Where to Buy Turkey Tails Near Me: A Guide to Finding Delicious Turkey Tails in Your Area

Turkey tails are an underrated delicacy that more people should try These fatty, flavorful parts come from the back of the turkey near the tail. When prepared correctly, turkey tails have a rich, meaty taste similar to bacon Their texture is also pleasantly chewy.

If you want to cook delicious turkey tail recipes at home the first step is finding out where to buy turkey tails near you. This guide will explain what turkey tails are where to source them, and how to prepare them. Read on to become a turkey tail connoisseur!

What Are Turkey Tails?

Turkey tails go by a few different names, including turkey butt, turkey rump, and pope’s nose. These names all refer to the same fatty part from the back of the turkey near the tail.

Turkey tails contain a lot of collagen, fat, and flavor. Collagen is a protein that breaks down into gelatin when cooked slowly over low heat. This gives turkey tails their characteristic chewiness. The high fat content provides juiciness and rich turkey flavor.

While many Americans discard turkey tails, they are prized in cuisines around the world. Southern cooks braise or deep fry turkey tails for special occasions. Chinese chefs stew them in sauces to make the dish called lu ji. People also pickle, bake, or grill turkey tails.

Where to Buy Turkey Tails

You may need to visit a specialty butcher shop or ethnic market to find turkey tails. Here are some places to check in your area:

Local Butcher Shops

Ask your local butcher if they carry turkey tails. Many butcher shops order them specially around the holidays when customers request them for recipes. If they don’t already stock turkey tails, ask if they can special order them for you.

Ethnic Grocery Stores

Ethnic markets are a great place to find turkey tails. Try Asian, Hispanic, Caribbean, or Southern/soul food specialty grocers. These cuisines use turkey tails in traditional dishes. Butcher counters at these stores often stock turkey tails.

Online Stores

Order turkey tails online from specialty meat purveyors if you can’t find them locally. Search for companies that focus on sustainably raised heritage breed turkeys. The old-fashioned breeds have bigger and meatier tails.

Farms

Check with local poultry farms during turkey season around the holidays. Some may allow customers to request turkey tails when purchasing whole birds. Get a whole pasture-raised turkey and simmer the tail into bone broth.

Hunting

Hunters can also source wild turkey tails when hunting turkeys is in season. Look up your state’s regulations. Remove and prepare the tails soon after harvesting the bird.

No matter where you find them, look for plump turkey tails with creamy fat caps. Avoid dry, shriveled tails. Plan on cooking them soon for the best flavor and texture.

How to Cook Turkey Tails

Slow, moist-heat cooking methods bring out the best in turkey tails. The collagen melts into tender gelatin, while the fat keeps them juicy. Here are some techniques to try:

Braise

Braise turkey tails in flavorful liquid like broth, wine, or barbecue sauce. Brown them first for better flavor. Braise tails for 1-3 hours until fork tender.

Stew

Simmer turkey tails in a savory stew with vegetables like carrots and potatoes. The stewing liquid will become a luscious gravy.

Deep Fry

Deep frying is a popular preparation in Southern cooking. Coat with spiced flour and fry turkey tails in 350°F oil for 5-7 minutes until crispy.

Smoke

Slowly smoking turkey tails over low heat infuses them with delicious smoky flavor. Rub them with spices before smoking for 2-4 hours.

Grill

Grill turkey tails indirect heat, skin-side up first. Move them directly over the heat to crisp the skin. Baste with barbecue sauce during the last few minutes.

Oven Braise

Braise turkey tails in the oven with broth and vegetables in a covered pan. Cook at 300-325°F for 2-3 hours until very tender.

Pressure Cook

A pressure cooker quickly braises turkey tails in one hour or less. Brown them first, then pressure cook with seasoning.

Bone Broth

Simmer turkey tails in water with vegetables and herbs to extract gut-healing collagen into the broth. This also tenderizes the meat.

Cooking with Turkey Tails

Once you know where to find turkey tails and how to cook them properly, what recipes should you make? Here are some delicious ways to use turkey tails:

• Braised turkey tails in gravy with mashed potatoes
• Smoky turkey tail chili
• Turkey tail confit in duck fat
• Fried turkey tails with hot honey glaze
• Turkey tail pot pie
• Thai turkey tail curry with coconut milk
• Turkey tail tacos with spicy slaw
• Southern stewed turkey tails with butter beans
• Turkish pilaf with browned turkey tails
• Japanese braised turkey tails (lu ji)
• Caribbean turkey tail stew

With endless possibilities, turkey tails are worth seeking out. Their succulent texture and rich flavor are sure to become your new favorite treat. Use this guide to locate turkey tails near you and cook them to perfection. Then enjoy these underrated turkey parts in creative recipes. Gobble up those delicious turkey tails!