Brodo Bone Broth: A Deep Dive into Taste, Nutrition, and Value

Brodo is a company known for its bone broth. Founded by Chef Marco Canora in 2014, Brodo started as a window operation out of Canora’s restaurant, Hearth, in the East Village of New York City. The idea was to provide a healthy, delicious alternative to the sugary drinks that dominate the beverage market.

Brodo’s bone broths are made by simmering animal bones (like chicken, beef, or turkey) and vegetables for extended periods, which is believed to extract beneficial nutrients. Bone broth has been lauded for its potential health benefits, such as supporting gut health and providing essential nutrients.

Due to its popularity, Brodo expanded its operations, offering a variety of broths and incorporating add-ins like ginger, turmeric, and more. They have both storefront locations and an online presence where customers can order products for delivery.

What is the meaning of the name Brodo?

“Brodo” is the Italian word for “broth.” In culinary contexts, brodo typically refers to a clear, flavorful broth made by simmering meat (often with bones) and/or vegetables in water, along with aromatic herbs and spices. It can be consumed on its own, especially as a comforting dish during colder months, or used as a base for other dishes, such as soups, stews, and risottos.

In Italy, a classic preparation might be “brodo di carne” (meat broth) or “brodo di pollo” (chicken broth). Sometimes, tiny pasta shapes or tortellini might be added to the broth for a more substantial dish. The key to a good brodo is to simmer the ingredients slowly to extract maximum flavor while keeping the broth clear.

What products does Brodo offer?

Brodo is primarily known for its bone broths, but the company has expanded its offerings over time. Some of the products and offerings you might find at Brodo include:

1. Varieties of Bone Broth: This can include broths made from chicken, beef, turkey, and more.
2. Vegan Broths: For those who do not consume animal products, Brodo also offers vegan broths, often made from simmered vegetables and seasonings.
3. Signature Broth Blends: Brodo has crafted special blends that combine their basic broths with ingredients like herbs, spices, and other flavorful components.
4. Add-ins: Customers can customize their broths with various add-ins, such as ginger, garlic, turmeric, chili oil, and more.
5. Broth Concentrates: These are concentrated versions of their broths that can be diluted with water, making it easier for customers to store and prepare at home.
6. Frozen Broths: For convenience, Brodo also offers frozen versions of their popular broths.
7. Collaborations and Seasonal Offerings: The company occasionally offers special broths or products in collaboration with other chefs or for specific seasons/holidays.

Can drinking Brodo reduce inflammation?

Bone broth, such as Brodo, has been touted by many health enthusiasts and some practitioners as beneficial for a range of health concerns, including inflammation. The belief is that the nutrients, minerals, and compounds found in bone broth, such as collagen, gelatin, amino acids (like glycine, proline, and glutamine), and minerals, can provide health benefits. Here’s what we know about bone broth and inflammation:

1. Glycine: One of the amino acids found in bone broth, glycine, has been shown in some studies to have anti-inflammatory effects. It’s also an inhibitory neurotransmitter which can have a calming effect on the brain and potentially improve sleep.
2. Gelatin and Collagen: These are proteins found in bone broth that are derived from the bones and connective tissues of animals. While collagen supplementation has been studied for its effects on skin health and joint pain, it’s less clear whether consuming bone broth can provide a significant amount of bioavailable collagen to the body. However, some believe that the collagen and gelatin in bone broth can support gut health, which can indirectly impact inflammation since a healthy gut lining can prevent pro-inflammatory substances from entering the bloodstream.
3. Minerals: Bone broth can be a source of minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and others. Some of these minerals can play roles in reducing inflammation.
4. Joint Health: The chondroitin and glucosamine found in bone broth are often taken as supplements for joint health. There’s some evidence that they can help reduce joint pain and inflammation, though the efficacy can vary between individuals.
5. Placebo and Anecdotal Evidence: It’s worth noting that many claims about bone broth come from personal anecdotes. Some individuals report reduced symptoms of inflammation after consuming bone broth, but it’s unclear whether these effects are directly due to the broth, placebo effects, or other factors.

While there’s some evidence to support the potential anti-inflammatory effects of components found in bone broth, it’s essential to approach these claims with caution. More rigorous scientific research is needed to determine the extent of bone broth’s benefits and whether it can significantly reduce inflammation. If someone is considering incorporating bone broth into their diet for health reasons, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist to get personalized advice.

Does Brodo use preservatives?

Brodo prides itself on producing high-quality bone broths made from simple, natural ingredients. The company’s philosophy revolves around using traditional methods and clean ingredients. Generally, their broths are made by simmering bones, vegetables, and seasonings for extended periods without the use of artificial additives or preservatives.

How does Brodo make their broth?

Brodo, founded by Chef Marco Canora, prides itself on using traditional methods to prepare its bone broths. While I don’t have the exact proprietary recipe or method Brodo uses, the general process for making high-quality bone broth, in line with Brodo’s philosophy, typically involves:

1. High-Quality Ingredients: Using quality bones (often from grass-fed or pasture-raised animals) is essential. In addition to bones, fresh vegetables, herbs, and seasonings are used to add flavor.
2. Roasting the Bones (sometimes): To develop a deeper flavor, bones are sometimes roasted before simmering. Roasting can also give the broth a richer color.
3. Long Simmering: The bones, vegetables, and other ingredients are simmered in water for an extended period, often ranging from 12 to 24 hours or more. This long simmering process is crucial to extract the maximum flavor and nutrients from the bones and other ingredients.
4. Skimming Impurities: As the broth simmers, impurities or foam might rise to the surface. Regularly skimming off these impurities ensures a clearer, cleaner-tasting broth.
5. Straining: Once the simmering process is complete, the solids are strained out, leaving only the clear broth.
6. Cooling and Storing: The broth is then cooled rapidly and stored. Proper storage is crucial to ensure freshness, especially since high-quality bone broths typically don’t contain artificial preservatives.
7. Customization: Brodo offers a variety of broths and allows customers to customize their order with different add-ins like herbs, spices, and more.

Is the bone broth from Brodo expensive?

The cost of Brodo’s bone broth, or any product for that matter, can be subjective and depends on individual perspectives on value and affordability. Brodo’s bone broth tends to be priced higher than some store-bought, mass-produced broths, but there are reasons for this:

1. Quality of Ingredients: Brodo emphasizes using high-quality ingredients, often sourcing from animals that are grass-fed or pasture-raised. Quality ingredients typically come at a higher cost.
2. Production Process: Brodo’s broth is made using traditional methods, which involve long simmering times to extract flavors and nutrients. This time-intensive process can add to the cost.
3. Brand and Reputation: Brodo has built a reputation for producing some of the best bone broths in the market. Brand reputation and the promise of consistency can sometimes command a premium price.
4. Niche Market: Bone broth, especially one of high quality, caters to a specific market looking for health benefits, gourmet flavors, or both. Specialty or niche products often have higher price points.
5. Location: Brodo started in New York City, where operating costs, including rent and wages, can be higher than other areas.

To determine if Brodo’s bone broth is expensive for you, you’d need to compare its price with other bone broths available in your area or online, keeping in mind factors like quality, sourcing, and production methods. Checking Brodo’s website or storefronts, reading reviews, and comparing with other products can give you a comprehensive perspective on its value for money.