Where to Buy Beef Heart – A Complete Guide

Beef heart is an underutilized cut of meat that can be a delicious and nutritious addition to your diet when prepared properly. However, it can be difficult to find in regular grocery stores. This guide will provide tips on the best places to buy beef heart so you can start enjoying this nutrient-dense superfood.

What is Beef Heart?

Beef heart comes from the muscular organ that pumps blood through a cow’s circulatory system. It is an extra-lean cut of meat that has a rich beefy flavor when cooked. Some key benefits of beef heart include

• High in protein – Contains around 18 grams of protein per 3 ounce serving Great for building and repairing muscle

• Iron-rich – Provides about 25% of the RDA for iron per serving to prevent anemia and boost energy levels.

• Low in fat and calories – Under 5 grams of total fat per serving and around 140 calories makes it a lean cut of meat.

• Rich in CoQ10 – Contains high levels of Coenzyme Q10 that supports heart health. Fitting for its name!

• Budget-friendly – More affordable than other cuts like steak. Perfect for savvy shoppers.

With its impressive nutritional profile and bold taste, it’s no wonder beef heart is growing in popularity. Now let’s look at the best places to buy it.

Where to Buy Beef Heart

1. Butcher Shops or Meat Markets

Traditional butcher shops or meat markets are your best bet for finding high-quality beef heart. A good butcher will offer grass-fed, organic options and can cut the heart into portions based on your needs. Some even deliver!

Pros

• Greater availability and selection
• Can request custom cuts like cubed for stew
• Support local businesses

Cons

• Inconvenient if not close by
• May have minimum order sizes

2. Farmers Markets

Outdoor farmers markets are another excellent option, especially for grass-fed beef heart. Many farmers sell meat in addition to produce. Ask vendors if they have beef heart for sale.

Pros

• Buy directly from the source
• Guaranteed freshness
• Fun outdoor shopping experience

Cons

• Seasonal and weather-dependent
• Irregular hours

3. Online Stores

For convenience, you can order beef heart online through specialty meat purveyors. It ships frozen to your door. Sites like US Wellness Meats, ButcherBox, and Frankie’s Free Range Meats offer great selections.

Pros

• Ships frozen right to your door
• Organic, grass-fed options
• Buy individual cuts or in bulk

Cons

• Shipping costs
• Cannot inspect product first

4. Large Grocery Stores

Some large mainstream grocery stores will carry beef heart tucked away in their meat department or frozen section. Check chains like Kroger, Albertsons, or Smart & Final.

Pros

• One stop shopping
• Lower prices on conventional beef

Cons

• Limited grass-fed options
• Difficult to find or not always in stock

5. Ethnic Grocery Stores

Since beef heart is popular in certain cuisines, check Mexican, Asian, or Halal markets which are more likely to regularly stock it.

Pros

• Better availability
• Experienced butchers on staff

Cons

• Mostly conventional, not organic
• Specialty stores may be farther away

How to Buy Beef Heart

Follow these tips to select high-quality beef heart:

• Choose grass-fed – This ensures a healthier nutritional profile and superior taste. Color should be a deeper red.

• Check freshness – Raw heart should look moist with no dry or brown spots. Avoid any off odors.

• Get thick cuts – Thicker cuts hold up better to cooking. Aim for 1-inch slices or larger.

• Consider portion size – Buy sizes that work for your recipes like 1 lb packages or have the butcher cut to order.

• Inspect packaging – Make sure all packaging is sealed tight and labeled with a sell-by date.

Buying the best beef heart will give you delicious results when cooking. Now let’s go over proper storage.

Storing Beef Heart

• If cooking within 1-2 days, store wrapped beef heart in the refrigerator.

• For longer storage, freeze extra beef heart for up to 6 months. Double wrap in plastic and foil.

• Thaw frozen heart overnight in the fridge before cooking. Do not thaw at room temperature.

With the right storage methods, you can enjoy this tasty organ meat for months to come.

Cooking with Beef Heart

Beef heart has a rich flavor and firm, meaty texture when cooked. It pairs well with spices and marinades. Here are some cooking tips:

• Slow cooking – Braise or stew cubed beef heart for tender, fall-apart meat.

• Grilling – Quick grill thick heart steaks marinated in your favorite sauce.

• Slicing thin – For stir-fries or fajitas, slice partially frozen heart very thin across the grain.

• Ground – Use a food processor to grind heart for chili, tacos, meatballs, etc.

Because it is so lean, beef heart can become tough and chewy if overcooked. Use moist cooking methods and aim for medium doneness at 145°F internally.

Here is a simple recipe to try:

BBQ Beef Heart Skewers

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef heart, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1⁄4 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Skewers

Instructions:

1. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes.
2. Toss beef heart cubes with oil and barbecue sauce.
3. Thread coated cubes onto skewers.
4. Grill over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
5. Serve warm with your favorite sides!

Where to Buy Beef Heart: The Takeaway

Beef heart has a bold beefy taste and is packed with protein, iron, CoQ10, and other nutrients. While underutilized, it can be an affordable superfood when you know where to find it. Your best bets are quality butcher shops, farmers markets, online stores, and ethnic grocers. With proper cooking, beef heart can give a tasty boost to stews, skewers, tacos and more!