Juniper berries??

So this Sunday I plan to attempt Sauerbraten (well, actually start marinating it, maybe tomorrow).

The recipe calls for juniper berries, and a quick run thru Valli Produce and Eurofresh didn't give me anything (I live in Palatine, work in Schaumburg).

Would Whole Foods have them? I'd hate to make the trip if it is pointless, since Wal-Mart has totally croweded that area. Or is there anywhere else that is not very far that I can try??

I'm afraid that I don't know that neck of the woods very well, but I do know that juniper berries are frequently found in the spice sections of Polish-oriented grocery stores. Maybe somebody who knows your area better could point you in that direction....

Giovanna

Hi,

I bought a lifetime supply from Let's Spice It Up in Highwood, which is no longer bricks-and-mortar but catalog. I am sure Spice House in Evanston has it. Penzey's is another catalog with a location in the western suburbs. If ordered today from any of these places, then you could expect delivery before you make the Sauerbraten.

Years ago, I bought Juniper berries off the McCormick spice rack when they offered quite a broader range than now. They seem to prefer offering consumers spice mixtures over straight herbs and spices. I met some representatitives, where I commented their less than full spectrum offerings drove me to start using spice shops. Loosing a customer didn't cause them to bat an eye.

Regards,

Folks, at this time of year, it's easy to get a free yearly supply of juniper berries -- and they will be better than any you'll get at a store...

Upright junipers grow like weeds in the Chicago area. Find the ones with the bluish-green berries, pick a couple, and break them in your hands to test their potency. Good ones will reek (in a good sense) of gin. Now wait for the first hard freeze, and then wait another week or so for the berries to harden off, and at that point you can pick away!

To store for extended periods, you'll need to put them in a dehydrator for 24-48 hours, depending on their size.

Note that once the berries harden off, you'll be competing with the birds to get your supply. And if you pick before the berries harden off, they will have a resiny taste that many people will find unappealing.

Whole Foods stores typically carry them, as do Cost Plus World Markets. It seems to me I saw some at Cub Foods the other day, too (not that that's a long-term option.) I would call your local store before venturing out to be sure.

Hey ... it's the holiday time again. Want to try an old recipe. WHERE do I buy juniper berries - prefer North side of Chicago.
Would be most grateful for any advice!
Many Thanks,
Berns

Spice House in Evanston will definitely have them - are you going by public transportation? There's a Metra stop almost right there.

I think I have actually found them at the Jewel before - I'd call around to local groceries.

Spice House
1941 Central Street
Evanston, IL 60201

847-328-3711 (Phone)
847-328-3631 (Fax)

The Spice House's Chicago location might be more convenient depending on how far north OP is.

1512 North Wells Street
Chicago, IL 60610
312-274-0378 (Phone)

I've also bought juniper berries at fox and obel, and it's possible treasure island would have them, also.

Our local Whole Foods has juniper berries in their extensive bulk spices department.

Hi,

Last summer I did a market study, which obligated me to walk through a number of grocery stores. For quite a while, I have identified juniper berry as the bellwether for a relatively full spectrum spice offerings. Fox & Obel and Treasure Island have juniper berries. For serious cooks, the supermarket is now the last place to go for spices and herbs with more going to specialized stores or mail ordering.

I did not see Juniper Berries at Dominick's, Garden Fresh, Grand Food, Jewel and Strack & VAn Til.

Regards,