cow/ox spleen

[Joy2012]

I am going to get my first order of fresh spleen from grass-fed cows/oxen at WholeFoods because I need the iron in spleen. (Spleen does not have Vitamin A and so is a better source of iron than liver.) I made a search on this forum and did not see much discussion about spleen.  Is there anyone who is experienced in spleen consumption and could offer some advice/caveat on eating spleen?

[CitrusHigh]

I've only eaten the spleens (knowlingly) of smaller animals. They are delicious, but usually so tiny. I would find it difficult to believe there's no vitamin A in there, it's an awfully dark colored organ!

Please do let us know how it goes!

[goodsamaritan]

I went cross eyed for 2 days after eating too much cow spleen.
That was years ago.
Be careful.

[ys]

Cow spleen is OK.  It does not have very pleasant consistency but it has somewhat mild taste.  It feels like a bloody sponge.  The best to eat it while it is still a little semi-frozen.  It should be loaded with iron so I eat it sparingly.

Deer spleens have a very strong taste.  Definitely not for everyone.

[Joy2012]

Thanks to all who responded.

My first plate of cow spleen tasted like liver, except that the spleen contains much stuff which is resistant to chewing. I spit that part out.    I dried /warmed the spleen in my dehydrator for one hour first.  A lot of juice came out. I threw away the juice. Upon second thought, maybe I should drink the juice, which might be blood? What do people think?   I am eating the spleen for the sake of its iron. I need much iron at this point because of anemia.

It is true that spleen contains no vitamin A.
http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/beef-products/3476/2


GS, your experience is scary. I wonder what ingredients in spleen caused the cross eyes. Are you sure the cause was the spleen? According to the following article, there is nothing pernicious about spleen.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/460931-spleen-nutrition/

[LePatron7]

I am eating the spleen for the sake of its iron. I need much iron at this point because of anemia.

Just throwing this out there, could be helpful.

http://www.microbialinfluence.com/copper.html

"Iron levels may also be altered."

"Plasma iron concentrations were lower at 24 hours after infusion in low-LPS and high-LPS groups than in the control group."

Basically microbial toxins reduce iron levels.

[Joy2012]

DaBoss, Thanks for the article, which is too technical for me to understand much.

I think my iron-deficiency may be just the result of a simple problem: years of unbalanced near-frutarian diet.