Buying Duck Fat in Quantity in Chicago

[DutchMuse]

Just moved here from NYC and I have a fryer. Would like to make duck fat fries. Any suggestions for buying duck fat in quantity in Chicago?

[maggiethecat]

I'm bumping this because I want to know too. Help, buddies?

[KateinChicago]

I'm bumping this because I want to know too. Help, buddies?

←

They sell duck fat at Fox & Obel but at the prices they charge I wouldn't want to buy it in any "quantity"! I've purchased it when I was making duck confit and didn't have quite enough reserved frozen duck fat to cover. I'd love to hear of a cheaper source.

Kate

[maggiethecat]

I'm bumping this because I want to know too. Help, buddies?

←

They sell duck fat at Fox & Obel but at the prices they charge I wouldn't want to buy it in any "quantity"! I've purchased it when I was making duck confit and didn't have quite enough reserved frozen duck fat to cover. I'd love to hear of a cheaper source.

Kate

←

If you can afford a trip to Ottawa, Canada and don't have a problem lying to Customs officials, the Glebe Meat Market on Bank Street sells duck fat at (as I remember -- the prices may have gone up) a laughable price compared to Fox & Obel. But that's there, and we're talking here, dagnabbit!

[tim]

Hi,

Some Costco's carry duck fat in a one pound container.

Tim

[DutchMuse]

Thanks, Tim; good idea!

[iguana]

I've never seen duck fat at a Costco in Chicago, but it might be out there. Instead, just get your duck fat fries at Hot Doug's! Or you can ask him where he gets the duck fat-- he is a friendly enough guy.

Cheers, Jen

P.S. http://hotdougs.com/

[Darren72]

Try Gepperth's. Call, don't rely on the website.

http://www.gepperthsmarket.com/

GEPPERTH'S MARKET

1964 N. Halsted Chicago, Il.

(773)549-3883

[budrichard]

Purchase a fresh whole duck. Skin the duck. Debone the duck. The breasts can be cooked and served rare, the other parts can be used to make rillettes, cassoulet or whatever and the carcass a sauce. Use a large pan and slowly render the skin. You will end up with your duck fat and crunchies that can be used in a salad or dipped in Crystal for a great snack. That's what I do with my ducks.-Dick

[Poffertjes]

I bet George at August Grocery on Division either has it, or would get it for you.

[DutchMuse]

Dank U Poffertjes!

[RobertCollins]

If there is a Whole Foods in Chicago, I found Duck Fat at one in Seattle. So maybe...

[Darren72]

Try Gepperth's. Call, don't rely on the website.

http://www.gepperthsmarket.com/

GEPPERTH'S MARKET

1964 N. Halsted Chicago, Il.

(773)549-3883

←

I just called Gepperth's and they usually have it in the freezer. If they happen to be out of stock, they'll get it in soon.

[DutchMuse]

Many thanks! I have begun experimenting with belgian fries and now want to try duck fat; I will go to Gepperth's once I get back from France next week.

[emsny]

D'Artagnan sells it - or at least used to - in ten-pound tubs.

[tim]

Hi,

Dick Budrichard has the right ides.

D'Artagnan sells duck fat for about $8 per pound.

You can buy a whole duck for about $10 that will supply close to a pound of duck fat. In other words, the duck costs about $2, that is a bargain.

Tim

[tomdarch]

I'm pretty sure I've seen it in the freezer at Paulina Market, but I have no idea about the price.

Paulina Market

3501 N Lincoln Ave

Chicago, IL 60657

(773) 248-6272

http://www.paulinameatmarket.com/

[kitchensqueen]

I've been on the quest for bulk duck fat myself, and thought I would share a source. While not local to Chicago, I found that Hudson Valley Foie Gras has an Amazon store where they sell one gallon containers for about $35.00.

[Pekin Paradise]

I realize that this may be too late, but we sell Rendered Duck Fat in 7.5 lb. tubs (gallon size). Four tubs shipped to Chicago would be $136.07.

[ScoopKW]

Hey, PekinParadise

At $4.50 a pound, delivered, I expect you'll get plenty of orders.

Thanks for the info!

[JBailey]

Given your helpful participation here, I will try to use your site and product next time I am buying duck fat.

A question for you - what is your recommended shelf life in a refrigerator? Do you also recommend freezing for future use?

Edited June 28, 2011 by JBailey (log)

[Pekin Paradise]

Hi Folks,

Rendered Duck Fat should have a Water Activity below 0.85. Water that is not bound to food can support the growth of microorganisms that spoil food. You should search for articles on Water Activity (aw) for more scienticic information. Our scientist tests each batch and confirms a Water Activity Level below 0.85.

I have a few clients that have based their business around Duck Fat. One gent started with 12 gallon-size tubs for his deep fryer back in October of 2010. He has never actually replaced those original 12 gallons. Instead, he strains the remaining fat once a week and simply adds more....usually a gallon per week, depending on his menu.

I keep our newly processed fat in the freezer. At home, I keep in the refrigerator and it has not gone bad after 2 months. We always re-use fat that was in our deep fryer. I just strain and put it back in the frig. (I always label what was cooked in the fat, because it will retain flavors. I don't want my duck ravioli tasting like fish.) Watch your smoke point..keep the temp below 375.

My wife featured duck fat in our May 2011 newsletter. There are some good nutritional facts in that publication.

So in conclusion, freeze for long term storage and refrigerate for occasional use. If you use the fat everyday in a fryer, strain once a week and simply replenish the original supply.

Gotta go....its harvest time at the farm.