Bone marrow conjures up images of rich, savory flavors and succulent textures. This nutritious meat has long been prized by chefs and foodies. But a common question many home cooks have is – can you eat pork bone marrow?
The short answer is yes! Pork bone marrow is completely edible and safe to eat when handled properly It provides some impressive health benefits too
However, there are a few key things to know before cooking and consuming pork bone marrow, from sourcing quality bones to safely preparing and serving this meat.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about enjoying delicious and nutritious pork bone marrow, including:
- What is Bone Marrow?
- Is Pork Bone Marrow Healthy?
- Benefits of Eating Pork Bone Marrow
- Nutrition Facts
- How to Cook Pork Bone Marrow
- Food Safety Tips
- Recipe Ideas
Let’s get started exploring the wonders of pork bone marrow!
What is Bone Marrow?
Bone marrow refers to the soft, spongy tissue found inside bones. It contains special stem cells that produce new blood cells.
There are two main types of bone marrow
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Red marrow – Found mainly in flat bones like the hip, skull, sternum, vertebrae and ribs. Red marrow is where blood cell production occurs.
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Yellow marrow – Found in the hollow interior of long bones like the femur and humerus. Yellow marrow stores energy fats.
Pork bones contain both varieties of marrow. The femur bones of pigs have the highest marrow content.
Is Pork Bone Marrow Healthy?
Yes, pork bone marrow is a highly nutritious meat that offers some great health benefits. Here are some of the key ways eating pork bone marrow can boost your health:
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Rich source of nutrients – Bone marrow contains protein, vitamins A, B12, K2, iron, zinc, selenium and more. It provides nearly half your daily needs for vitamin B12 in just one tablespoon.
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Anti-inflammatory effects – Substances like glycine and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in bone marrow can lower inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is linked to diseases like arthritis, diabetes and heart disease.
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Supports gut health – The glutamine in bone marrow helps rebuild the protective mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract. This can relieve symptoms of leaky gut syndrome.
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Boosts skin health – Collagen and vitamin A in bone marrow improve skin elasticity and hydration, reducing wrinkles and aging.
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Builds strong bones – Bone marrow is rich in calcium, phosphorus and vitamin K2, nutrients vital for maintaining bone mineral density as you age.
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Aids joint health – Compounds like glucosamine and chondroitin in marrow provide building blocks for healthy cartilage, tendons and connective tissues.
Of course, pork bone marrow should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. But adding it to your menu provides some excellent health perks.
Nutrition Facts of Pork Bone Marrow
A one tablespoon serving of pork bone marrow contains:
- 110 calories
- 12g fat
- 1g protein
Pork bone marrow is very high in fat, providing mostly heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. It contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Marrow is also rich in vitamin B12, providing over 140% of your daily needs. It contains smaller amounts of other B vitamins like folate, riboflavin and niacin.
Minerals in pork bone marrow include iron, zinc, selenium, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium.
How to Cook Pork Bone Marrow
There are endless ways to incorporate nutritious pork bone marrow into recipes. Here are some tips:
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Roast marrow bones – Roast pork femur or knuckle bones upright at 400°F until the marrow is soft. Spread on bread or add to pasta.
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Simmer in broth – Gently simmer pork bones to extract marrow and create a nourishing bone broth.
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Sauté vegetables – Render marrow in a pan and use it to sauté veggies like onions, mushrooms and greens.
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Mix into ground meat – Blend marrow into the ground pork or beef for extra moisture and richness in burgers or meatballs.
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Stir into risotto – Whisk marrow into the rice at the end of cooking for a creamy, savory risotto.
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Flavor sauces – Whip marrow into pan sauces, gravies and reductions just before serving.
The options are endless for creatively cooking with pork bone marrow!
Food Safety Tips for Pork Bone Marrow
To safely enjoy bone marrow, be sure to:
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Source quality bones – Purchase marrow bones from reputable butchers and markets. Ask for femur or knuckle bones split lengthwise for easy marrow removal.
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Cook thoroughly – Roast or braise marrow bones until the interior reaches at least 145°F, or the marrow is completely melted and soft.
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Serve immediately – Don’t allow cooked marrow to sit at room temperature for over 2 hours. Refrigerate leftovers within 1 hour.
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Avoid cross-contamination – Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw marrow bones. Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw marrow.
Following basic food safety guidelines will allow you to enjoy delicious pork bone marrow while minimizing the risk of foodborne illness.
Delicious Pork Bone Marrow Recipe Ideas
Here are just a few tasty recipe ideas for cooking with nutritious pork bone marrow:
- Roasted marrow bones with parsley-caper gremolata
- Pork bone broth with carrots and celery
- Bone marrow butter atop grilled steaks
- Marrow risotto with peas and prosciutto
- Pork burgers with melted marrow
- Stir fry bok choy with marrow and oyster sauce
- Pork bone marrow pasta carbonara
Let your creativity run wild when cooking with pork bone marrow! It adds a wonderful depth of flavor and silky texture to both savory and sweet dishes.
Can You Eat Pork Bone Marrow?
Pork bone marrow is absolutely safe and delicious to eat when fully cooked. It provides a powerhouse of nutrition to support your immune system, bones, joints, skin, and digestive health.
Sourcing high-quality pork bones and properly handling bone marrow are key for safely enjoying this superfood meat. With some creative recipes, you can easily add pork bone marrow into your diet.
So next time you visit the butcher, bring home some split marrow bones. Roast, simmer, sauté and savor pork bone marrow for its amazing flavor and stellar nutritional benefits. Your health and tastebuds will thank you!
Bone marrow is so nutritious
FAQ
What does pork bone marrow taste like?
What kind of bone marrow can you eat?
Is it safe to eat pork bones?
Is bone marrow the healthiest meat?
How to eat roasted bone marrow?
Just don’t let it get too fussy. Here are six tips for how to eat roasted bone marrow: Shallot and currant confit. Coat in flour or breadcrumbs. This is not so much a flavor pairing as a note on preparation. Coated, the marrow’s surface will be crispy and golden, a meaty crème brulee of sorts. Pair it with a small, sharp, salad.
Is it safe to eat bone marrow?
As long as the meat reaches a safe temperature, it’s perfectly safe to eat the marrow inside the bones. Cook all raw beef, pork, lamb, and veal steaks, chops, and roasts to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F as measured with a food thermometer before removing meat from the heat source.
Can you eat cow bone marrow?
Yes, cow bone marrow is acceptable to consume as it is rich in beneficial saturated fats, minerals, and proteins such as collagen. It can be enjoyed directly from the bone, spread on bread, or even added to tacos. Additionally, the marrow bones can be simmered with vegetables to create a nourishing bone broth.
What can be eaten with bone marrow?
Bone marrow can be served with toast and marmalade. It can also be spread over your favorite dishes, including meats, bread, roasted veggies, and more. Bone broth is also a common choice, which is made by simmering bones for 24–48 hours to extract the beneficial nutrients and compounds found within the bone and bone marrow.