Meat
raw veal spleen.
VegetarianVeganGluten-freeDairy-freeNut-freePeanut-freeSoy-freeEgg-freeShellfish-freeHoney-freeAlcohol-free
ALSO KNOWN AS
veal spleen
SERVING
CALORIES
105
PROTEIN
18.3g
CARBS
0g
FAT
3.0g
FIBER
0g
NUTRITION PROFILE · per 100 g
Everything in this ingredient.
MACRONUTRIENTS
Calories105kcal—
Protein18.3g37%
Carbohydrates0g0%
Fiber0g0%
Sugar0g0%
Total fat3.0g4%
Saturated fat1.1g6%
Trans fat0g—
Cholesterol270mg90%
Water77.2g—
MINERALS
Sodium85mg4%
Potassium320mg7%
Calcium8.0mg1%
Iron39.4mg219%
Magnesium18mg4%
Phosphorus220mg18%
Zinc2.5mg23%
Copper0.15mg17%
Manganese0.04mg2%
Selenium45µg82%
VITAMINS
Vitamin A0µg0%
Vitamin C35mg39%
Vitamin D0.10µg1%
Vitamin E0.20mg1%
Vitamin K0µg0%
Thiamin (B1)0.08mg7%
Riboflavin (B2)0.35mg27%
Niacin (B3)5.5mg34%
Pantothenic acid (B5)0.80mg16%
Vitamin B60.10mg6%
Folate (B9)4.0µg1%
Vitamin B125.2µg217%
%DV based on a 2,000 cal diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central. A dash in the %DV column means there’s no established Daily Value for that nutrient.
MEASUREMENT CONVERSIONS
How much is what.
1 oz28.4g
1 lb453.6g
1 piece300g
HEALTH BENEFITS
Why eat it.
- ✓Extremely rich in highly bioavailable heme iron, crucial for preventing and treating iron-deficiency anemia.
- ✓Excellent source of Vitamin B12, essential for red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis.
- ✓Provides high-quality, complete protein necessary for muscle building, tissue repair, and enzyme production.
- ✓Rich in selenium, a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function and thyroid health.
COOKING TIPS
In the kitchen.
- 1Before cooking, carefully peel off the tough outer membrane for a more tender texture.
- 2Spleen cooks very quickly. Pan-fry thin slices over medium-high heat for only 1-2 minutes per side to prevent it from becoming tough.
- 3Its rich, irony flavor pairs well with strong aromatics like garlic, onions, parsley, and acidic elements like lemon juice or vinegar.
- 4Commonly used in traditional dishes like the Sicilian 'pani ca meusa' (spleen sandwich), where it is first boiled, then sliced and fried.
STORAGE
Keep it fresh.
- Refrigerate immediately at 40°F (4°C) or below in its original packaging or an airtight container. Use within 1-2 days.
- For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freezer paper or place in a freezer bag. Freeze at 0°F (-18°C) for up to 3-4 months.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Is veal spleen healthy?
Yes, veal spleen is a nutrient-dense organ meat that is exceptionally high in heme iron and Vitamin B12. It supports healthy blood oxygenation, neurological function, and immune health while remaining relatively low in calories and fat.
How much protein and calories are in veal spleen?
A 100g serving of raw veal spleen contains approximately 105 calories and 18.3g of high-quality, complete protein. It is a lean protein source with only 3g of fat and zero carbohydrates.
Is veal spleen good for treating anemia?
Veal spleen is one of the best dietary sources of highly bioavailable heme iron, which the body absorbs more efficiently than plant-based iron. This makes it an excellent food for preventing and treating iron-deficiency anemia.
Is veal spleen keto-friendly?
Yes, veal spleen is ideal for ketogenic and carnivore diets because it contains zero carbohydrates. It provides essential micronutrients like selenium and B12 that are vital for maintaining energy levels during ketosis.
Is veal spleen gluten-free?
Raw veal spleen is naturally gluten-free as it is an animal organ. However, if you are eating it prepared in a restaurant, be aware that traditional dishes like Sicilian 'Pani ca Meusa' serve it on bread or with flour-based coatings.
What does veal spleen taste like?
Veal spleen has a rich, earthy, and distinctly metallic flavor similar to liver, but generally milder. Its texture is unique—soft and somewhat spongy when raw, becoming firm and slightly chewy once cooked.
How do you cook veal spleen?
It is often boiled first to firm up the texture, then thinly sliced and sautéed in butter or lard. It can also be grilled or added to stews and organ meat pâtés to enhance the nutritional profile of the dish.
How do you store raw veal spleen?
Raw veal spleen is highly perishable and should be stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator for no more than 1 to 2 days. For long-term storage, it can be frozen in airtight packaging for up to 4 months.
How can you tell if veal spleen has gone bad?
Fresh veal spleen should be deep red or purple with a moist, glistening surface and a mild metallic scent. If it develops a slimy texture, a greyish tint, or a sour, pungent odor, it should be discarded immediately.
Can you eat veal spleen raw?
While some specialty diets advocate for raw organ consumption, it is not recommended due to the risk of foodborne illnesses like Salmonella or E. coli. To ensure safety, veal spleen should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
