer for 6-24 hours. The longer you simmer, the richer and more nutritious the broth will be. If using a whole chicken, remove the meat after about 2 hours to prevent overcooking and return the bones to the pot.
- Finishing Touches: About 10 minutes before finishing, add the parsley and any optional ingredients like garlic, sea salt, peppercorns, and thyme.
- Straining: Remove the bones and vegetables with a slotted spoon. Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl. Let it cool before transferring it to jars or containers.
- Storage: Store the broth in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for several months.
Boosting Your Immune System with Love
Research has shown that bone broth contains a variety of nutrients that are wonderfully beneficial for immune health. The gelatin and collagen in bone broth help to heal the gut lining, which is crucial for a robust immune system since a significant portion of our immune cells reside in the gut. Additionally, the amino acids found in bone broth, such as arginine, glutamine, and cysteine, have been shown to support the immune system’s function.
A study published in the journal Chest found that chicken soup, similar to bone broth, has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections. Another study in Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care highlighted the role of glycine, found in bone broth, in promoting sleep and reducing inflammation, both of which are vital for maintaining a strong immune system.
Embracing Traditional Foods
The book reconnects us with the culinary wisdom of our ancestors. It provides a wealth of recipes and knowledge about the benefits of traditional foods, emphasizing the importance of fermented foods, bone broths, and unprocessed ingredients. This book encourages us to return to these wholesome practices, supporting a lifestyle that promotes long-term health and well-being.
Why I Recommend This Approach
As a midwife and advocate for natural living, I highly recommend this resource to all parents. It aligns beautifully with our goal of raising healthy, happy children close to nature. The recipes are designed to be wholesome and nutrient-dense, providing the essential building blocks for growing bodies and minds. This book is a precious resource for anyone looking to improve their family’s diet and overall well-being.
Cooking with Love and Tradition
Preparing meals from this book is a way to connect with our roots and pass on the wisdom of traditional foods to the next generation. The Chicken Bone Broth recipe is just one example of how simple, time-honored practices can make a significant impact on our health. I encourage you to try this recipe and explore the wealth of information and recipes available.
By integrating such nourishing practices into our daily lives, we can build a robust immune system, promote overall health, and foster a deep appreciation for the natural world.
Happy Cooking!
Your midwife, Patricia
Love & Root Homebirth Midwifery and Apothecary 