Where to Buy Grass-Fed Beef Liver: A Complete Guide

Grass-fed beef liver is one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can eat. It’s loaded with vitamins, minerals, protein and healthy fats. Liver from grass-fed cattle also contains higher levels of antioxidants and omega-3s compared to conventional grain-fed beef liver.

If you want to incorporate nutritious grass-fed beef liver into your diet, here’s a complete guide on where to find it and how to choose the best.

Why Grass-Fed Beef Liver?

There are a few key reasons why grass-fed beef liver is superior:

• More Nutrients: Grass-fed liver contains higher levels of vitamins A, E, K, B12, iron, zinc and magnesium compared to conventional liver.

• More CLA: Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a beneficial fatty acid found in greater amounts in grass-fed beef. CLA supports heart health, immune function and lean body mass.

• More Omega-3s: Grass-fed cattle produce meat with 2-4 times more omega-3 fatty acids compared to grain-fed beef. Omega-3s are anti-inflammatory.

• No GMOs: Cattle fed grass only eat their natural diet, not genetically modified grains like corn or soy.

• No Added Hormones or Antibiotics: Grass-fed cattle are never given artificial growth hormones or routine antibiotics.

Overall, grass-fed beef liver provides exceptional nutrition and health benefits compared to conventional sources.

Where to Buy Grass-Fed Beef Liver

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

1. Direct from Grass-Fed Cattle Farms

Purchasing directly from small local farms that raise cattle on pasture is an excellent option. Many grass-fed farms sell meat boxes or custom orders through their website or at local farmers markets.

Benefits of buying direct from the farm include:

• Know exactly how the cattle are raised
• Support local farmers
• Customize your order
• Buy in bulk for savings
• Freeze extras so it’s always on hand

Some popular grass-fed farms that sell beef liver include:

• Thousand Hills Lifetime Grazed
• Joyce Farms
• Bear Creek Ranch Grassfed Beef

2. Online Grass-Fed Meat Delivery Services

Online companies like Butcher Box and Thrive Market make it easy to order grass-fed beef liver and have it conveniently shipped to your door. Benefits of online ordering include:

• Wide selection of grass-fed meat
• Order any time from home
• Recurring subscriptions for discounts
• Delivery eliminates grocery shopping

Some popular online sources for grass-fed liver include:

• Butcher Box
• Crowd Cow
• Thrive Market

3. Specialty Grocery Stores

Certain health food stores and specialty grocers sell grass-fed meat, including liver. Look for locally sourced options whenever possible. Some chains to check include:

• Whole Foods Market
• Sprouts Farmers Market
• Earth Fare
• Erewhon Market

Call ahead to ask if they carry grass-fed beef liver before making a trip to the store. It may be in the freezer section rather than the fresh meat counter.

4. Farmers Markets

Farmers markets are a great spot to find local grass-fed meats. Ask the vendors questions about how they raise their cattle. Look for liver sold in small quantities so you can try it without having to buy in bulk.

5. Walmart

Surprisingly, Walmart is increasing their offerings of grass-fed beef, including ground meat and some cuts of liver. Just look for the “grass-fed” label when shopping at your local Walmart.

What to Look for When Buying Grass-Fed Beef Liver

Follow these tips when shopping for grass-fed beef liver:

• Look for the grass-fed label – This ensures 100% grass-fed diet vs. “grain-finished”.

• Check the color – Liver from grass-fed cattle is dark and rich in color.

• Seek local options – Support small farms near you when possible.

• Know your cuts – Choose whole liver, liver steaks, or liver slices.

• Watch the price – Grass-fed liver is more expensive but worth splurging on occasionally.

• Consider quality – Opt for the highest quality liver you can find and afford.

With some looking around, you can find high-quality grass-fed beef liver at an affordable price. It’s one of the most nutritious additions you can make to your diet.

How to Store Beef Liver

Proper storage of liver helps retain freshness and nutrient content. Here are some tips:

• Keep liver chilled at all times, under 40°F.

• Transfer to a freezer bag or container if not using soon after purchase. Remove as much air as possible.

• Label grass-fed liver packages with name and date before freezing.

• Liver lasts 3-4 months in the freezer.

• Thaw frozen liver overnight in the fridge before cooking.

• Store thawed liver in the fridge for 2-3 days before cooking.

Cooking Grass-Fed Beef Liver

Beef liver has a unique, mineral-rich flavor. Here are some tips for cooking grass-fed liver:

• Choose gentle cooking methods like sautéing, pan-frying or slow-cooking to avoid overcooking.

• Cook just until lightly pink inside, about 3-4 minutes per side if pan-frying liver steaks.

• Eat liver steaks medium-rare for the best texture. Well-done liver is dry and tough.

• Slice liver thinly if stir-frying or slow-cooking in stews or curries.

• Pair liver with onions, garlic, mushrooms, bacon, wine or acidic ingredients to balance the flavor.

• Soak liver in milk or dairy for 30 minutes before cooking to mellow the flavor.

Health Benefits of Eating Grass-Fed Beef Liver

Some of the many health benefits of incorporating grass-fed beef liver into your routine:

• Excellent source of bioavailable iron to prevent anemia
• Loaded with vitamin A to support immune function and eye health
• Provides B-vitamins including folate, B12 and choline
• Source of vitamin K2 which benefits bone and heart health
• Contains zinc, selenium, copper, and manganese
• Has conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and anti-inflammatory omega-3s

Aim for 3-6 ounces of beef liver 1-2 times per week to reap the nutrients without overdoing it on the vitamin A content.

Conclusion

Grass-fed beef liver is one of the most nutrient-dense, mineral-rich foods you can eat. Look for it at local farms, specialty markets, online stores and grocers. Store liver properly and use gentle cooking methods. Incorporate nutritious grass-fed beef liver into your routine to benefit from its unique nutrition and health-promoting compounds.