Where to Buy Grass Fed Beef Liver: A Complete Guide

Beef liver is one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can eat. It’s loaded with vitamin A, B vitamins, iron, copper, zinc and other essential nutrients. However, not all beef liver is created equal. Liver from grass-fed cows is higher in these nutrients and provides more health benefits than liver from conventionally raised cattle.

If you want to experience the many benefits of beef liver, it’s important to source high-quality, grass-fed options. Here is a complete guide on where to find and purchase grass-fed beef liver.

Why Choose Grass-Fed Beef Liver?

There are a few key reasons why grass-fed beef liver is the best choice

Higher Nutrient Levels

Studies show that grass-fed beef is more nutritious than grain-fed. It contains higher levels of antioxidants like vitamin E and beta-carotene. It also provides more omega-3 fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and B vitamins.

The same goes for organ meats like liver. Grass-fed beef liver contains up to 3-5 times more vitamin A, vitamin E and beta-carotene compared to liver from conventionally raised cows. It’s also higher in vitamin K2, CLA, iron, zinc and B vitamins.

No Antibiotics or Added Hormones

Most conventionally raised cattle are given antibiotics and growth hormones to increase growth and meat yields. The overuse of antibiotics contributes to antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Added hormones may also have negative health effects.

Grass-fed cattle are not given these drugs and are raised in their natural habitat eating grass This results in clean, pure beef liver without additives

More Conjugated Linoleic Acid

Grass-fed beef provides 3-5 times more conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) than grain-fed beef. CLA is a polyunsaturated fatty acid with powerful health benefits. Studies show it can help reduce body fat improve immune function, lower inflammation and reduce heart disease risk.

Superior Taste and Texture

Many people find the taste and texture of grass-fed beef superior. It has a deeper, richer flavor compared to conventional beef. The liver also has a smooth, creamy texture that makes it more palatable.

Where to Buy Grass-Fed Beef Liver

Here are some of the best places to find and purchase high-quality, grass-fed beef liver:

1. Local Butcher Shops or Co-ops

Checking with your local butcher shop or food co-op is a great option for finding grass-fed organ meats. Many butcher shops work directly with local farms to source high-quality, pasture-raised meats.

Ask your butcher if they have grass-fed beef liver in stock or can specially order it for you. You can also check food co-ops, which support local farms and often carry more niche items like organ meats.

2. Online Stores Specializing in Grass-Fed Meats

Several online retailers specialize in selling grass-fed and pasture-raised meats nationwide. Here are some top online stores for purchasing grass-fed beef liver:

• Thousand Hills Lifetime Grazed: This company sells all types of grass-fed beef organs and bones for making bone broth and stews. You can buy grass-fed beef liver for $9.99 per lb.

• Piedmontese: They offer hormone and antibiotic-free, grass-fed beef liver for $12 per lb. It’s humanely raised and compliant with the American Grassfed Association standards.

• US Wellness Meats: This online butcher shop sells lab-verified, 100% grass-fed beef liver for $6.99 per lb. They have a large selection of other grass-fed organ meats.

• White Oak Pastures: This regenerative farm in Georgia offers grass-fed beef liver, heart, kidneys and other organs. Their beef liver costs $7 per lb.

• Tendergrass Farms: They sell all-natural, grass-fed beef liver for $8 per lb. You can buy it in bulk quantities up to 10 lbs.

3. Whole Foods Market

Nationwide grocery chain Whole Foods Market carries grass-fed beef liver when it’s available. Check the meat department at your local Whole Foods for availability. Just take note that their grass-fed meat is usually more expensive than online stores.

You can call ahead to ask if they have grass-fed liver in stock, as availability varies by location. Expect to pay $12-15 per lb.

4. Direct from Local Farms

Buying directly from a local farm is a great way to get high-quality, grass-fed organ meats at fair prices. Search online directories like Eat Wild and Local Harvest to find a grass-fed cattle farm near you.

Many smaller farms sell more obscure cuts like liver, tongue, heart and kidneys. You can work with them to buy organ meats in bulk quantities at a discounted price.

5. Farmer’s Markets

Check your local farmer’s market to see if any vendors sell grass-fed beef or organ meats. Farmer’s markets are a great source for finding locally raised, grass-fed meats from smaller farms.

Talk to vendors to learn about their practices. Ask if they have organ meats available or take special orders. Buying direct from the farmer is an excellent way to get high-quality liver and support your local food system.

How to Store Beef Liver

Proper storage is important for keeping beef liver fresh. Here are some tips:

• Store liver in the coldest part of the refrigerator, close to 32°F (0°C).

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to prevent freezer burn.

• Use within 4-5 days for peak freshness and nutrient content.

• For longer storage, freeze up to 9 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before cooking.

• Freeze in portion sizes to avoid thawing and re-freezing. A 4oz serving is a good size.

• Consider curing methods like bacon wrapping or marinating in milk for longer freezer storage.

Following these guidelines will help retain the freshness, color and nutrient content of your grass-fed beef liver.

Health Benefits of Grass-Fed Beef Liver

Eating grass-fed beef liver provides many health benefits including:

• High in B Vitamins: Liver is extremely high in B vitamins including B12, riboflavin, niacin, folate and pantothenic acid. B vitamins help energy production, brain function, mood and heart health.

• Excellent Source of Iron: Just one serving of beef liver contains over half the RDA for iron. Iron carries oxygen, supports the immune system and aids energy levels.

• Packed with Vitamin A: Beef liver contains 10,000-15,000IU of preformed vitamin A per 3 ounce serving. Vitamin A supports eye health, immune function and cell growth.

• Full of Other Minerals: Grass-fed liver provides large amounts of bioavailable copper, phosphorus, zinc and selenium to support antioxidant status, thyroid function, bone health and metabolism.

• High Quality Protein: Beef liver is rich in protein, containing around 18-25 grams per 3 ounce serving. The proteins are highly bioavailable to repair tissues and build muscle.

• Contains CoQ10 and Carnitine: Grass-fed liver is one of the best dietary sources of CoQ10 and carnitine. These compounds support energy production and heart health.

Tips for Cooking Grass-Fed Beef Liver

Beef liver has a distinct, mineral-rich taste. Here are some tips for preparing it:

• Soak in milk or lemon juice for 30 mins to mellow the taste. Rinse before cooking.

• Opt for slower cooking methods like pan-frying, sautéing or slow-cooking in stews. Avoid overcooking.

• Cook until lightly pink inside, about 3-5 minutes per side for pan-fried liver.

• Slice thinly and cook quickly to retain nutrients.

• Pair with onions, vinegar, bacon, butter or spices to balance the flavor.

• Liver pâté, liverwurst sausage and liver jerky make nutritious snacks.

With the right recipes, grass-fed beef liver can be quite delicious and easy to add to your diet on a regular basis.

Top 5 Recipes for Cooking Grass-Fed Beef Liver

1. Liver and Onions: The classic recipe! Dredge liver in flour and pan-fry in butter with sliced onions.

2. Liver Pâté: Blend cooked liver with butter, garlic and herbs for a nutritious spread.

3. Dirty Rice with Liver and Giblets: Slow cook liver and giblets with veggies in cajun seasoning and rice.

4. Liver Burgers: Combine cooked chopped liver with ground beef for a mineral-rich burger.

5. Beef Liver Bacon Wraps: Wrap liver pieces in bacon and bake until crispy.

Following a nose-to-tail approach and eating organ meats like liver provides amazing health benefits. Be sure to source high-quality, grass-fed liver and use proper cooking methods to enjoy this superfood. Use this guide to help you find and purchase grass-fed beef liver from reputable suppliers.