Juniper berries for cooking - Ask Extension
Good morning,
I am writing to ask if the local Juniper berries I find (Marlboro, VT) are edible? I usually buy dried juniper berries at the local f...
Knowledgebase
Juniper berries for cooking #891160
Asked January 02, 2025, 8:48 AM EST
Good morning,
I am writing to ask if the local Juniper berries I find (Marlboro, VT) are edible? I usually buy dried juniper berries at the local food coop for a stew, I make, but wouldn't it be wonderful if I could just harvest the ones from my neighborhood? Are they the same? Are they safe to consume? Are there different varieties of Juniper (berries)?
Thank you for any insight you have.
Susanne Shapiro, Marlboro, VT
Windham County Vermont
Expert Response
Susanne: Thank you for contacting the UVM Extension Master Gardener Helpline with your question regarding edible juniper berries.
There are many varieties of junipers and most of them are toxic to humans. We are not able to identify the type of berry you found in the woods, and would recommend that you not consider them as edible.
Below is a link to an article that you may find interesting. This article states that there are over 45 varieties of junipers, and also discusses reasons for not eating the berries.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/juniper/are-all-juniper-berries-edible.htm
I hope you find this information helpful.
