Where to Find Turkey Tails Near You

Turkey tails have become an increasingly popular delicacy in recent years Also known as turkey oysters, these meaty morsels are packed with flavor But where can you find turkey tails for sale near you? This guide will point you in the right direction.

What Are Turkey Tails?

Turkey tails are a part of the turkey located right above the turkey’s actual tail. They are composed of meat, fat, and cartilage. When smoked or fried, the fat renders to create a rich, juicy, and flavorful bite of meat.

Many people compare the taste and texture of turkey tails to oysters. When cooked right, they have a similar sweet, briny flavor and velvety smooth mouthfeel.

Why Turkey Tails Are Growing in Popularity

In the past, turkey tails were often discarded or ground up for use in processed turkey products. But they have recently emerged as a prized appetizer or snack. What accounts for their newfound popularity?

For starters, turkey tails deliver big flavor for a relatively low price. They have more fat than turkey breast meat, which keeps them moist during cooking. The upswing in nose-to-tail eating has also created interest in these previously overlooked turkey parts.

Their nutritional profile makes them stand out too. Turkey tails are high in protein, amino acids, collagen, and various vitamins and minerals. Collagen has anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit joint and gut health.

Plus, turkey tails are simply fun finger food. Smoked turkey tails in particular make a great appetizer to pass around at parties.

Where to Buy Turkey Tails

Now that you know why turkey tails deserve a place on your plate where can you track them down? Here are some of the best places to buy fresh or smoked turkey tails

Butcher Shops and Meat Markets

Your local butcher shop or meat market is a good starting point in the hunt for turkey tails. Ask them if they stock turkey tails or would be willing to special order them for you. Smaller independent butchers are often happy to source more unique cuts like turkey tails upon request.

Ethnic Grocery Stores

Ethnic grocery stores are another prime place to look for turkey tails. Soul food and Asian markets, in particular, are likely to carry them. African, Caribbean, and Latin American shops may stock them as well. Turkey tails are popular in many cuisines around the world.

Large Supermarkets

While you may need to ask at the meat counter, some large mainstream supermarkets do sell turkey tails. [Publix] offers smoked turkey tails in vacuum-sealed packages. You can likely find them in the poultry or smoked meat section.

Online Retailers

Ordering turkey tails online is an option if stores near you come up short Sites like [Instacart] allow you to search for turkey tails in your area for delivery There are also online butchers and specialty food sites that ship turkey tails nationwide,

Farms and Farmers Markets

If you’re lucky, you may be able to buy turkey tails directly from a local farm or vendor at a farmers market. Look for farms that raise heritage breed turkeys. The vendor can prepare the tails for you or sell them to you fresh to prepare at home.

Hunting and Harvesting

Hunters and those with hunter friends may have access to fresh wild turkey tails. If you legally harvest a wild turkey yourself, you can prepare the tail for cooking. This is the ultimate free-range, sustainable source of turkey tails.

How to Choose Turkey Tails

Once you locate some turkey tails for sale, what should you look for when choosing your turkey tails?

• Freshness – Fresh turkey tails should look plump and moist with no dry spots. Refrigerate promptly and use within two days.

• Size – Turkey tails are sold individually or in packs. opt for sizes to suit your needs, like larger tails for a main dish.

• Color – The skin should be creamy white and blemish-free. The meat should look pink or red with no brown spots.

• Smell – Raw turkey tails have little odor. Avoid any foul or sulfury smells.

• Labeling – Check labels for ingredients, sourcing info, and safe handling instructions.

How to Prepare and Eat Turkey Tails

Turkey tails need some preparation before eating. Here are some popular ways to cook up these flavorful morsels:

• Smoking – Low and slow smoking concentrates the turkey flavor beautifully.

• Deep frying – Dunking tails in hot oil makes the skin crispy and the meat succulent.

• Braising – Slow cooking in liquid tenderizes the meat and cartilage.

• Grilling – Quick grilling over high heat chars the exterior while keeping the interior juicy.

• Roasting – Roasted turkey tails turn out well-browned and caramelized.

Once cooked, turkey tails can be enjoyed on their own or incorporated into dishes:

• Appetizers – Serve smoked, fried, or grilled tails with dipping sauces.

• Soups and stews – Add tails to bean, veggie, or tomato-based soups.

• Rice bowls – Mix roasted or braised tails with rice and veggies.

• Tacos – Chop and top tacos with crispy fried tails.

• Salads – Toss sliced grilled tails over hearty grain and green salads.

With their concentrated turkey flavor and velvety texture, turkey tails make a tasty, nutritious meat to add to your diet. Seek them out at butchers, specialty markets, or even online to get your hands on these underrated turkey parts. With a little preparation, turkey tails can be an amazing snack, starter, or main dish.