Many home cooks and foodies are interested in capon chicken as a gourmet ingredient. Its tender, juicy meat and rich, full-bodied flavor make it promise a unique culinary experience compared to regular chicken. However, it can be hard to find capon chicken because it’s not easy to find at your average grocery store. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about capon chicken and give you tips on how to find it and buy it nearby.
What Is Capon Chicken?
First, let’s cover the basics. A capon is a cockerel (young male chicken) that has been surgically altered, typically around 8 weeks old, through a process called caponization. This involves removing the testes, which causes hormonal changes that result in more tender, flavorful meat when the bird reaches full size.
The process of caponization makes the capon bigger than a normal rooster; at maturity, it often weighs 10–12 pounds instead of the normal 5–6 pounds. The changed hormones also make the meat more juicy and flavorful by adding more fat marbling. Capon chicken is known for having a rich, juicy taste that is better than regular chicken when it’s cooked.
Why Is Capon Chicken Hard To Find?
You won’t find capon chicken breasts or whole capons stocked at your regular supermarket. Because it’s a specialty item requiring extra time and care to produce, capon is rare in commercial poultry production. Most capon chickens come from small farms or specialty breeders committed to raising high-quality, artisanal poultry.
The complicated process of caponization is also a deterrent because it has to be done carefully so as not to hurt the young roosters. It takes almost twice as long for capons to reach full size as it does for standard broilers, so they cost more to raise. Because of this, capon is harder to find and costs more, making it a premium ingredient.
Where To Buy Capon Chicken
While sourcing capon chicken poses challenges, several avenues exist for locating and purchasing it:
Specialty Butchers
Check with specialty butchers and meat markets in your area. They may carry cuts like capon that are harder to find. Building a relationship with an experienced butcher can help you find items that you need to order. Check with your butcher to see if they have capon, especially during the holidays when demand is high.
Farmers Markets
Visit local farmers markets and ask vendors if they sell capon or can specially order it for you. Farmer’s markets allow you to connect directly with poultry producers and learn about their operations. Obtaining capon straight from a local farm ensures transparency and quality.
Direct From Farms
Research farms in your area that raise capon chicken. Many smaller poultry farms will allow customers to purchase directly from them. You may need to buy capon in advance with pre-orders. Opting for whole capons instead of just breasts provides more options for sourcing directly from farms.
Online Mail Order
Several online retailers specialize in delivering premium and hard-to-find meats like capon chicken. Check company reviews and confirm details like shipping methods. Opt for quick, temperature-controlled shipping when ordering perishables like poultry.
Holiday Availability
Even standard grocers may carry capon chicken temporarily during the holidays when demand peaks. Keep an eye out for holiday specialty items and promotions featuring gourmet ingredients like capon. Act fast if you spot capon chicken in the market during peak holiday demand.
How Much Does Capon Chicken Cost?
Due to the meticulous raising requirements and limited supply, expect to pay a premium for capon chicken. Whole capons typically range from $4-6 per pound, sometimes more for large birds exceeding 10 pounds. Capon breasts cost $15-20 per pound on average. Compared to standard chicken at $1-2 per pound, capon chicken delivers a luxury eating experience.
Capon Chicken Buying Tips
When sourcing capon chicken, either whole birds or breasts, keep these tips in mind:
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Inspect the flesh for a plump, rounded shape. Avoid slimy skin or foul odors.
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Look for reputable suppliers who can verify the source. Avoid vague labeling.
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Seek birds weighing 7-10+ pounds, with ample fat, for genuine capon.
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For whole capon, look for intact skin without bruising or blemishes.
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Opt for air-chilled, not water-chilled, to prevent absorption of excess water.
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Check the sell-by date and use capon within 1-2 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Time To Try Capon Chicken!
While sourcing capon chicken requires some strategy, the payoff is phenomenal flavor and texture. With the tips in this guide, you can secure this upscale poultry to create indulgent, restaurant-quality meals at home. From roasting whole capons to sautéing boneless breasts, capon chicken promises to be a delicious addition to your culinary repertoire.
Broadleaf Whole Capon, 5 Pound — 6 per case
Ready to ship within 6-7 week (s)
- Buy 15 + case s$ 478.95/ caseSave 1.03 %
Ships FrozenFrozen products are carefully packed with dry ice. Some frozen shipments may be held until the next Monday in our Proprietary Boxes
Not eligible for return
Due to the nature of this product, we are currently unable to accept returns.
Ships Frozen in our Proprietary Boxes
Frozen products are carefully packed with dry ice. Some frozen shipments may be held until the following Monday. Please place product in freezer immediately upon arrival Sold by :
Ready to ship within 6-7 week (s)
- Buy 15 + case s$ 478.95/ caseSave 1.03 %
Ships FrozenFrozen products are carefully packed with dry ice. Some frozen shipments may be held until the next Monday in our Proprietary Boxes
Not eligible for return
Due to the nature of this product, we are currently unable to accept returns.
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FAQ
What is a capon chicken?
A capon is a male chicken that is castrated when it is young and then left to grow until it weighs between 6 and 12 pounds. Our farmers use traditional surgical methods, rather than the chemical caponization more common in modern farming.
What does Capon chicken taste like?
Capon chicken has a slightly different flavor from regular rooster or hen meat, which is quite gamey. However, you can still prepare it like other chicken dishes, including roasting, braising, frying, or grilling.
Should you buy Capon chicken?
If you are someone who enjoys gourmet poultry, then you might be interested in trying capon chicken. A capon is a castrated rooster that produces tender and flavorful meat. While capons are not as commonly found as other poultry options, there are still places where you can buy them.
Where to find Capon chickens?
Now that you know where to find capon chickens, whether it’s at specialty butcher shops, local farms, online retailers, or directly from poultry breeders, you can embark on your quest to acquire these delicious birds.
Where can I find capons near me?
Reads1. 1K If you’re looking for a great source of capons near you, the best place to start is your local farmer’s market. Although capons are a heritage breed of chicken, they can still usually be found in small to medium sized family-owned farmers markets.
When are Capon chickens available?
Capon chickens are usually more readily available during the holiday season, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas when demand for special meats is higher. 10. Can I pre-order capon chickens? Yes, some farms or online retailers may offer the option to pre-order capon chickens, ensuring you receive them when needed. 11.
Do supermarkets sell capons?
Capons are not illegal in the UK and are widely available from butchers and in some quality supermarkets. They have a taste that is far superior to regular chicken.
Can you buy a capon in the US?
Since most poultry is mass produced commercially, it can be difficult to find a capon unless a consumer has access to Exotic Meat market, like us. Experimenting with capon is considered to be well worth the effort by some. Exotic Meat Market offers fresh and frozen Capon.
Is a capon better than a chicken?
Being a castrated rooster that is fed porridge gives it a lot of flavor. It also has more fat, which makes the meat very tender, but it’s still cooked the same way as a chicken. Usually they are fresh, any frozen meat loses quality imo.
Do capons still exist?
Capons are produced in France, in several provinces, notably the Gers and Jura regions. They’re only found in Bresse (Chapon de Bresse), where they have their own name to tell them apart from capons from other places.