Although it is still not as common in the West as it is Eastern cuisine, bone soup or bone broth is on the rise in popularity here due to its restorative and nourishing benefits.
The popularity of diets such as the Paleo diet, which encourages devotees to eat food the kind of food that used to be “hunted and gathered” rather than processed, has also put bone broth in the spotlight, sometimes for the wrong reasons – while it’s great, it’s not recommended as a meal replacement!
So why is there so much buzz about bone soup, and why have countries like China and Korea been enjoying bone soup recipes for centuries?
We’ll unpack the history and benefits of bone-based soups, and explain how to cook the perfect pork bone soup, the most delicious bone soup, if we do say so ourselves.
Bone soups – a brief history
For more than 2,500 years, Chinese medicine has promoted bone broths as a way to support healthy kidney function, healthy blood, and to improve digestive health.
Other cultures over the centuries have also embraced variations on bone soups: the Jewish loved bone soups for their perceived anti-inflammatory benefits – so much so that it was often referred to as “Jewish Penicillin” – and in 12th century Egypt, bone soups were prescribed as medicinal remedies for colds and flus, bringing comfort and restoration.
(Source: https://blog.barebonesbroth.com/goodness-through-the-ages/)
The health benefits of bone soup
Today, bone broths are a staple of many traditional Asian cuisines, frequently appearing in Chinese, Korean and Japanese dishes.
There is a growing appreciation too amongst the health-conscious of the healing properties of bone soups, as a savoury, nutrient-dense and collagen-rich liquid that is good for our skin, bones, and digestive system.
Depending on the animal bone you use, bone broth can be rich in minerals and vitamins including amino acids and essential fatty acids.
We know that pork is a rich source of niacin and thiamine – both part of the group of B vitamins – as well as selenium, zinc, and vitamins B12 and B6.
Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/pork#vitamins-and-minerals
How to make perfect pork bone soup
Pork bones are a great cut to make a bone soup from, for their tastiness and ability to create a base for so many complementary flavours.
The way to cook pork bone soup is the same approach to making any bone broth – by simmering bones in water and vinegar. Other flavours can be added to enhance the flavour, such as ginger or spring onions.
We recommend cleaning the bones before using them in the soup, to remove any impurities.
A simple recipe for the perfect pork bone soup is to use 4 litres of water, 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar, and about 1-2 kilos of pork bones, with seasoning to taste.
Once the water has boiled, simply reduce soup to a simmer and remain cooking for 12-24 hours.
The longer you cook it for, the more nutritious and delicious your soup will be!
Allow the broth to cool and strain to remove any unwanted solids.
Riverview Farms Asian Range
The Riverview Farms range of Australian pork prepared specially for the Asian market is now available in Hong Kong and Singapore.
Riverview Farms Australian Pork Bones are available in Hong Kong at all Green Dot Dot outlets, and are perfect for making a wholesome, tasty pork bone soup.
All that’s left to do is enjoy!