It is widely distributed on poor or rocky soils throughout the Northern Hemisphere. The fruit, or berry of the Juniper is used to flavour foods and alcoholic beverages, particularly gin.
Juniper berries have a fragrant, spicy aroma and a slightly bittersweet flavour.
Used with venison, they remove the gamey taste. They are also used to season sauces and stuffings, in pickling meats, and to flavour liqueurs and bitters.