Ham Stock or Broth

Ham stock, or broth, is a savory liquid made by simmering ham bones, often with leftover meat, along with aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery, and sometimes herbs. It's a foundational ingredient in American and European cuisines, particularly in Southern U.S. cooking, where it's used as a flavorful base for soups, stews, beans, and rice dishes.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Ham broth is generally low in carbohydrates and fat but provides a good amount of protein and minerals like sodium, potassium, and phosphorus from the bones and meat. A typical one-cup serving contains roughly 40-70 calories, depending on the specific recipe and fat content.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	12 kcal
Protein	1.5 g
Carbs	0.5 g
Fat	0.3 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	0.2 g
Sodium	480 mg
Sodium	480 mg
Potassium	80 mg
Phosphorus	20 mg
Magnesium	4 mg
Zinc	0.2 mg
Niacin (B3)	0.3 mg
Vitamin B6	0.02 mg
Iron	0.1 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, ham stock is a classic example of 'waste-not, want-not' cooking, transforming a leftover bone into a rich, flavorful foundation for other meals. Nutritionally, the slow simmering process extracts collagen and minerals from the bones, which can contribute to joint health and provide electrolytes.