Where to Buy Pork Brains: A Guide to Sourcing This Unique Meat

Pork brains may not be a common staple in most household kitchens, but they are a fascinating offal ingredient used in many global cuisines. From Mexican tacos de sesos to Italian cervella fritte, pork brains can provide a rich delicate flavor and texture when prepared properly. However finding a reliable source to buy quality pork brains is key. This guide will walk through everything you need to know about buying pork brains, from understanding regulations to sourcing from specialty stores and online retailers.

Before diving into where to procure pork brains, let’s briefly discuss what they are and how they are used. Pork brains come from the head of a pig and are the actual brain tissue. Most commercial pig brains available weigh about 1 pound. They have a very soft, almost custard-like texture when cooked. The taste is mild, delicate and slightly sweet.

Pork brains are eaten in many cultures around the world. In Mexican cuisine, they are breaded and fried into tacos de sesos. Italians enjoy cervella fritte, which is breaded and fried pork brains. Germans have a dish called hirn mit ei, or brains with eggs. Pork brains also occasionally show up in pâtés, terrines, and meat sausages. They bring unique texture and rich flavor to these dishes.

Now that you have a better understanding of pork brains, let’s explore where to find and purchase them.

Buying Pork Brains: Regulations and Safety

Pig brains for consumption must come from USDA inspected slaughter and processing facilities. This ensures proper screening for disease and contaminants. Unlike most other meat, pork brains require additional inspection and testing for safety. They can harbor pathogens like salmonella.

Proper handling is also critical, as pork brains are highly perishable. Look for vacuum sealed packages without rips, tears, or exposure to air. Refrigerate immediately at 40°F or below and use within 2-3 days. Discard if you detect any unpleasant odors. Always cook pork brains thoroughly to an internal temperature of 160°F.

With the proper regulations and safe handling, eating pork brains is safe. Just take the same precautions as you would with raw chicken or eggs. Now let’s go over your purchasing options.

Buying Pork Brains at Specialty Meat Shops

The best place to reliably source fresh, high-quality pork brains is your local specialty butcher shop. Independent meat purveyors that process whole animals often carry harder-to-find items like offal and organ meats. Here are some tips for finding pork brains at boutique meat shops:

• Check if they make their own sausages. Pork brains are sometimes used as a binder and extender in fresh sausages. This is a sign they carry whole hog products.

• Look for shops featuring exotic meats like venison, bison, elk, etc. They are more likely to have full nose-to-tail animal utilization.

• Ask at the counter if they can source or specially order pork brains. Even if not regularly stocked, a good butcher will locate some through their channels.

• Mexican carnicerías, German metzgereien, and Asian markets are also good bets based on culinary traditions.

Shopping local lets you inspect product freshness, quality, and safety. You can request or watch the pork brains being cut to order. Personalized service and direct access to expertise are also benefits over big box chains.

Mail Order and Online Retailers

If specialty meat markets are not accessible in your area, the internet provides more options for buying pork brains. Online mail order companies ship frozen pork brains nationwide, which allows stocking up. Here are some recommended online brain suppliers:

• Exotic Meat Markets – Sells 1 lb. packages of pork brains frozen and vacuum-sealed. They source from USDA plants.

• Holy Grail Steak Co. – Offers 2 lb. boxes of pork brains inspected and frozen. Based in New York.

• Walton’s Inc. – Specializes in mail order meat gifts and exotic meats like pork brains.

• Fossil Farms – Carries pasture-raised pork brains when available. Ships frozen.

• Tillman’s Meats – Has fresh and frozen pork brains with online ordering and delivery.

Always confirm upfront that the company follows USDA procedures for safely handling pork brains. Check sourcing info, processing dates, shipping methods, and freezing to ensure you receive a high-quality product.

Buying Pork Brains at Retail Meat Counters

Lastly, while less common, some full-service supermarket meat departments may be able to source pork brains for you. This is more likely at regional and ethnic grocers. Ask the in-store butcher if they can order or procure whole pork brains through their distribution channels.

Even major chains like Kroger have sometimes offered pork brains in the past. It never hurts to ask your local meat counter if they have access. This gives you the convenience of buying pork brains along with your regular groceries.

Storing and Using Your Pork Brains

Once you secure some quality pork brains, proper storage is critical due to the perishability. Keep them tightly wrapped in the coldest section of your refrigerator and use within 2-3 days. You can also freeze for longer term storage. Either cook frozen brains immediately after thawing or thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.

Before cooking pork brains, soak in salted, acidic water for 1-2 hours to draw out blood and soften the texture. Gently rinse, then poach in stock or milk before using in recipes. Fully cooked pork brains should be firm with a custard-like texture. Enjoy them in tacos, fried rice, sandwiches, scrambled eggs and any dishes that can benefit from their rich, delicate flavor.

With this guide to where to buy pork brains, you’ll be ready to source this unique ingredient. Specialty butchers, mail order, and ethnic grocers offer the best access. Always look for vacuum-sealed packages with USDA inspection to ensure freshness and safety. Then get creative cooking pork brains in global recipes! What’s your favorite way to eat pork brains? Let us know!