Pacific Foods' Signature Slow-Simmer Process
Pacific Foods' bone broth starts with a foundational commitment to organic, non-GMO ingredients. Unlike conventional stocks and broths, which may prioritize speed and cost, Pacific focuses on a deliberate, chef-inspired method to build flavor. The initial steps closely mirror a high-quality homemade recipe, emphasizing a slow and gentle simmering process over extended hours to extract maximum flavor and nutrients from the ingredients.
Core Ingredients for a Rich Flavor Profile
The ingredients list for Pacific bone broth is intentionally simple and authentic, relying on whole foods rather than artificial additives. While specific ratios are proprietary, their product labels provide a clear picture of what goes into each carton.
Chicken Bone Broth Ingredients (Unsalted Version):
- Organic Chicken Bone Broth (Water, Organic Chicken, Organic Onions, Organic Spices, Organic Carrots, Organic Celery, Organic Rosemary Extract [Antioxidant])
- Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Beef Bone Broth Ingredients:
- Organic Beef Bone Stock
- Reconstituted Organic Vegetable Juices (Water and concentrated juices of Onions, Carrots)
- Sea Salt
- Organic Roasted Garlic Puree
- Organic Yeast Extract
- Organic Tomato Puree (Water, Organic Tomato Paste)
- Organic Garlic
- Organic Celery Juice Concentrate
- Organic Spices
The careful selection of these ingredients, including organic chicken and humanely raised organic beef, is critical to the final product's quality. Spices like rosemary extract and the addition of apple cider vinegar, which helps pull nutrients from the bones during simmering, are key to the final flavor.
The Flash-Heating Difference: Why It Doesn't Gel
One common question from consumers comparing Pacific's bone broth to a homemade version is why the store-bought product doesn't have a gelatinous texture when chilled. The answer lies in the final manufacturing step: flash-heating.
The Process Explained:
- Initial Simmer: The organic bones, vegetables, and herbs are slow-simmered for an extended period, allowing collagen and proteins to be released into the liquid, just like at home.
- Fat Removal: After simmering, the fat is carefully skimmed from the broth.
- Flash-Heating: The broth undergoes a crucial, high-temperature pasteurization step before packaging. This process is known as denaturation, which essentially un-gels the collagen by relaxing the protein structure. The collagen remains in the broth, but the heat treatment prevents it from solidifying into a jelly-like texture when refrigerated.
- Aseptic Packaging: The broth is then sealed in an aseptic carton, a sterile process that allows it to remain shelf-stable for an extended period without the need for preservatives.
This method ensures the product is both safe and convenient for consumers while retaining the nutritional benefits of the long simmer.
Comparison: Pacific Foods Bone Broth vs. Homemade
To better understand the differences and benefits, here's a side-by-side comparison of Pacific Foods' bone broth versus a classic homemade preparation.
| Feature | Pacific Foods Bone Broth | Homemade Bone Broth |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Organic bones, vegetables, herbs, and spices. Non-GMO, no artificial preservatives. | Whatever you choose to put in. Can control all sourcing and additions. |
| Cooking Time | A signature "slow-simmer" process, cooking over a long period at low heat. | Typically 12 to 48 hours to fully extract nutrients from bones. |
| Collagen Texture | Undergoes flash-heating, which denatures the collagen and prevents gelling upon cooling. | Gels naturally into a thick consistency when chilled due to high gelatin content. |
| Convenience | Ready to pour, heat, and enjoy directly from the shelf-stable carton. | Requires significant time and effort for preparation, cooking, and straining. |
| Protein Content | Each one-cup serving provides 8-9 grams of protein. | Varies based on bones and connective tissue used, but can be very high. |
| Cost | Generally more affordable and accessible than specialty or fresh store options. | Variable cost depending on ingredient sourcing; often requires a large quantity of bones. |
| Customization | Flavor is set by the manufacturer, though you can season it to your taste. | Full control over flavor profile by adjusting herbs, spices, and vegetable ratios. |
How to Use Pacific Foods Bone Broth
This shelf-stable broth is incredibly versatile and can be used in numerous culinary applications.
- Sipping: Many people enjoy Pacific bone broth as a warm, savory beverage. Just pour, heat, and sip.
- Soup Base: Use it as the foundation for homemade soups, stews, and ramen to add deep, savory flavor.
- Cooking Grains: Replace water with Pacific bone broth when cooking rice, quinoa, or other grains to infuse them with extra nutrients and flavor.
- Sauces and Gravies: It can be used to deglaze a pan or form the base of a rich gravy or sauce.
- Braises and Roasts: Add it to slow-cooked meals to keep meat tender and flavorful.
Conclusion
In summary, Pacific bone broth is a commercially produced, high-quality product made by slow-simmering organic bones and vegetables. The key to its unique properties is a high-heat flash-pasteurization process that ensures safety and a smooth, liquid consistency while preserving the extracted proteins and collagen. This makes it a convenient and nutritious alternative for those who don't have the time to make their own broth from scratch. For a taste of the organic, simple ingredients, consider giving Pacific a try.
To learn more about the nutritional science behind why collagen is so valuable, you can read more here: The Importance of Viscosity in Bone Broth Production
