As the holidays approach, home cooks everywhere start planning festive meals centered around a showstopping roasted turkey. But to take your turkey up a notch, you need the often overlooked turkey giblets. These flavor-packed turkey organs like the heart, liver and gizzard can transform your gravy, stock and stuffing when used properly But where exactly can you source fresh, high-quality turkey giblets for your cooking?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover all the best places to buy turkey giblets and tips for using them in your Thanksgiving or Christmas recipes
What Are Turkey Giblets?
Let’s start with an overview of what turkey giblets are exactly
Turkey giblets refer to the edible innards and parts of a turkey that are usually included within whole turkey packages. The most common giblets are:
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Heart: Adds rich depth of flavor for gravies and stocks. Often braised.
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Liver: Provides a velvety, meaty taste. Used for pâtés, sautéing, stuffings.
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Gizzard: Contains lean dark meat for gravies. Can be chopped for stuffing.
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Neck: Used to make flavorful turkey broth for soups, risottos.
While store-bought turkeys include a bag of giblets, buying them separately gives you more control over ingredients. It also allows you to access other prized cuts like the turkey liver or heart.
Where to Buy Fresh Turkey Giblets
Now let’s look at all the best places to source quality fresh or frozen turkey giblets for your holiday cooking needs:
Local Grocery Stores
Your neighborhood grocery store is often the most convenient place to buy turkey giblets. Here’s what to expect:
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Many stores sell whole turkeys with a bag of giblets included in the cavity.
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Ask the butcher or check the fresh poultry section for giblets sold separately. These may be fresh or frozen.
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For best selection, shop 1-2 days before Thanksgiving when stocks are highest.
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Prices range from $1-3 per pound typically. Great for budget buyers.
Specialty Butcher Shops
For premium quality giblets, visit a local specialty butcher shop. These experts offer:
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Wider selection of turkey parts like livers, hearts, gizzards sold individually.
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Carefully sourced, higher quality fresh turkeys.
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Knowledgeable staff who can recommend best uses.
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Prices vary but expect to pay more per pound. Worth it for top shelf giblets.
Farmers Markets
Shop your local farmers market in November for the freshest giblets:
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Sold attached to pasture-raised turkeys or separately.
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Prices similar to grocery stores.
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Supports small regional turkey farms.
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Limited seasonal availability. Shop early for best selection.
Online Retailers
Order premium turkey giblets online and have them shipped to your door:
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Specialty online meat sellers offer giblet variety packs, turkey necks, livers etc.
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Shipping ensures optimal freshness.
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Place order 1-2 weeks before needed as stock sells out fast.
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Prices start around $5/pound typically.
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Vet seller reputation and freshness guarantee before purchasing.
Direct from a Turkey Farm
For ultimate freshness, buy directly from a local turkey farm:
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Call ahead as supply is often limited.
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Expect to pay premium farm-direct pricing.
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Perfect if you’re already buying a whole pasture-raised turkey.
No matter where you buy, check that giblets look plump and fresh without discoloration or odor.
How Much Turkey Giblets to Buy
As a general guideline, plan on purchasing 1⁄2 to 1 pound of turkey giblets per whole turkey you’re cooking. For making stock, gravy and stuffing from scratch, err on the full 1 pound side.
For a 15 lb turkey, 1 lb of assorted giblets is plenty. Buying giblets in bulk can save money if cooking multiple turkeys.
Turkey Giblets Prices
Turkey giblet prices range hugely depending on quality, source and demand. Here are typical price ranges:
- Grocery Store: $1 – $3 per lb
- Specialty Butcher: $3 – $6+ per lb
- Farmers Market: $2 – $4 per lb
- Online: $5 – $8+ per lb
- Direct from Farm: $4 – $6+ per lb
As expected, giblets from high-end butchers or direct from local farms are pricier but deliver exceptional quality. Compare prices across local sources to find the best deal.
How to Use Turkey Giblets
Once you’ve got your giblets, it’s time to put them to flavorful use! Here are some of the best ways to cook with turkey giblets:
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Homemade Turkey Stock – Simmer neck, gizzard and heart in water with vegetables and herbs for a rich stock base for gravy, soup etc.
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Classic Turkey Gravy – Cook neck and giblets in turkey drippings for maximum flavor.
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Giblet Stuffing – Dice and braise heart, liver and gizzard. Mix with bread, onion, celery, broth.
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Seared Turkey Livers – Quickly pan-sear for a decadent high-protein snack.
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Giblet Tray – Roast an assortment of giblets with herbs as an appetizer.
With a little creativity, you can transform humble giblets into showstopping holiday dishes.
Turkey Giblet Cooking Tips
Follow these tips when preparing turkey giblets:
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Rinse giblets well and pat dry before cooking.
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Cook thoroughly to 165°F minimum internal temperature.
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Braise giblets low and slow in broth for tenderness.
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Chop livers, gizzards finely for the best texture in stuffings.
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Balance rich meats like livers with bright acidic ingredients.
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Refrigerate cooked giblets within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days.
Frequently Asked Turkey Giblet Questions
Are turkey giblets healthy to eat?
Yes, turkey giblets provide nutrients like iron, zinc, B vitamins and protein. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Do you cook giblets before making turkey stock?
Yes, always fully cook raw giblets before using in stock for food safety.
Can you freeze extra turkey giblets?
Cooked giblets can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before using.
Is the turkey liver or heart better for recipes?
Both have benefits! Livers offer velvety richness while hearts provide texture.
How long do fresh uncooked turkey giblets last?
Store fresh giblets in the fridge for 2-3 days max. Freeze if keeping longer term. Use cooked giblets within 3-4 days.
Put Those Turkey Giblets to Flavorful Use!
While often overlooked, turkey giblets can add incredible richness and depth to your holiday cooking when used properly. Now you know where to source the best quality giblets locally or online.
Look beyond the basic grocer giblets and try premium options from specialty butchers or direct from local farms this season. With practice cooking gizzards, hearts and livers, you’ll get the most flavor out of your holiday bird.
So embrace the incredible taste turkey giblets bring to gravy, stock, stuffing and more this Thanksgiving and Christmas! Your guests will thank you.