Where to Buy Pork Intestines Near Me: A Guide to Sourcing This Unique Ingredient

Pork intestines, also known as chitterlings or chitlins, are a key ingredient in many cuisines around the world. From soul food to Asian dishes, their unique texture and flavor make them a highly sought-after item. But where can you buy pork intestines if you don’t have a specialty butcher near you? This guide will walk you through the best places to source fresh or frozen pork intestines close to home.

What Are Pork Intestines?

Let’s first cover what exactly pork intestines are. Pork intestines come from the small intestine of pigs. They are long hollow tubes that transport food through the digestive system.

The small intestine consists of three sections

• Duodenum – Connects to the stomach
• Jejunum – Makes up the midsection
• Ileum – Joins to the large intestine

After slaughter and cleaning, the entire small intestine is used. The intestine itself doesn’t have much flavor. Rather, it takes on the flavors of whatever it is cooked with.

Some key facts about pork intestines:

• High in collagen, great for adding body and texture
• Become tender when slowly braised or stewed
• Prized for their juicy, gelatinous texture
• Benefit from long marinating and simmering
• Can have a strong odor before cooking
• Require very thorough cleaning

Now let’s look at the best places to source fresh or frozen pork intestines based on your location.

Visit an Asian Market

My first recommendation is to check your local Asian supermarket. Pork intestines are used in many Asian cuisines, so markets that stock ingredients for cooking Chinese, Filipino, Korean or Vietnamese dishes are a good bet.

When you walk in, head straight to the meat department. Look for the offal section where you may find whole pork intestines sold in bulk by the pound. They may also have frozen intestines neatly packed.

If you don’t see them out, be sure to ask a butcher or staff member. Describe what you’re looking for and they should be able to point you to pork intestines, if they carry them.

An added bonus is that specialty Asian markets sometimes sell intestines that have been pre-cleaned. This saves you the tedious task of washing them yourself. Be aware that pre-cleaned intestines will cost more per pound.

Check Hispanic Markets

Another great option is Hispanic grocery stores, carnicerias or tiendas. In Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban and other Latin cuisines, pork intestines feature in dishes like menudo.

Follow the same process as with Asian markets. Head to the meat department and check the offal offerings. If they don’t have them in the refrigerated cases, inquire with a butcher.

Depending on the specific market, you may also find chitterlings sold pre-chopped, pickled, salted or prepped for cooking. This can save preparation time.

Visit a Halal or Kosher Butcher

Since pork is avoided in Islamic and Jewish traditions, halal and kosher butchers don’t typically carry pork intestines. However, they do stock a wide variety of lamb, goat and beef offal.

So if you strike out finding pork intestines, consider substituting with lamb or goat intestines. They have a similar texture when cooked and work well in place of pork. Check with the halal or kosher butcher to see their offal selection.

Talk to Your Local Butcher

Don’t have any specialty grocers nearby? Your neighborhood butcher is also worth consulting.

While they may not have intestines in stock every day, a good butcher can procure them for you with some advance notice.

Reach out to the meat department manager and explain that you’re looking to purchase fresh or frozen pork intestines. Ask if they can order them or point you to a supplier who carries them.

With a few days lead time, your butcher may be able to get intestines from their distributor. Going straight to the source increases your chances of finding them.

Order Online

Can’t find intestines locally? Turn to the internet! A number of online stores sell pork intestines and ship them frozen straight to your door.

Sites like Walton’s, Exotic Meat Markets, and Rodder’s carry fresh and frozen chitterlings sourced from small farms. Prices are reasonable and shipping is fast.

Online is sometimes the easiest route, especially for harder-to-find offal. Just be sure to closely follow safe handling instructions once your frozen intestines arrive.

Check with Local Farms

As a last resort, consider contacting farms in your area. While larger commercial operations likely won’t bother with specialty offal, smaller family farms may accommodate requests for intestines.

Reach out to pastured pork producers in your region. Explain what you’re looking for and ask if they’d be willing to harvest intestines for you. Some may already stock them frozen.

Connecting directly with local pig farms could unlock a steady supplier right in your neighborhood. It never hurts to ask!

Preparing and Cooking Pork Intestines

Once you’ve sourced your pork intestines, proper preparation and cooking is key. Here are a few tips:

• Rinse thoroughly under cold water to clean. Repeat multiple times.
• Cut or scrape away any fat, membranes or debris.
• Soak in heavily salted water for 1-2 hours to draw out impurities.
• Parboil before cooking to tenderize and reduce odor.
• Simmer or braise for hours until tender.
• Frying or grilling alone doesn’t yield the best texture.

Taking the time to properly clean and cook intestines removes any off-putting odor and leads to the characteristic soft, velvety texture.

Creative Ways to Use Pork Intestines

Once cooked, pork intestines are incredibly versatile. Here are just a few ways to put them to delicious use:

• Chopped up in soul food classics like chitterlings and hog maws
• Added to stews and pot likker for body
• Sliced thin and pan-fried for chicharrón
• Braised or stewed in Mexican menudo
• Served in Filipino dinuguan stew
• Stir-fried with garlic, ginger and chili
• Simmered for hours then tossed with pasta

From traditional dishes to fusion recipes, the options are endless. Those who develop a taste for their unique texture find that cooked pork intestines become downright addicting.

So get out there and start sourcing. With some persistence, you’ll find a supplier for these humble yet satisfying pork bits. Let us know if you have any other tips for finding chitterlings!