Where to Buy Raw Chicken Hearts Near Me

Chicken hearts are an underrated superfood that can be a nutritious addition to your diet. Though not as common in Western cuisine, they are integral in many Asian and South American dishes. Chicken hearts provide a powerhouse of nutrients while being inexpensive and readily available. If you want to add them to your meals but aren’t sure where to find them, this article will guide you on where to buy raw chicken hearts near you.

Why Eat Chicken Hearts?

Chicken hearts are packed with protein, vitamins and minerals. A one cup serving contains

• 38g of protein – much more than a chicken breast or thigh. Excellent for building muscle and strength.

• High amounts of iron, zinc, phosphorus and B vitamins like niacin. These support red blood cell production, immune function bone health and cellular energy.

• More omega-3 fatty acids than regular chicken meat. Omega-3s reduce inflammation and heart disease risk.

• Less calories and fat compared to dark chicken meat, with a similar mineral profile.

Chicken hearts also contain Coenzyme Q10, an antioxidant that protects the heart and improves heart function. Eating them 2-3 times a week may lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

With their stellar nutrition, affordability and meaty, rich taste, chicken hearts deserve a place in your diet. They can be cooked just like muscle meats, holding up well to grilling, sauteing, stewing and more.

Where to Find Raw Chicken Hearts Nearby

You may be wondering – where can I buy fresh. raw chicken hearts in my area? Here are some places to look

1. Local Butcher Shops and Meat Markets

A local butcher or meat market is often the best place to find high-quality chicken hearts. Butchers can order hearts specifically and offer them freshly packaged, not frozen. Visit a butcher counter at your grocery store or seek out an independent butcher. Let them know you’re interested in chicken hearts and ask when they expect to have them in stock.

Many ethnic meat markets and halal butchers regularly carry hearts as well. Check Asian, Hispanic, Middle Eastern and halal markets in your vicinity.

2. Mainstream Grocery Stores

Even regular supermarkets will sometimes have raw chicken hearts available. They are often cheaper here than at specialty stores. Look in the poultry or meat section, sometimes in the freezer or refrigerated cases.

Stores that are more likely to carry them include:

• Whole Foods
• Sprouts
• Kroger
• Albertsons
• Safeway
• Wegmans
• Publix

Call ahead to ask if chicken hearts can be special ordered if you don’t see them. Some locations get weekly shipments.

3. Online Stores and Delivery Services

Another convenient option is to order chicken hearts online. Companies like Walmart Grocery and Amazon Fresh allow you to select chicken hearts and other meat for delivery or pick-up.

Grocery delivery apps like Instacart also provide easy access to raw chicken hearts. Simply enter your zip code to view stores in your zone. Browse the meat sections and add chicken hearts to cart if available.

This lets youcomparison shop meat selections at various stores without leaving home. Choose whichever has the best price anddelivery time.

4. Direct from a Local Farm or Ranch

Searching for “chicken hearts near me” may turn up farms selling them directly. Many small poultry operations harvest chicken hearts along with other cuts. Check their websites or call to ask.

Farmers markets are another place you may find farmers and ranchers with chicken hearts for sale. Stop by your local market to inquire. This ensures you get the freshest hearts possible.

Buying Chicken Hearts – What to Look For

When you’ve located some chicken hearts, here are a few tips for choosing the best quality:

• Look for hearts that are uniformly red-brown in color without spots or blemishes. Avoid any with a greenish tint.

• They should feel firm and not slimy. Soft texture indicates spoilage.

• If buying frozen, avoid packages with ice crystals or frost buildup. This is a sign they’ve been thawed and refrozen.

• Choose organic and free range chicken hearts when possible for more humane raising practices.

• Check the sell-by date and pick the package with the latest date. Use within 1-2 days of purchasing for raw hearts.

• For frozen, 6-12 months is typical but use as soon as possible for best flavor and texture.

• Raw chicken hearts are typically sold in 1 pound packages or trays. Estimate how much you need based on recipes.

• Prices range from $2-4 per pound on average depending on source. Butcher shops may be priciest.

Now that you know where to find chicken hearts close to home and what to look for when buying, it’s easy to add this superfood to your diet. They’re worth seeking out for the impressive protein content, nutrients, and bold flavor. Just be sure to handle raw chicken hearts safely and cook thoroughly before eating. Then you can start reaping the unique benefits of this incredible, economical protein.

Chicken hearts can be fed to dogs either raw or cooked. Raw chicken hearts are a nutrient-rich treat and a good source of taurine, which is beneficial for heart health.