Where to Buy Turkey Liver: The Best Places to Find Fresh or Frozen Turkey Livers

Turkey liver is a nutritious organ meat that can be a delicious addition to many recipes. Rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, turkey liver has a milder taste compared to chicken or beef liver. However, it can be tricky to find turkey livers at your average grocery store. Here are some of the best places to buy fresh or frozen turkey liver.

Check Your Local Specialty Butcher Shop

Your best bet for finding high-quality, fresh turkey livers is to visit a local specialty butcher shop or meat market. These stores often carry more variety of meat cuts, including organ meats like livers. The turkey livers are likely to be fresher since these shops get frequent deliveries directly from suppliers.

Ask your butcher if they have any turkey livers in stock You can request them fresh or frozen. Fresh livers will have the best texture, but frozen can work too Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.

Many local butchers are happy to special order turkey livers if they don’t already carry them Build a relationship with the butcher staff and let them know you’re interested in turkey livers,

Check the Poultry Section at Ethnic Grocery Stores

Ethnic grocery stores, especially those specializing in Hispanic, Asian, or Mediterranean foods, are another good place to find turkey livers. These cuisines regularly incorporate organ meats like liver into traditional dishes.

Stores that carry more exotic meats and cuts typically stock livers as well. Ask if they have any turkey livers available either pre-packed in the refrigerated poultry section or from the in-house butcher counter.

You may also come across turkey liver hidden among giblet packages. Giblets are the edible organs of poultry, usually including the liver, neck, gizzard, and heart.

Order Turkey Livers Online

Ordering turkey livers online is convenient if you’re having trouble sourcing them locally. There are several online stores that specialize in poultry and game that offer turkey livers.

Goffle Road Poultry Farm is a family-owned company in New Jersey that ships frozen turkey livers nationwide. Their turkey livers are all-natural and antibiotic-free. You can order fresh or frozen turkey livers by the pound.

Other online retailers like Fossil Farms and D’Artagnan also sell high-quality frozen turkey livers. Read customer reviews to help choose a reliable source.

Check with Local Turkey Farms

If you live near turkey farms or processors, consider contacting them directly to ask if they sell turkey livers. Many smaller farms harvest the liver when processing turkeys for meat and may sell them.

Farmer’s markets are another place to check with local turkey farms and vendors. Visit toward Thanksgiving when they are likely to have more turkeys and turkey parts available.

Purchasing directly from a farm ensures your turkey livers are as fresh as possible. You’ll also be supporting local agriculture. Just be sure to use or freeze the livers within a couple days.

Can You Buy Turkey Livers at the Grocery Store?

While it’s less common, some standard grocery stores do carry turkey livers, usually frozen. Here are some departments and sections to check:

• Poultry or meat department – Look for turkey livers near other poultry in refrigerated cases or the frozen section. They may be packaged individually or mixed in with giblets.

• Kosher or halal foods – Kosher delis and sections stocking kosher poultry may have turkey livers.

• Organic/natural foods – Stores with expanded natural or organic offerings may carry turkey livers.

• Special order – Ask the butcher or meat manager if they can special order turkey livers. This may require purchasing a case quantity.

• Seasonal items – Look for turkey livers popping up around Thanksgiving when extra turkey parts are available.

How to Buy the Best Quality Turkey Livers

Follow these tips to select the freshest, best quality turkey livers:

• Look for livers that are glossy and deep red with no dry or brown spots
• Avoid livers that smell unpleasant or ammonia-like
• Fresh livers should look moist, not slimy or sticky
• If buying frozen, examine packaging for ice crystals or frost indicating improper freezing
• Confirm frozen livers are hard and rigid, not mushy or thawed
• Check expiration dates and choose livers with most time before spoiling

Storing and Handling Turkey Livers

Properly storing turkey livers preserves freshness and quality. Follow these guidelines:

• Store fresh livers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
• Freeze extra fresh livers if not using immediately
• Thaw frozen livers overnight in the fridge or under cold running water
• Cook thawed livers within 1-2 days
• Do not refreeze raw turkey livers after thawing
• Cook or freeze turkey liver within 1-2 days of purchasing for best flavor

Why Buy and Eat Turkey Livers?

Turkey livers provide a number of excellent nutrients and health benefits:

• High in protein – Just 3 ounces of turkey liver contains 12g protein
• Rich in iron – More iron than a beef steak to prevent anemia
• Source of vitamin A – Important for eye and skin health
• Vitamin B12 – For nerve cell function and red blood cell formation
• Other vitamins and minerals like copper and folate
• Mild, delicate flavor loved by liver enthusiasts

The next time a recipe calls for liver, seek out turkey livers for their nutrition and adaptability. With this guide, you now know the best places to purchase fresh or frozen turkey livers. Happy cooking!