Juniper Berries & Currants

Where can I find them ( is small amounts)? I have several recipes I've ben meaning to try that use either Currants & juniper berries, but I never see them any where....

Thanks!
Deb

Wal Mart usually carries currants, Sun Maid, same company that's famously known for their boxed raisins. They're sold in the same size box and you should be able to find them on the shelf right next to the raisins. Or maybe Kroger's or Meijers or what have you. Whole Foods carries them too, I think.

Juniper berries.... That's harder. I have some right outside my door, but they're green. I've never had luck buying them locally, but I've ordered them online from the Spice House.... Here, lemme get the link.... http://www.thespicehouse.com/spices/who ... berries.... good price too.

A friend got some a Campbell's Gormet Cottage before Thanksgiving. I've also gotten them (years ago) at Burger's. Most recently, I just order them from Penzy's.

Carol,

Did you mean the Juniper berries?

Thanks,
Deb

Sorry, Deb!!! I did mean the juniper berries. My friend had a very hard time finding them before Thanksgiving. A bag from Penzy's lasts a long time.

Deb,

I would call/try:

Burger's Market 454-0461 (I've seen red currants there)

The Spice Merchant 410-4891

Creation Gardens 587-9012

Nuts 'n Stuff (Hi Leah!) 363-3338

Thanks all! I'll try the local sources first and report back on how I make out.

Thanks so much for all the phone numbers, Jay!

Deb

I got some Juniper Berries at Creation Gardens a couple months ago. I'm sure they would still have some.

Fresh or dried currants?

And to further elaborate on that... if fresh: black, red or white?

Ethan,

Red currants - both fresh and dried ( different recipes).

Thanks,
Deb

I haven't seen fresh this year, but the first places I usually see them are Whole Foods and Creation Gardens.

Most times, they just have the red ones, I have seen black on occasion... but alas, no white yet.

Ethan,

I assume there is a season for the fresh ones. Do you know the timeframe they'd be available? I'm guessing Fall/winer given the recipes, but you never know any more....

Thanks,
deb

I want to say June-July (ironically enough).

They do have an extremely short season though - generally 3-4 weeks.

That's part of the allure of using them fresh, you know?
Plus they look gorgeous on a plate.

Hey Deb,

I was at The Fresh Market this afternoon. They have Juniper Berries in small "ziploc" bags in spice section back by pastries - they're alphabetized so easy to find . They have dried currants near the checkout area in front of store in the area of prepackaged nuts and dried fruit. (finder's fee???? )

Jay,

Wow, thanks so much for the info. And the timing couldn't have been better- I'm leaving in an hour to drop something off at my parent's house- off Shelbyville road! I can hit it on the way back...

So, what do you want for your finder's feee?

Deb