Juniper Berries

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Shadowdogs

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Has anyone brewed with locally collected juniper berries namely from native Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana )? All I've read about using juniper berries just refers to them as "juniper berries" which could mean anything. Seems to me using fresh would impart a lot more and/or better flavor than anything I could buy in the store.
 
All juniper species grow berries, but some are considered too bitter to eat. In addition to J. communis, other edible species include Juniperus drupacea, Juniperus oxycedrus, Juniperus phoenicea, Juniperus deppeana, and Juniperus californica. Some species, for example Juniperus sabina, are toxic and consumption is inadvisable.

On the other hand:

Juniperus virginiana L.
Eastern red cedar, Eastern redcedar, Virginia juniper
POISONOUS PARTS: Fleshy cones (resembles berries), leaves. Low toxicity when ingested; large amounts may cause diarrhea. Toxic Principle: Volatile oils including thujone.
 
Dang. Thought I had something there. Thanks for the info though. I'm always looking for ways to make a my beers tied to something local.
 
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