WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST?
Eastern red cedar is actually not a “true cedar.” It’s a juniper. It seems this tree is full of misnomers. It also grows blue “fruits” that apparently take 3 years to grow. Since this tree is a conifer or evergreen tree, the berries aren’t actually berries, but instead miniature cones. They have been used to flavor things like gin and meats. Last week I got a chance to harvest some that were still remaining on a few trees. I added them as a rub to flavor some venison steaks. The flavor was amazing and worth doing. It tastes like… juniper.
Ryan Trapani
Director of Forest Services
Catskill Forest Association