Small enough that the whole bird, even the tiny bones, can be eaten, quail is a type of poultry. The bones soften when cooked. Quail is frequently used in French, Japanese, Polish, and Portuguese cuisine but is enjoyed worldwide. Most commonly, it’s stuffed with savory seasonings or made into a meat pie.
Quail may seem like an unusual protein to find at your local supermarket. These little birds don’t show up on our plates as often as chicken or turkey. But quail is becoming more popular as more people learn about how good it tastes and how healthy it is. The good news is that if you know where to look, you can buy quail meat at many grocery stores.
What is Quail?
First, let’s start with the basics. Quail is a small bird in the pheasant family. There are several different species of quail but the most common type farmed for meat is the coturnix quail. These birds are quite small weighing only a few ounces each.
Quail meat has a mild sweet taste. It is lighter than chicken or turkey but with a richer more complex flavor. The meat is lean and low in fat. Many people describe quail as tasting like a cross between chicken and pheasant.
The tiny eggs produced by quail are also edible Quail eggs have skyrocketed in popularity recently. They are used raw in food presentations, added to salads, or boiled and pickled as a snack
Benefits of Eating Quail
So why eat quail instead of traditional poultry? Here are some of the top benefits of adding this bird to your diet:
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Protein-rich—quail has all 9 essential amino acids and is a full source of protein.
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Low in Fat – Quail contains less fat than chicken and much less than beef. It is a leaner alternative.
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High in Iron – Quail contains more iron than other meats, making it great for preventing anemia.
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Anti-Inflammatory – Quail contains healthy fats that are linked to reducing inflammation in the body.
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Rich in Vitamins – Quail provides B vitamins, folate, and vitamin A. The eggs are very high in vitamin K.
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Versatile – Quail can be baked, grilled, used in stews, soups, or sautés for endless recipes.
Where to Buy Quail
Now that you know more about quail, let’s discuss where you can purchase it. Quail is showing up more often in grocery stores these days, but it is still not as ubiquitous as chicken or beef. Here are some tips on where to find it:
Specialty Grocery Stores
Your best bet for finding quail is to check larger specialty grocers in your area. Stores like Whole Foods Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, and Earth Fare are likely to carry it frozen or fresh. You may find whole quail, boneless quail breast, and even quail eggs.
Make sure to check both the poultry section and the freezer section. The availability may depend on your region as well. Call ahead to a store near you to check.
Local Farms and Butcher Shops
Another great option is to look for quail sold locally at farms, butchers, or farmer’s markets. The quail will be extremely fresh. You can also custom order exactly how much quail you want.
Ask any butchers or poultry vendors at your local market if they can source quail. Or search online directories for farms in your area that sell quail meat or eggs.
Online Shopping
If you can’t find quail in stores near you, there are several websites that ship fresh quail nationwide.
Companies like D’Artagnan, Joyce Farms, and PeachDish offer overnight delivery of whole quail, boneless breasts, and value packs. Prices are very reasonable too.
This makes it easy to try quail even if your local markets don’t normally stock it. Keep the quail frozen until ready to cook.
How to Cook Quail
Quail may seem delicate, but it is actually very easy to cook. Here are some simple methods:
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Roast whole quail at 400°F for 20-30 minutes until browned and cooked through.
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Sauté quail breasts in a pan just 2-3 minutes per side.
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Braise quail legs in red wine or broth for falling-off-the-bone meat.
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Grill quail over medium high heat for 5-7 minutes until charred.
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Slow cook quail in stews, chili, or casseroles.
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Marinate and skewer quail for kebabs or slider sandwiches.
Experiment with global flavors! Quail loves robust seasonings like Cajun, jerk, barbecue, Italian herbs, miso, and Indian spices.
Popular Ways to Serve Quail
Beyond basic preparations, what are some tasty ways to serve quail at home?
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Quail fried rice – Dice cooked quail and stir into fried rice and veggies.
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Quail tacos – Stuff soft tortillas with shredded quail, avocado, cotija cheese.
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Quail skewers – Alternate bites of quail, peppers, and pineapple.
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Quail pot pie – Bake quail in gravy and veggies topped with puff pastry.
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Quail casserole – Combine quail, wild rice, cream of mushroom soup, bread crumbs.
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Quail salad – Toss quail breast with arugula, fennel, orange segments, and vinaigrette.
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Quail sliders – Pile pulled quail on mini buns with spicy mayo and pickle chips.
Time to Try Quail!
As you can see, quail is widely available if you know where to find it. Specialty grocers, butcher shops, and online retailers offer easy access to this lean, flavorful bird.
Quail provides a tasty change of pace from everyday chicken. It is packed with protein and nutrients but lower in fat and calories. Both quail meat and eggs add gourmet flair to meals.
Hopefully this guide gave you plenty of tips for sourcing quail and cooking it in delicious ways at home. Don’t be intimidated by this delicate bird. With simple preparations like roasting, sautéing, and grilling, anyone can master cooking quail. It’s the ideal protein to add variety to your diet.
The next time you are grocery shopping, head to the poultry aisle or freezer section. Grab a pack of fresh quail and prepare to be amazed at the wonderful flavor and texture. From skewers to tacos to pot pies, quail offers the chance to experience new tastes and healthy nutrition in one small package. Give this incredible bird a try today!
How to tell if quail is bad
The meat from a quail has gone bad when it turns a dull gray color or looks slimy. Other signs that quail has gone bad include if it has an unpleasant smell or appears frost burnt.
If you want to know if quail eggs are bad, look for cracks or holes in their shells. If either is present, discard the egg. If you crack open an egg and smell or see something that doesn’t look or smell right (like a chicken egg, the yolk is yellow and the white is clear before cooking), you should throw it away.
How are quail raised?
That quail you buy at the store could have come from a small or large specialty game farm. These farms raise quail all year long. Quail are omnivores which means they eat foods like seeds, berries, and insects.
Quails lay eggs all year long. The average quail starts laying eggs at six weeks old and can make up to 300 eggs a year.
Can You REALLY Hatch Quail Eggs From The Grocery Store?
FAQ
Why raise quail instead of chickens?
Is it legal to eat quail?
What is a substitute for quail?
Can you buy quail eggs in the US?
Where can I buy Quail?
To buy Quail, check your area or an online directory for a poultry and livestock shop. Since Quail are versatile and popular poultry, you are likely to find a shop selling Quail supplies in town. It is best to go directly to local Quail breeders to learn about the chicks and eggs and how they are raised.
Where can I buy frozen quail meat?
You can find frozen quail meat for sale in major cities, where it is regularly stocked at specialty and Asian grocers. For the best taste and texture, though, we strongly recommend sourcing the freshest quail meat available — which can be quite tricky if you don’t live in an area where it can be hunted in the wild.
Can I buy Quail chicks for shipping?
Quail chicks are not always available for shipping. To purchase the birds yourself, you can type in ‘quail chicks for sale near me,’ and a nearby store will surely pop up on your search online. Alternatively, you can ask people in town which stores sell live quail birds and other poultry needs. This information is not about the availability of shipping for Quail chicks. Why Choose Quails?
Does Whole Foods sell quail eggs?
The information provided on this website should not be relied upon to make health-related decisions. Find THE FARMSTAND Quail Eggs at Whole Foods Market. Get nutrition, ingredient, allergen, pricing and weekly sale information!