Smoked turkey tails are an underappreciated cured meat that deserves more attention. Bursting with rich, smoky flavor, these meaty poultry parts can add incredible depth and savoriness to soups, stews, beans, greens, gumbos and more. But with smoked turkey tails not being a standard grocery store staple, you may be wondering – where can I buy smoked turkey tails near me?

After doing extensive research as a cured meat enthusiast, I’m sharing the best places to find smoked turkey tails. From online mail order services to specialty butcher shops, here are 9 great options for getting your hands on these tasty smoked treats.

1. Online Mail Order and Delivery

One of the most convenient ways to source smoked turkey tails is to order them online. Several companies specialize in artisanal cured and smoked meats that they vacuum pack and ship frozen straight to your door:

• Wild Fork Foods – This Florida purveyor offers minimally processed smoked turkey tails smoked over real wood chips. Their vacuum-sealed packs keep the smoky flavor locked in.

• Porter Road – Based in Nashville, Porter Road smokes pasture-raised whole turkeys before chopping into parts like tails. Shipping is free for orders over $100.

• US Wellness Meats – Specializing in humanely raised meats, US Wellness Meats smokes their turkey tails with an old-fashioned wood fired flavor

• Carnivore Club – A monthly subscription box service, Carnivore Club sends assorted artisanal cured meats including smoked turkey tails from different producers.

• Rastelli’s – Known for their premium beef and chicken, Rastelli’s also sells bulk cases of frozen smoked turkey tails using minimal ingredients.

2. Online Grocery Delivery

You can easily add smoked turkey tails to your regular grocery order from services like Instacart and Amazon Fresh:

• Instacart – Search for “smoked turkey tails” to see if any local stores in your area carry them. Check reviews of specific products before buying.

• Amazon Fresh – Browse their smoked meat selections to see if smoked turkey tails are available. Look at ratings and descriptions.

• Walmart – Believe it or not, Walmart offers smoked turkey tail packs through their grocery delivery, well-reviewed from supplier Oakridge Bbq.

3. Butcher Shops and Specialty Grocers

Don’t overlook excellent smoked meat sources like local butcher shops and smaller specialty grocers

• Butcher shops – Skilled butchers may smoke turkey tails in-house or source them from top smokehouses. Ask your butcher for recs!

• Latin grocery stores – Smoked turkey tails are popular in Latin cuisine, so check Mexican and Central American markets.

• Soul food markets – Catering to African American customers, these stores often sell smoked turkey parts like tails. Check the refrigerated cases.

• Asian grocers – Some Asian supermarkets carry smoked poultry including turkey tails, sometimes imported brands. Doesn’t hurt to look!

4. Direct from the Smokehouse Source

For peak freshness, buying directly from a local smokehouse is the way to go:

• Visit smokehouses – Many have gift shops selling their vacuum-packed smoked meats. You can inspect quality and smell the fresh wood smoke.

• Attend warehouse sales – Periodic warehouse sales offer discounted prices for buying smoked meats in bulk, sometimes purchasing straight from their freezer.

• Join CSAs – Some smokehouses operate like CSAs, selling “shares” of their smoked meats for weekly pickup by members.

5. Farmers Markets

Always check any smoked meat vendors at your local farmers market! Quality small scale smokehouses may sell their turkey tails and other products alongside farm fresh goods.

6. BBQ Competitions

At barbecue cooking contests, teams sometimes sell their competition meats to the public. While they likely won’t compete with turkey tails, you may find them on menus.

7. Publix

The grocery chain Publix surprisingly sells packaged smoked turkey tails in their fresh meat department. Check your local store or order through Instacart.

8. Carnicerias

Hispanic-oriented carnicerias and meat markets often carry smoked turkey tails in vacuum packs, sometimes with Mexican-inspired seasoning blends.

9. Make Your Own

If you have smoking skills and equipment, you can smoke turkey tails from scratch yourself. While time consuming, you can fully control ingredients and wood smoke flavor.

Tips for Buying the Best Smoked Turkey Tails

Once you locate a source, keep these tips in mind when selecting smoked turkey tails:

• Look for responsibly raised turkeys, avoid factory farmed.

• Seek out minimally processed, all natural ingredients.

• Check for real hardwood smoke like hickory, apple, mesquite.

• Look at production date, fresher is better.

• Vacuum-sealed packaging maintains freshness.

• Prices average $1 to $3 per pound.

• Frozen tails are fine, thaw 24-48 hrs before using.

Frequently Asked Questions about Buying Smoked Turkey Tails

What are some good online stores for smoked turkey tails?

Some top online retailers for mail order smoked turkey tails include Wild Fork Foods, Porter Road, US Wellness Meats, Carnivore Club, and Rastelli’s.

Where locally can I find smoked turkey tails near me?

Check local butcher shops, Latin grocers, soul food markets, Asian supermarkets, BBQ restaurants, and farmers markets for smoked turkey tails.

Should I make my own smoked turkey tails from scratch?

You can smoke your own but it’s time consuming, taking 4-5 hours. Buying pre-smoked is easier unless you really enjoy the smoking process.

What is the price range per pound for smoked turkey tails?

On average, smoked turkey tails cost $1 to $3 per pound depending on the brand, quality, source and quantity purchased.

How can I identify high quality smoked turkey tails to buy?

Look for minimally processed all natural ingredients, responsibly raised turkeys, real hardwood smoking, and vacuum-sealed fresh packaging.

The Bottom Line