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

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

Check Local Specialty Butcher Shops

Your best option for finding high-quality, fresh turkey livers is to check out a local specialty butcher shop or meat market These types of stores often have a wider variety of meat cuts available, including organ meats like liver. The turkey livers at specialty butchers are likely to be much fresher, since these shops get frequent deliveries directly from suppliers.

I recommend asking 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 as long as you thaw them properly before cooking. Let your butcher know you’re interested in purchasing turkey livers regularly. Many local butchers are happy to special order turkey livers if they don’t already carry them. Building a relationship with the butcher staff can help ensure you have a steady turkey liver supply.

Check the Poultry Section at Ethnic Grocery Stores

Ethnic grocery stores, especially those specializing in Hispanic, Asian, or Mediterranean foods, are another excellent place to find turkey livers. These cuisines often incorporate organ meats like liver into traditional dishes. Stores that carry more exotic meats and cuts are also more likely to stock livers.

I would suggest checking the poultry section and butcher counter at your local ethnic market. See if they have any turkey livers available either pre-packed in the refrigerated section or fresh from the butcher. You may also come across turkey livers included in giblet packages. Giblets are the edible organs of poultry, usually the liver, heart, gizzard, and neck.

Order Turkey Livers Online

Ordering turkey livers online is a convenient option if you’re having no luck finding them locally. There are several online stores and specialty farms that ship turkey livers nationwide.

One good option is Goffle Road Poultry Farm, a family-owned company in New Jersey that sells antibiotic-free turkey livers. You can order their frozen turkey livers by the pound. Other reputable online retailers like Fossil Farms and D’Artagnan also sell quality frozen turkey livers. I suggest reading customer reviews to help choose a reliable online source for turkey livers.

Check with Local Turkey Farms

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

Farmers markets are another spot to check with local turkey vendors and farms, especially as Thanksgiving approaches. Purchasing directly from a farm ensures your turkey livers will be as fresh as possible. It’s also a great way to support local agriculture. Just be sure to use or freeze the livers within a couple days of purchasing.

Can You Buy Turkey Livers at the Grocery Store?

While less common, some standard grocery chains do carry turkey livers, usually frozen. Here are a few sections to check when at the grocery store:

• Poultry/Meat Department – Look for turkey livers near other poultry items. They may be packaged on their own or mixed in with giblets.

• Kosher Section – Kosher delis and kosher poultry sections sometimes have turkey livers.

• Organic/Natural Foods – Expanded natural and organic sections may offer turkey livers.

• Special Order Counter – Ask the butcher or meat manager if they can order turkey livers. This may require buying a case.

• Seasonal Items – Check for turkey livers appearing around Thanksgiving when extra turkey parts are available.

How to Select the Freshest Turkey Livers

Follow these tips when shopping to choose the best quality turkey livers:

• Look for glossy livers with a deep red color and no dry or brown spots. Discard any that smell unpleasant or ammonia-like.

• Fresh livers should appear moist but not too slimy or sticky.

• If buying frozen, check packaging for frost and ice crystals which indicate improper freezing.

• Frozen livers should be hard and rigid, not mushy or thawed.

• Confirm expired dates and choose livers with the furthest from spoiling.

Proper Storage and Handling of Turkey Livers

To retain freshness and quality, be sure to store turkey livers properly:

• Refrigerate fresh livers for up to 2 days. Freeze any extras not being used 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.

• For best flavor and texture, cook or freeze turkey livers within 1-2 days of purchasing.

Why Eat Turkey Liver?

Turkey liver provides excellent nutritional value and health benefits:

• High in protein – Just 3 ounces contains 12g protein.

• Excellent source of iron – More than a beef steak.

• Rich in vitamin A for eye and skin health.

• Provides vitamin B12, copper, folate, and other B vitamins.

• Has a mild, delicate flavor perfect for patés, sauces, and stocks.

The next time you need liver for a recipe, I recommend seeking out some turkey liver. With this guide, you now know the best places to find fresh or frozen turkey livers for purchase. Get ready to enjoy the nutritional benefits of turkey liver in your cooking!