Perpetual Bone Broth

Yesterday we had our first sub-zero temps of the year.  Honestly, we got lucky that it was this late.  No matter when it happens it’s always a system check for us.  We find out which water valves need to be replaced, where there are low spots in supply lines, and which tank heaters are no longer functioning.  

We also have to get back into the winter mode of chores.  Farmhand 2 handles the water for the pigs.  He’s not skilled at sitting idle waiting for tanks to fill.  He usually starts them filling, sets a timer, and then heads off for a bit before coming back to switch the water flow to other tanks.  In the summer months this is no problem, but now with temps below freezing and bitter winds, valves can freeze up in less than 15 minutes.  Which happened yesterday.  Asa then has to heat the valves and lines so they can open and drain.  This is especially difficult when the temperature doesn’t crest freezing.  It seems like it’s time for Farmand 2 to keep a book in the barn for water chores.

Another thing that changes as we move into the winter months is I keep a perpetual pot of bone broth on the stove.  It seems like chicken soup in the farmhouse all winter.  We usually start with a couple of chicken backs covered with water add salt, pepper, and apple cider vinegar, and let it boil overnight.  Waking up that first morning, the brooth smells almost as good as the coffee.  

We keep that pot going on a low boil all the time, adding any bones, carrot, and onion scraps through the week.  We add more water, vinegar, and seasoning as we go.  The biggest benefit of keeping it hot and in front of us at all times is we drink it daily and add it to rice, mashed potatoes, browning ground meat, and soups as we go.  About once a week we clear the pot and start over.  

Now this may sound crazy!  Keeping broth cooking all the time.  Can that possibly be safe?!?!  The practice of keeping a pot of broth or soup simmering continuously on the stove is an ancient tradition rooted in practicality, sustainability, and resourcefulness.  From early agricultural societies to Asian hot pots this method has been used throughout time and around the world.  It was used to keep food safe before refrigeration.

The Nutritional and Flavor Benefits

• Perpetual soup allowed for nutrient extraction from bones, connective tissues, and vegetables, making it a highly nutritious staple.
• Over time, the layers of flavor deepen as new ingredients meld with the old, creating a richly complex broth.

I have long known the benefits of bone broth but I still sometimes forget to keep it in my daily routine in the summer.  This is odd, I have no issues drinking hot coffee in the summer🤣  This year especially I have noticed the changes since I’ve started drinking broth daily again.  My knees don’t hurt like they were at the end of hay season.  Also, I’m noticing my skin is smoother and younger-looking. 

With the ease of making it and the benefits, would you consider giving perpetual broth a try?

Hope you are keeping warm,