Where to Buy Beef Marrow Bones

Beef marrow bones are a nutritious and versatile ingredient that can be used to make bone broth, soups, stews, and appetizers. If you want to cook with high-quality marrow bones, it’s important to know the best places to buy them. This article will provide tips on where to find beef marrow bones for sale both in stores and online.

What Are Beef Marrow Bones?

Beef marrow bones come from the leg bones of a cow, usually the femur or tibia. The bones contain marrow inside, which is the fatty tissue found in the hollow center of bones.

Marrow gives dishes a rich, meaty flavor when cooked It has a soft texture similar to butter or cream when heated. Popular ways to eat beef marrow include

• Spread on toast or crusty bread
• Added to sauces and pan gravies
• Topped on meat dishes like steak
• Used as a creamy addition to risottos or pasta

When making bone broth or soup stock, marrow bones impart minerals, collagen, and other nutrients as they simmer for hours. This results in a nourishing, full-bodied broth perfect for soups and stews.

Buying Marrow Bones at Grocery Stores

Many grocery stores sell beef marrow bones, often in the meat department near other cuts of beef. However, selection can be limited compared to butcher shops or online stores.

What to Look For

• Bones should have a significant amount of marrow inside. Avoid bones that look small or hollowed out.
• Choose bones that are from the leg or knuckle area since these contain the most marrow.
• Look for bones that are 3-5 inches long. Longer bones make the best broth.
• Opt for bones that are cut across the width to expose the marrow, not just at the ends.
• Raw, uncooked bones are preferable to find the freshest marrow.

Grocery Stores to Check

Some grocery chains that may carry marrow bones include

• Kroger
• Safeway
• Publix
• Wegmans
• Albertsons
• Harris Teeter
• H-E-B
• Hy-Vee

Call ahead to the meat department to check on availability and pricing. Expect to pay $2-4 per pound.

Ordering Online for Delivery or Pickup

Purchasing marrow bones online is convenient, especially if your local markets don’t have good selections. Many online butchers and specialty food stores ship bones nationwide.

Online Retailers to Buy From

• Seven Sons Farms – Carries grass-fed beef marrow bones. Can order for home delivery.
• Rumba Meats – Sells beef marrow bones online and lists store locations for in-person shopping.
• D’Artagnan – Offers free-range veal marrow bones shipped overnight.
• US Wellness Meats – Grass-fed, pasture-raised beef bones available for delivery.
• Fossil Farms – Ships frozen marrow bones nationwide.

Expect to pay $6-12 per package online depending on weight. Check minimum order requirements before checkout.

Tips for Ordering Online

• Look for overnight shipping options to get the freshest bones.
• Make sure the retailer uses proper freezing and packaging methods.
• Buy in bulk if you make bone broth regularly. Most stores offer discounts on large quantity orders.
• Search for promo codes to lower the cost of bones and shipping. Retailers often run specials.

Buying from Local Butchers

Visiting a local butcher shop is a great option to get high-quality marrow bones. Butchers can provide meat knowledge and make custom cuts.

What to Ask Your Butcher For

• Grass-fed beef marrow bones for the healthiest bones
• Bones sourced from humanely raised cattle
• Bones cut 2-4 inches thick with exposed marrow
• Knuckle or femur bones which contain the most marrow
• Raw bones that haven’t been cooked or frozen

Tips for Working with Butchers

• Call ahead to check if they have bones in stock and can make a special order if needed.
• Ask when they get weekly deliveries to buy the freshest bones.
• Establish a relationship over time and let them know you will be a regular marrow bone customer.
• Request bones cut to your desired thickness and specifications.
• Ask questions and get advice on picking the best bones for your needs.

Expect to pay $3-5 per pound when buying directly from butcher shops. Price and selection can vary greatly.

Storing and Preparing Beef Marrow Bones

Once you’ve purchased quality marrow bones, proper storage is important for safety and freshness.

• Place raw bones in a container or bag and store in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
• Use bones within 3-5 days for peak freshness. The marrow can go rancid if left too long.
• When ready to use, soak bones in water for 30 minutes to draw out impurities. Rinse well.
• Roast bones at high heat (450°F) for 15 minutes to caramelize and soften the marrow before eating or adding to dishes.

With the right techniques, beef marrow bones purchased from a butcher, market, or online can help you make nutritious homemade broths and tantalizing appetizers. Which of these options will you try first for sourcing delicious marrow bones?