Juniper Berries

Juniper berries come from the juniper shrub which grows in the Northern Hemisphere. Juniper berries are used as a spice for seasoning meats, stews, soups, and in marinades. Juniper berries are also what gives gin its unique flavor.

The evergreen which produces juniper berries grows wild in Europe and North America. The best juniper berries that are used for cooking are grown in Macedonia and Albania.

You will want to purchase juniper berries in small quantities as the lose their taste quickly. Juniper berries are popular with wild game cooking but they also go well with pork and beef. Three or four juniper berries will flavor almost any dish.

Fast Facts

1. Female seed cone of junipers
2. Not a true berry
3. Used as a spice
4. Found in ancient Egyptian tombs
5. Vary in size from 4 to 12 mm in diameter
6. Green when young, purplish black when mature
7. Used both fresh and dried
8. Flavor best right after harvest

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