Finding the Best Places to Buy Smoked Turkey Tails

Smoked turkey tails are an underrated cured meat that can add rich smoky flavor to soups beans, greens, gumbos and more. But with turkey tails not being the most common grocery store staple, you may be wondering where can I buy smoked turkey tails near me? This guide will share the best places to source smoked turkey tails, from online mail order to specialty markets.

Purchasing Smoked Turkey Tails Online

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

• Wild Fork Foods – This Florida company offers minimally processed smoked turkey tails. They use real wood smoking and ship the tails chilled.

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

• US Wellness Meats – Specializing in grass-fed and pastured 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. It’s a fun way to try new producers.

• Rastelli’s – Known for their beef and chicken, Rastelli’s also sells smoked turkey tails in bulk cases shipped frozen. They use a minimalist smoking process

Ordering through Grocery Delivery

You can add smoked turkey tails to your regular grocery delivery order from services like:

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

• Amazon Fresh – Like Instacart, Amazon Fresh partners with supermarkets for grocery delivery. Browse their smoked meat selections for turkey tail options.

• Walmart – Surprisingly Walmart offers smoked turkey tails through their mail order service, well-reviewed from supplier Oakridge Bbq and shipped frozen.

• Thriftway – This Pacific Northwest supermarket chain ships smoked turkey tails nationwide, flash frozen and vacuum sealed to maintain freshness.

Checking with Butchers and Specialty Retailers

Don’t forget to check local independent butcher shops and smaller specialty grocers. These niche retailers often have excellent quality smoked and cured meats:

• Butcher shops – Skilled butchers may smoke their own turkey tails in-house or source them from renowned smokehouses. Ask your butcher for recommendations.

• Farmers markets – Outdoor weekend markets sometimes have vendors selling smoked meats. Inquire how they smoke their turkey tails.

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

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

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

Buying Straight from the Smokehouse Source

For peak freshness, buying direct from a local smokehouse is ideal:

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

• Attending warehouse sales – Periodic warehouse sales offer discounted prices buying in bulk, sometimes purchasing straight from their freezer.

• Joining CSAs – Some smokehouses operate like CSAs, selling “shares” of smoked meats for weekly member pickup.

• Going to BBQ competitions – While the competition meats are exclusive, teams may sell menu items like turkey tails to the public.

• Checking farmers markets – Local smokehouses may sell their products alongside other farm goods. Ask when the tails were smoked.

Is Smoking Your Own Worth It?

With all these great retail sources, is it worth smoking turkey tails from scratch yourself?

Pros:

• Total control over the smoking process
• Can customize flavors to your tastes
• Make smaller batches
• Enjoyable hobby for smoking enthusiasts

Cons:

• Very time consuming (up to 5 hours)
• Requires special equipment like a smoker
• Learning curve to master technique
• Must buy raw turkey tails

For most home cooks, purchasing pre-smoked turkey tails is definitely the easier route. But an avid grill master may enjoy the process of smoking their own. When buying, look for responsibly raised turkeys that are minimally processed with real hardwood smoke. With so many excellent sources, you’re sure to find irresistibly delicious smoked turkey tails to enhance your cooking.