It’s Bockwurst Season

With the Lenten season in full swing and Easter just around the corner, we are gearing up for Bockwurst season!

Bockwurst is a German sausage traditionally served during the springtime and for a limited time, our butchers recreate Joe Heinen’s original Bockwurst recipe to dish out the tasty sausage made of veal, pork, spring chives and more.

In the words of Tom Heinen, “It’s a unique sausage because it’s primarily veal, and it’s interesting because it has milk in it. These are ingredients you don’t normally see in sausage.”

A favorite of the Heinen family, they often ate Bockwurst during breakfast. While you can certainly eat it whenever you choose, Tom now eats it for dinner, sometimes stocking up and freezing it to enjoy all year. If you don’t intend to eat it quickly, we recommend you do the same and freeze it for later.

So, how can you get your hands on this unique seasonal favorite?

Fresh Bockwurst will be available in your Heinen’s beginning April 8th at all Cleveland locations and April 9th in all Chicago locations.

Unlike other sausages, Bockwurst doesn’t do well grilled. Here’s how we recommend you cook it:

Method:

1. In a large pot, lay the Bockwurst in a single layer and add enough cold water to cover the Bockwurst by about an inch.
2. On the stove over medium-low heat, slowly bring the water to just below the boiling point. Don’t let the water boil, it should take 30-40 minutes to reach the “Near Boiling Point.”
3. As the water begins to move and get foamy, near the boiling point, on top; remove the pot from the heat.
4. Put a tight fitting lid on the pot and let rest for 15–20 minutes. After 15–20 minutes, carefully remove the Bockwurst with tongs, being mindful not to split the skin.
5. Your bockwurst will be fully cooked when the internal temperature reads 165 degrees on a meat thermometer. If during the cooking process you notice the Bockwurst casing beginning to split, quickly lower the heat.

Tom’s Tip: Finish off the Bockwurst by browning it in a pan (butter optional) to give the skin a slightly crisp texture.

By Heinen's Grocery Store

In 1929, Joe Heinen opened the doors of a small butcher shop on the east side of Cleveland, Ohio, aiming to establish himself as the city’s purveyor of quality meats. As customers came into Heinen’s new shop for their meat purchases, they began asking him to carry groceries as well. Joe added homemade peanut butter, pickles and donuts and by 1933, business had grown enough to include a line of produce and canned goods. Heinen’s Grocery Store was born.