Juniper berries replacement.

[Steve H]

I'm going to be making Kassler. And the brine calls for Juniper berries. Which I've been unable to find locally. For meats it seems that Rose Mary is a allowable substitute. I was wondering if others have used this instead of Juniper Berries. I could order them. But I was hoping to get this started tomorrow. Gin is also a known substitute. But I couldn't find if it was ok for use in brines. Thoughts?

 

[zwiller]

Homebrew stores carry it, maybe you have one near you. Definitely worth having on hand if you are doing german stuff. Unique for sure.

 

[bradger]

rosemary is too different than juniper berry in my opinion. i think Gin would be a closer substitute. I don't see why it couldn't be used in brine alcohol is often used in marinades.

 

[Steve H]

rosemary is too different than juniper berry in my opinion. i think Gin would be a closer substitute. I don't see why it couldn't be used in brine alcohol is often used in marinades.

That's true. In marinades. Just curious about a 8 day cure. Would that effect the pink salt in it's ability to do it's thing? Don't want the pink salt to get a DUI you understand! Even if the alcohol gets absorbed into the meat. I would think it would burn off. And just leave the flavor.

 

[bradger]

I don't know what effect it would have in the salt. i suppose you could let the gin sit out and allow the alcohol to evaporate. Then put it in the solution.

 

[Steve H]

I don't know what effect it would have in the salt. i suppose you could let the gin sit out and allow the alcohol to evaporate. Then put it in the solution.

That's something I didn't think about. And I work at a place that makes. And bottles booze! Thank you.

 

[bradger]

your welcome, that's what the hive mind is for.
we need to know how it turns out.

 

[Braz]

That's something I didn't think about. And I work at a place that makes. And bottles booze! Thank you.

Bring the gin up to above 173F for a short while and most of the ethanol will evaporate leaving behind the water and aromatics.

 

[S-met]

Don't do gin, some are flavored with juniper but it's not the flavor you want. Plus they tend to have other botanicals that you may not want. Its not juniper tincture, its just got juniper essence. You will be disappointed if you go the "gin" route.

If you have a cost plus world market near you, they usually have them in little baggies in the spice section. Amazon can probably get you some too easily.

Bouji stores like whole foods probably have them too.

Or, ya know, if you are not in a rush... pm me and ask and I will gladly share some of my organic juniper berries for the cost of shipping.l
I bought a pound and its way more than I need.

 

[Steve H]

Thanks everybody for the offers and advice. Some unexpected events came up this weekend. So I'll not be starting this recipe. So, I ordered some from TSM.
I'm still hoping to do some more pickles though!

 

[DanMcG]

I'm a little late but Wegman's has juniper in the bulk food isle, in small containers

 

[Steve H]

I'm a little late but Wegman's has juniper in the bulk food isle, in small containers

Ours doesn't. Thanks though.