What is bone marrow, what does it taste like, how do you cook it, how do you eat it, and what animals does it come from? This article is going to answer any questions you might have about this worldwide delicacy! From history to preparation, here's everything you need to know about bone marrow!
Guide To Bone Marrow
If you've never heard of eating bone marrow before, you could be a little apprehensive (or even curious). Believe it or not, eating marrow actually dates back thousands of years and is still enjoyed all over the world today.
So what exactly is it and how should you incorporate it into your diet (and why)? Just keep on reading and you'll learn everything there is to know!
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🤔 What Is Bone Marrow
Bone marrow is a spongy tissue that is found in the center of bones. It acts as the main location for the production of red blood cells in both birds and mammals.
In the supermarket, you'll usually find marrow bones from cows. This is due to the size, as long straight femurs are most commonly used since they contain the most marrow. However, you could also enjoy it from pigs, deer, elk, goats, and sheep.
📚 History
In more recent years, bone marrow has become increasingly popular. However, eating bone marrow actually dates all the way back to prehistoric times! Early humans and cavemen used to crack open the bones of animals (such as lions) and eat the marrow inside.
🍲 How To Cook
Bone marrow is incredibly quick and easy to cook!
To prepare your bones for cooking, it is best to place them into a container of salted water in the refrigerator for 24 hours before you get started. Soaking the bones like this helps to clean them and remove any residual blood.
To cook them, simply set them on a baking sheet and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Pop them in the oven at 450°F (230°C) for about 25 minutes, or until the marrow begins bubbling.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven, let the bones cool slightly, and then enjoy!
😋 What Does Bone Marrow Taste Like
It has a smooth, buttery, and creamy consistency (such as pudding or very soft butter). The flavor is slightly nutty, semisweet, and incredibly rich.
🍽️ Bone Marrow Recipes
There are a few different ways in which you can enjoy bone marrow. All of which are easy to prepare and incredibly delicious!
First of all, it can be enjoyed by itself! Simply roast it in the oven and spread it on some toast (just like butter).
Additionally, bone marrow can be added to gravies, sauces, or broths for a ton of extra flavor!
*Plus, after you've eaten the marrow, you can use the leftover bones to make a delicious bone broth!
💪 Is Bone Marrow Good For Me
Bone marrow is packed with important vitamins and nutrients! It is loaded with collagen, glucosamine, and glycine. However, it is very high in fat.
Here are the nutrition facts for one tablespoon of bone marrow.
- Calories: 110
- Total Fat: 12 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Vitamin B12: 7% RDI
- Riboflavin: 6% RDI
- Vitamin A: 1% RDI
- Thiamine: 1% RDI
- Iron: 4% RDI
- Vitamin E: 2% RDI
- Phosphorous: 1% RDI
🛒 Where To Buy
Believe it or not, you can easily find marrow bones at any of your favorite grocery stores! Simply ask the butcher at the meat counter!
Choosing The Best Marrow Bones
- Look for bones that are pale pink in color (some blood spots are acceptable).
- You won't know how much bone marrow is inside of a bone until it is cut open, so always make sure to buy more than you need.
- Ask your butcher to cut the bones for you. They can be cut horizontally for a beautiful presentation or vertically for easier access to the bone marrow.
- Opt for organic and free-range bones as these will have the best flavor. Plus, bone marrow is fairly inexpensive even when purchasing the higher quality options.
🥡 Storing
Once cooked, remove the marrow from the bones and transfer it into an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
You can also freeze marrow bones before they've been cooked. Place them into an airtight bag and then remove as much air as possible. Finally, they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Now you know everything you need to know about eating bone marrow! Are you excited to try it out or have you had it before? Leave a comment down below and let me know what you think!
>>>>See all of my recipes HERE<<<<
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- What Is London Broil - Using this cooking method will yield amazingly tender and delicious beef every time!
- What Is Bratwurst - Take a look at what makes this German sausage so special!
📋 Recipe
What Is Bone Marrow: Roasted Bone Marrow (+More Information About How & Why To Use It!)
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef marrow bones (cut canoe style)
- ¼ tablespoon ground black pepper (to taste)
- ½ tablespoon sea salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place your canoe-cut marrow bones onto the baking sheet with the cut side facing up. Lightly season them with freshly ground pepper and sea salt.3 lbs beef marrow bones, ¼ tablespoon ground black pepper, ½ tablespoon sea salt
- Roast the bones at 450°F (230°C) for 25 minutes, or until the marrow begins to gently bubble.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately with a pinch of sea salt.
Equipment You May Need
Notes
- If you are getting your bones from a butcher, make sure to ask for pieces that are cut from the center of the leg bone. This is where there is the most bone marrow!
- The size of the bone does not directly relate to the amount of marrow inside. Make sure you buy extra bones to ensure you have enough!
- Having your bones cut canoe-style makes it easier to get to the marrow. However, you can still enjoy your bone marrow even if they are cross-cut!
- To store: If you happen to have any marrow leftover, you can remove it from the bone and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days.
- To freeze: These bones freeze amazingly well! Remove the cooked marrow from the bone and store it in an airtight container for a maximum of 3 months. Thaw overnight.
- To reheat: Reheat small portions with little bursts in the microwave.
Nutrition
Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!
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