Juniper Berries

A juniper berry is the female seed cone produced by the various species of junipers. It is not a true berry but a cone with unusually fleshy and merged scales, which give it a berry-like appearance. The cones from a handful of species, especially Juniperus communis, are used as a spice, particularly in European cuisine, and also give gin its distinguishing flavour. According to one FAO document, juniper berries are the only spice derived from conifers, though tar and inner bark (used as a sweetener in Apache cuisines) from pine trees is sometimes considered a spice as well. Juniperus sommunis furnishes these deep blue-purple berries. Romantic, warm bittersweet flavor.

Use a few Juniper Berries for 4 portions venison, lamb, duck, goose or rabbit. Crush berries and add to chicken salad, braised pork or sauerkraut. ½ tsp of berries in a marinade or tossed into a long cooking stew is the seasoning equivalent of ¼ cup gin.

1 oz. & 3.2 oz.