Juniper Berries Flavor More Than Gin

Juniper Berries Flavor More Than Gin

Juniper berries come from an evergreen shrub native to Europe, Juniperus communis. It is a member of the cypress family, Cupressaceae. Half a dozen juniper species grow berries that are edible, but take caution with picking unidentified species as some berries are toxic. It is safer to purchase the spice from a grocer.

The small, round blueish-black berries are positively modified cones from these conifer trees. Instead of woody scales like a pine-cone, juniper berries have fleshy scales that have merged to surround the seeds. Berries are green at first and they take three growing seasons to mature and ripen into the fleshy, blue-black berry that is used in Cooking.

Juniper berries are very aromatic so they should be used in moderation. They smell like pine needles or spruce needles with a resinous character. Toasting the berries lightly in a dry, warm skillet will enhance their aroma and flavor. Berries used in marinades should be crushed lightly in a mortar and pestle to release their scent. When using juniper in sauces and stuffings the berries should be crushed finely.

About the size of a pea juniper berries are used as a spice primarily in cuisines of the Old World. Juniper, the spice, is not beloved in American cuisine. It is used in marinades for wild game, lamb and other meat dishes like roasts and Pork. Cabbage and sauerkraut are the main vegetables that may be flavored with juniper berries.

Mature, but still green, juniper berries are used to flavor gin, a distilled liquor. Gin can be made in a estimate of ways with a collection of flavorful ingredients. A grain mash is distilled to yield alcohol that may endure at least one more distillation with juniper berries. Other botanicals and fruits may be used to flavor the end product, but juniper berries are the main flavoring ingredient in all gins.

Juniper berries have been used historically as a diuretic, digestive aid and blood purifier. Population suffering from rheumatic ills or arthritis may find relief by drinking a tea made by steeping whole berries in boiling water. Juniper tea may also counter fluid keeping and indigestion. Primary oil of juniper may be used for its aroma in production disinfectants, Air fresheners, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and perfumes.

Junipers planted in gardens are foremost Food and cover resources for wildlife. Birds and small mammals eat the berries and seeds and larger mammals browse the leaves and twigs. The dense, sticky foliage makes for remarkable nesting sites for small birds.