Native juniper berries are ripe now - here's how to find and use them!


If you live in the eastern half of the United States, there's a common evergreen tree you've probably seen countless times without noticing: Eastern red cedars (Juniperus virginiana). Despite their common name, these trees are actually a species of juniper.

Eastern red cedar trees produce large quantities of small "berries" (technically cones) which were prized by Native Americans for their many culinary and medicinal uses. The taste of juniper berries is intense - like a combination of citrus and pine with notes of blueberry on the front. Nope, they're not great for fresh eating, but they make a wonderful flavoring or spice for a wide range of foods and beverages.

Want to find out how to safely find and use juniper berries from Eastern red cedars? Check out the two latest articles from Tyrant Farms!

How to forage juniper berries from Eastern red cedars

Discover an amazing flavor hiding on a common conifer tree native to the eastern United States!

Wild-fermented juniper berry-yuzu-honey cordial

This sparkling probiotic drink is equally delicious as a digestif, aperitif, or mocktail. It might be the best way we know of to showcase the unique flavor of juniper berries. You can substitute lemons if you don't have yuzu.

We hope this information helps you discover and fall in love with another edible wild food!

-Aaron & Susan


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Tyrant Farms

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