Overview
Broth is made from simmering meats, bones, and veggies in water.
Commercially made broths are found mostly as chicken, beef, fish, and vegetable varieties.
Bouillon is a commercially dehydrated broth made into cubes.
The word “stock” is commonly used interchangeably when speaking about broth. However, stocks are usually made with animal bones whereas broths are made mostly with meat. The bone gives stocks a thicker texture.
Bone broth became popular during the industrial revolution.
The Look
As discussed above, broths will usually be thinner in texture as compared to stocks when used for cooking.
Broths also might have a less intense flavor than stock due to stocks being cooked under longer time periods.
Depending on the broth and what it is made of, the color can vary. Chicken broth is usually lighter in color and can be found as a liquid.
Nutrition
Focusing mainly on chicken broth:
Calcium
Magnesium
Phosphorus
Depending on the type of broth there will be more or fewer vitamins and minerals.
Benefits
Calcium plays a large role in healthy bone formation along with nerve transmission and muscle contraction.
Magnesium is a component of bones and plays a role in nerve impulse transmission and protein synthesis.
Phosphorus is a structural component of teeth, bones, cell membranes, phospholipids, nucleic acids, and more. Phosphorus plays a role in pH regulation and ATP-ADP phosphate systems in cells.
Low in calories and can help with weight management.
Serving Size
Generally, 1 cup of chicken broth is 1 serving.
In 1 cup of chicken broth, there are approximately 17 calories.
3.3g of protein
0g of carbs
0.5g of sugar
0g of fiber
554mg of sodium
Uses & Cooking
Broths are generally used in soups, stews, gravies, and many sauces.
Broth can be easily purchased from any grocery store or supermarket shelf in a pre-packaged box.
Chicken broth can also be homemade, not just store-bought! There are plentiful recipes on how to make your own chicken broth and be able to store/freeze it for your own use.
Can use broth as a substitute for water when cooking grains like rice or quinoa and pasta.
Recipes
Some hands-down delicious soups that use chicken broth include tortilla, veggie, egg drop, miso, and lentil soups!
Ramen and other noodle dishes.
Stews and other bases for dishes.
Storage
If purchased from a grocery store, the broth will be stored in a pantry until it is opened. Once opened, it can be refrigerated in a sealed container.
Chicken broth, if needed, can also be frozen.
Reduced Sodium Chicken Broth, Canned. (n.d.). Retrieved December 15, 2020, from https://www.calorieking.com/us/en/foods/f/calories-in-soups-reduced-sodium-chicken-broth-canned/cnpLVH_LRmS5sxEl6Zp0iA
