From black lava salt to edible insects, you can find just about any delicious (or stomach-churning) culinary delicacy online. But of all the options out there, quality meat and seafood rank high on the list of sought-after items. Fortunately, the South boasts a number of purveyors who specialize in sustainable, top-notch options. Whether you’re in the market for wagyu beef, trout, oysters, caviar, or even rabbit, here are eight high-end Southern companies that will ship to your doorstep!
Smoke in Chimneys Trout | New Castle, VA
More Info: smokeinchimneys.com
Finding seafood in its peak season isn’t always as simple as it sounds, but local seafood is often harvested in season, making it more likely to be fresh and sustainable. Such is the case at Smoke in Chimneys, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the edge of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. A restored 1930s U.S. Department of Interior trout hatchery and research center, it’s a mecca for fly fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers.
The hatchery is nourished by pristine, cold mountain spring water, and the dense ecosystem offers the perfect hub for trout. Smoke in Chimneys boasts seven working ponds, five raceways, and a dedicated hatchery building. But you can also order the beautiful fish online, with options that include tasting boxes and trout cakes.
As an aside, if you’re looking for something new to add to your travel bucket list, check out the Smoke in Chimneys Prayer Room and Personal Retreat Cabin, where you can stay at the hatchery, take a tour, and enjoy a bit of rest and relaxation!
Elk River Wagyu | Dellrose, TN
More Info: elkriverwagyu.com
Wagyu beef is one of those “if you know, you know” culinary gems. Originating in Japan, it is known for its downright beautiful marbling, which results in unparalleled tenderness. Wagyu fat is also rendered at a lower temperature than the fat of other beef, leading to a rich flavor that melts in your mouth like butter. Suffice it to say, it’s delicious — and Elk River has some of the best.
Nestled along the Elk River in Dellrose, TN, the 250-acre cattle farm offers standout beef. It’s owned by a former Army Ranger and West Point graduate, who is now assisted by his son, retired Army Medic John Sims. And boy, do they know their stuff!
Their full-blood Wagyu herd lives a stress-free life, roaming freely across pastures and enjoying a diet of local forages and a natural, high-protein feed mixture. This perfectly aligns with one of the tenets of high-quality meat, which relies on raising animals on a natural diet in a stress-free environment. Additionally, the animals are free from growth hormones, antibiotics, and animal byproducts.
Shop online for everything from ground beef and liver to brisket, tri-tip, and filet mignon.
Marshallberg Farm Caviar | Lenoir and Smyrna, NC
More Info: marshallbergfarm.com
You’ve undoubtedly heard of exquisite beluga caviar from the Caspian Sea, but did you know you can get incredible caviar from as nearby as North Carolina? In a market dominated by imported caviar, Marshallberg Farm sets a new standard by sustainably producing Osetra caviar right here in the South.
Family-owned and operated, the farm commits to sustainability and raises its Russian Sturgeon via cutting-edge Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) technology. This allows Marshallberg to recycle over 95% of its water, keeping waste contained and minimizing the impact of its production on our environment.
Marshallberg earned a “Best Choice” ranking from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch thanks to its superior caviar, free from chemicals like borax and adheres strictly to U.S. environmental, health, and food-safety regulations. The online shop offers everything from Osetra caviar sets to caviar cocktail rimming crystals to blinis and latkes for the perfect bite!
Rappahannock River Oysters | Topping, VA
More Info: rroysters.com
From rolling hills to picturesque waterfronts, Virginia offers some of the country’s most gorgeous landscapes. Chesapeake Bay is no exception, and we’re all about celebrating its native shellfish — oysters.
In the world of oysters, where they’re grown is as vital as the species and the farmer’s skill. After all, an oyster is a “filter feeder,” absorbing elements of its surrounding environment, such as minerals, grass, and plankton. This lends a distinctive regional flavor profile. In the case of Rappahannock River Oysters, this means low salinity and a signature sweetness.
A unique locale for oysters, the Rappahannock farm is located where the river meets the bay — bringing in flavor from the freshwater of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Online delivery offers four package sizes ranging from 25 to 100 oysters, and you can even tack on shucking gloves and an oyster knife. If you’re in the mood for grilled oysters, snag all the goodies you need with a grilled oyster kit that includes 50 Rappahannock Oysters, Smoky Chipotle BBQ Butter, a bottle of cocktail sauce, and hot sauce.
White Oak Pastures Duck, Lamb, Rabbit, Goat & More | Bluffton, GA
More Info: whiteoakpastures.com
White Oak Pastures isn’t a one-trick pony. This six-generation family-owned livestock facility in Bluffton, GA, epitomizes Southern culinary tradition through its commitment to regenerative farming and humane animal husbandry. It offers everything from artisanal meat, poultry, and eggs to handmade tallow candles and cowhide rugs.
Founded by Captain James Edward Harris after the Civil War, the 156-year-old farm (on nearly 5,000 acres!) has maintained a legacy of sustainable practices and embraces what the family refers to as “radically traditional” farming. Their zero-waste system ensures every part of the animals they raise is used, and their holistic grazing methods support animal welfare.
In addition to popular items like pastured rabbit, grass-fed lamb, and heritage pork, online delivery options include Iberico bacon, poultry bone broth, corned beef brisket, organic pickled okra, preserves, beef jerky, and so much more!
Home Place Pastures Beef & Pork: Como, MS
More Info: homeplacepastures.com
For over 150 years, five generations of the Bartlett family have nurtured the land at Home Place, just east of Como, MS. Dedicating their lives to agriculture, they’ve evolved from traditional row crops to regenerative grazing operations. This led to the launch of Home Place Pastures, an on-farm facility where the family produces award-winning grass-fed beef and pastured pork.
The Bartletts’ commitment to the community shines through in their sustainable farming practices and efforts to create local jobs. Plus, the on-site farm store and eatery has also become a local, farm-to-table gathering spot.
More than “just a farm,” Home Place Pastures offers sustainable agriculture, community spirit, and fantastic meat. You can shop online to build a customizable box with everything from grilling steaks to marrow bones or purchase butcher-curated boxes like the Summer BBQ Bundle, perfect for your next backyard gathering. You can even buy whole shares of beef or hog and stock up for a while!
Kelley’s Katch Caviar | Savannah, TN
More Info: kelleyskatch.com
Another fabulous Southern source for caviar, Kelley’s Katch has some of the most high-quality, sustainable caviar around. A family-owned business that has been in production for over three decades, this Savannah-based online company offers everything from American Paddlefish roe (from Tennessee freshwater) to Hackleback caviar (sourced from freshwater habitats in the Mississippi River basin) and White Sturgeon caviar (from Northern California).
You can visit the online shop to order everything you need for an exquisite feast — from a beautiful caviar trio gift box to a set of mother-of-pearl spoons. You can also check out the Kelley’s Katch website to do a deep dive into the nutritional benefits of caviar. It’s not just luxurious; it’s healthy, too!
Joyce Farms Chicken & Beef | Winston-Salem, NC
More Info: joyce-farms.com
Summer grilling is an art, and Joyce Farms is all about helping us nurture it. Founded in 1962, the family-owned Winston-Salem-based company now has farms in the Carolinas and Georgia, too — all offering “an economical line of mindfully sourced meat.” Joyce Farms is deeply committed to animal welfare, food safety standards, and our environment, resulting in premium poultry and meats such as free-range chicken, heritage pork, and grass-fed beef.
Shopping the online store is a treat, with customizable boxes and selections like chipotle chicken sausages, grass-fed beef hot dogs, N.Y. Strip, whole duck and rabbit, bone broth, and so much more.
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