White & Brown Stocks

Traditionally, and a little inaccurately, stocks are classified according to color. White stock is really pale golden, and brown stock only tends toward brown. The names probably derive from the treatment of the ingredients, which are browned for brown stock but left uncolored for white stock, resulting in quite distinct flavors. Furthermore, white stocks are made from meat and poultry, while brown stocks are based only on meat. In either case, neutrality is the key; a good stock reinforces and brings out other flavors but never calls attention to itself.