Pig’s blood is used in various traditional dishes around the world, like blood sausage (black pudding), dinuguan (Filipino blood stew), and jelled blood in Chinese cuisine. If you’re looking to buy pig’s blood in the USA, there are several options depending on your location and preferences. Here’s where you can find it:
1. Local Butcher Shops and Meat Markets
- Specialty Butchers: Many local butcher shops, especially those that cater to diverse ethnic communities, sell fresh pig’s blood. Butchers that specialize in pork or ethnic cuisines (such as Chinese, Filipino, Vietnamese, or European) are more likely to have it.
- How to Buy: Call ahead to check availability. Pig’s blood is often considered a specialty item, and it may need to be ordered in advance.
2. Asian Grocery Stores
- Chinese, Filipino, or Vietnamese Markets: Asian grocery stores, especially those that serve large Asian communities, often sell pig’s blood in their fresh or frozen meat sections. Stores such as 99 Ranch Market, H Mart, or Vietnamese-owned local markets are good places to check.
- What to Look For: You can find it fresh, frozen, or already prepared in forms like jelled blood cubes.
3. Farmers’ Markets and Local Farms
- Direct from Farmers: In rural areas or places where local farming is prevalent, you may find pig’s blood directly from farmers who raise pigs. Farmers’ markets that allow the sale of fresh meat may also carry pig’s blood, especially in communities that practice traditional or sustainable farming.
- How to Find It: Contact local farmers or farmers’ markets in advance to see if they offer pig’s blood or know of someone who does.
4. Online Specialty Meat Retailers
- Online Meat Suppliers: Some online retailers specialize in unique or hard-to-find meat products, including pig’s blood. Websites like Steaks and Game, Heritage Foods, and Marx Foods may offer pig’s blood for culinary purposes. They can ship fresh or frozen pig’s blood directly to your door.
- How to Order: Check the website for availability and ensure they can deliver to your location. Be aware of shipping costs, as refrigerated or frozen items may require expedited shipping.
5. Local Ethnic Restaurants or Delis
- Filipino, Chinese, or European Delis: Some restaurants or delis that serve traditional dishes requiring pig’s blood (like dinuguan or blood sausage) may sell raw pig’s blood to customers upon request.
- How to Inquire: Visit or call local delis and ask if they would be willing to sell pig’s blood or recommend a supplier.
6. Slaughterhouses or Meat Processing Plants
- Direct from Slaughterhouses: In some areas, you might be able to purchase pig’s blood directly from slaughterhouses or meat processing facilities. Regulations vary by state, so availability will depend on local laws regarding the sale of blood and other by-products.
- How to Find One: Search online for local slaughterhouses or meat processing plants and contact them directly to inquire about purchasing pig’s blood.
Things to Consider When Buying Pig’s Blood
- Freshness and Quality: Pig’s blood is highly perishable, so freshness is crucial. Always check the expiration date and ask about how the blood has been stored.
- Food Safety: Ensure that the pig’s blood is sourced from reputable places that follow proper food safety regulations to avoid the risk of contamination or disease.
- Legal Restrictions: Some states or municipalities may have regulations regarding the sale and consumption of animal blood. Always check local laws to ensure it’s legal to purchase and consume pig’s blood in your area.
- Proper Storage: Pig’s blood should be kept refrigerated or frozen until you’re ready to use it. It should be consumed or cooked within a short time frame to maintain its quality and safety.
Conclusion
Finding pig’s blood in the USA can be challenging depending on your location, but there are multiple options including local butcher shops, Asian grocery stores, farmers’ markets, online retailers, and specialty meat suppliers. Always prioritize freshness and quality, and ensure you’re following local laws and food safety practices when buying and using pig’s blood for culinary purposes.