Duck breast is a rich and flavorful delicacy enjoyed by many. If you’re looking to add duck breast to your culinary repertoire, one of the first places you should look is Whole Foods – an American chain specializing in organic and health food products. But do they really carry duck breast?
The answer is yes. Whole Foods does carry duck breast! Depending on the location, duck breasts can be purchased fresh or frozen – with some stores even offering smoked varieties. All Whole Foods’ duck breasts are of the highest quality and come from reputable sources, so no matter which type you choose, you can rest assured that you’ll get high-quality product.
Duck Breasts at Whole Foods
Whole Foods is an excellent source for high-quality, organic food products. While you can find specialty items like duck breast, it’s not always available. Let’s look into what Whole Foods carries in terms of duck breast and how you can find it.
Availability
The availability of duck breasts can vary in each location and is subject to local demand. At Whole Foods Market, duck breasts can be found in the fresh section of the grocery store.
In order to meet a wide range of customer preferences, Whole Foods Market typically offers two types of duck breasts — regular and organic. The regular duck breast is often raised with hormones, while the organic option may be from poultry that is raised without added hormones. Regardless of type, all whole foods Market duck breast are sourced from farms that follow humane animal welfare standards.
Before purchasing a large number of duck breasts for your next meal or gathering, it is recommended that you call ahead to ensure your desired varieties are currently available at your local store. Additionally, some stores also offer online ordering for pick up or delivery services for added convenience!
Prices
If you are looking for duck breasts at Whole Foods, you’ll be pleased to know that they have a wide selection. Prices vary depending on the size and brand of the duck breasts, as well as the cut. Duck breasts can generally be found in sizes ranging from 4 oz. to 19 oz., so there’s sure to be one to suit your needs.
Whole Foods offers both boneless and bone-in varieties, most of which are priced per pound. Boneless duck breasts usually fall between $7 and $15 per pound, while the bone-in versions range from $4 to $12 per pound. You can also find them as part of a combination package with legs or whole ducks for a discounted price.
Sizes
Duck breasts are available in a variety of sizes at Whole Foods stores. You can buy them either fresh, where you know that you are getting the highest quality duck, or frozen, where you may sacrifice a little quality but still get high-quality product.
The fresh duck sizes that Whole Foods carries include 4-5 oz., 6-7 oz., 8-9 oz., and 10-11 oz. Frozen duck breasts are generally available in 16-17 oz. packages or 3 lb packages of boneless skinless duck breast medallions.
Figuring out the best size of duck breast to purchase depends on your needs. If you want a simple weeknight meal then the smaller sizes work great as they are easy to prepare in a short amount of time. For entertaining a larger group (or if you prefer leftovers) then the larger sizes work great and offer more value for your money.
Whether cooking with fresh or frozen duck, always make sure to cook it correctly to maintain its flavor and tenderness while avoiding foodborne illnesses. Fresh duck should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) while frozen duck should be cooked to an internal temperature of 185°F (85°C).
Specialty Duck Breasts
One of Whole Foods Market’s most popular products is its selection of specialty duck breasts. Duck breasts are a great addition to any meal, offering a unique flavor and succulent texture. The key to selecting the perfect duck breast is understanding the different grades available. Whole Foods offers top quality duck breasts in several varieties:
-Magret: The highest grade of duck breast, magrets are exceptionally tender and juicy due to their high fat content (up to 39%). They have a dense, sweet flavor that makes them perfect for grilling or pan searing.
-Culinary Grade: This grade of duck breast provides an excellent midpoint between the leaner grades and the premium magret breasts. It has slightly less fat than a magret, giving it a slightly firmer texture but still producing succulent results when cooked correctly.
-Commercial Grade: This is the most common grade found in supermarkets and is great for stews and other dishes that require more cooking time than other cuts as well as for use in sausages.
At Whole Foods Market, you can find specialty duck breasts that are certified humanely raised with no antibiotics ever added (No Antibiotics Ever). No matter what recipe you choose, you’re sure to find the perfect duck breast for your needs at Whole Foods Market!
Other Duck Products at Whole Foods
While Whole Foods does not carry duck breast, they do offer a variety of other ducks products that are sure to satisfy any duck-lover. Including duck legs, duck fat, duck prosciutto, and more. Let’s take a look at the other duck products that Whole Foods has to offer.
Duck Eggs
For those who want to incorporate more duck products into their diet, Whole Foods carries a variety of duck eggs. Duck eggs are famously higher in fat and cholesterol than chicken eggs but also contain significantly more protein and healthy fats. Additionally, they contain high levels of Ω-3 fatty acids, iron, and vitamin A. These nutrient-rich additions make duck eggs an excellent source of essential nutrition.
You can obtain these eggs in various forms that include pre-scrambled or liquid egg whites depending on your preference. Along with this, Whole Foods offers a range of different flavored duck egg options like roasted garlic and herb as well as maple smoked cheese flavors. These gourmet variations bring home the culinary experience with their unique flavor profiles – perfect for the home cook experimenting with a variety of tastes!
If you’re looking for another source of protein to add to your diet or are looking for a tasty alternative to the traditional chicken egg, then Whole Foods offers various types of duck eggs that can fit the bill perfectly! Give them a try if you’re feeling an adventurous spirit in the kitchen.
Duck Fat
Duck fat is rendered animal fat used for several purposes in cooking, especially for roasting, sautéing, and frying. Many chefs consider duck fat to be a gourmet cooking item. The flavor of the cooked duck fat is richer than that of other fats such as butter or vegetable oils. Duck fat contains the most monounsaturated fatty acid content of any other common culinary oil or fat and can be used over and over again, much like clarified butter (ghee).
Whole Foods carries a variety of duck fats that may suit your needs. Some varieties you might find include:
-Crispy Duck Comfort – this all natural premium duck fat is ideal for deep-frying and baking
-Uniquely J Duck Fat – a gluten free option with a perfect smoke point that works well in baking
-Teton Waters Montana Premium Duck Fat – this sustainably sourced organic product is perfect for sautéeing
-Signal Duck Fat – this French style duck fat adds flavor to roasted vegetables or protein dishes
Duck Confit
Duck confit is a specialty product made from duck legs preserved in fat. The duck is cured in a combination of salt, sugar, and seasonings such as garlic, herbs, and pepper before being cooked slowly in duck fat. The finished product has an exquisite flavor and soft texture that can bring richness to almost any dish.
Whole Foods Market carries ready-to-eat Duck Confit from La Belle Farms, making it easy to enjoy this delicate specialty meat without having to spend hours preparing it yourself. This fully cooked entrée comes pre-seasoned with a blend of traditional herbs and spices for an inviting aroma and unique flavor profile. It can be prepared in minutes by pan-searing each side for two minutes or heating on a sheet pan at 400 F for seven minutes or until warmed through. With its irresistibly salty taste and tender texture, Duck Confit is perfect as the star of your main dish or as an addition to salads or appetizers.
