Juniper defines Gin. An indepth look at the spirit's core botanical Written by Gin Foundry If you want to really understand gin, it’s important to get to know juniper. We would compare it to understanding the influence of casks for whisky fans, grapes for winos or dilution of ice for bartenders. Juniper is such an important aspect of gin that quite literally, it is not only the primary botanical used in gin but by law, it needs to be the predominant flavour in anything seeking to be classified as gin. The aroma and taste of juniper is – or at least should be – the signature note in any gin, both on the nose and on the palate. Even the name Gin itself is derived from either the French genièvre or the Dutch jenever, which both mean juniper. We’re about to go all green fingered on you all, so bear with us for a while – there is a point to this… Juniper shrubs vary in size and shape, are evergreen and are usually low spreading bush type plants. They are a low maintenance plant to grow and while they prefer an acidic pH soil, they don’t have a problem in soil pHs that are not acidic either.

We’ve heard of Juniper shrubs being used for groundcovers, border plantings and understand that they are especially helpful in preventing soil erosion, weed control and planting on difficult parts of a landscape. From our own experience with them – we know that juniper shrubs are quite drought tolerant and perform well enough in rock gardens too. If this wasn’t enough, most varieties of juniper require very little pruning, if any. It is therefore not surprising to hear that depending on your taxonomic viewpoint, there are between 50-67 species of juniper and they are found in most countries in the Northern hemisphere. They are amazing plants. In fact, “Common Juniper” has one of the largest geographic range of any woody plant in the world. Occurring from Western Alaska throughout Canada and Northern USA, in coastal areas of Greenland, Iceland, throughout Europe and in Northern Asia and Japan. It was once widespread in Europe, except for some low-lying areas around the Mediterranean and it even occurs in small patches of North Africa. It’s amazing to think that juniper occurs at varying elevations and at its southernmost extent it has been recorded at altitudes of up to 3,500 metres.

If this was a grape, wine makers would be going crazy over it. Given we all understand that soil, climate and growing conditions all affect grapes and that this has resulted in the term “terroir’ used to define wine regions, styles etc… why should it be so different in juniper bushes and as a result in gin? If you interested in this, an interesting Gin to seek out is Origin as it is available in 6 different varieties, where the juniper is the only thing to change as it has been selected from different terroirs. While juniper occurs in patches in England and throughout most of Scotland, it is only really common in the Highlands. Two subspecies can be found in Scotland, of which the erect, shrubby form is most widespread. In the UK, few specimens grow taller than 5 meters but in other countries it has been known to grow up to 10m high. In the Highlands, juniper is more abundant in the drier, Eastern part of the country. Interestingly for you horticulturists out there, the bark is brown on young plants, but turns grey as it gets older.

The flavour profile of young, green berries is dominated by pinene (resinous, woody pine notes) and as they mature this piney, resinous character is joined by greener citric notes. The outer scales of the berries are relatively flavourless, so the berries are almost always at least lightly crushed before being used as a spice. This matters less with making gin as during the maceration period, the alcohol will permeate through the skin relatively easily regardless. Juniper berries are primarily used dried as opposed to fresh in gin production, but their flavour and odour is at their strongest immediately after harvest and declines during the drying process and subsequent storage. Because of its vast geographic global range, juniper is not considered threatened at an international level. However, in Britain there has been a substantial decline in both the distribution of juniper and the size of juniper colonies, particularly in England. As a result, juniper remains the subject of a Biodiversity Action Plan, under the government’s response to the Convention on Biological Diversity agreed at the 1992 Earth Summit. Cue paragraph one – if you like gin, and can’t really be bothered with gardening but have some space – get some juniper in there!

Rather fascinatingly, juniper is dioecious, i.e. individual plants are either male or female, unlike most tree species, where both male and female flowers occur on the same tree. Male flowers appear as yellow blossoms near the ends of the twigs in spring and release pollen, which is then dispersed by the wind. Female flowers are in the form of very small clusters of scales, and after pollination these grow to become berry-like cones. Shaped like irregularly-sided spheres, these berries are green at first, but ripen after 18 months to a dark, blue-purple colour – prime for taking and adding to a botanical selection in order to make gin. Each juniper berry contains half a dozen seeds which are triangular, hard and black, and are dispersed by birds which eat the berries. All juniper species grow berries, but most are considered too bitter to eat. In addition to Juniperus Communis, other edible species include Juniperus Drupacea, Juniperus Phoenicea, Juniperus Deppeana and Juniperus Californica. Some species, for example Juniperus Sabina, are toxic and consumption is inadvisable.

In all fairness however, it’s rare to come across anything other than the communis in the UK, so you’ll probably be okay if don’t have the Encylopedia Botanica to hand during your hike and you get peckish. Because of their long ripening period, berries can occur on a juniper shrub throughout the year and as such, it is usually possible to see them at different stages of development on the same plant. Usually, juniper seeds are slow to germinate and normally require two winters of dormancy before they will sprout and begin growing. Juniper, as an entire plant is a slow-growing species, but in optimal conditions it can grow up to 28 cm in a year. It is for its gastronomic, medicinal and ritual properties that juniper is best known. The Romans used juniper berries as a cheap domestically-produced substitute for the expensive black pepper. Something similar can be seen when berries were ground and added to sauces and especially to game dishes in England and Scotland to add a bitter, spicy flavour, and were used to flavour breads and cakes in the North of England.

From a bit of light reading – it would seem that the juniper berry is still being considered as a possible treatment for diet-controlled diabetes, as it allegedly releases insulin from the pancreas (hence alleviating hunger). From a remedial purpose – the earliest recorded medicinal use of juniper berries occurs in an Egyptian papyrus dating back to 1500 BC, in a recipe to cure tapeworm infestations. The Romans too used the berries for purification and stomach ailments, while the famous mediaeval herbalist Culpepper recommended them for a wide variety of conditions including the treatment of flatulence, for which juniper oil is still used today. Juniper berries have also been found in ancient Egyptian tombs , including Juniperus Phoenicia and Juniperus Oxycedrus at multiple sites. The latter is not known to grow in Egypt, and neither is Juniperus Excelsa, which was found along in the tomb of Tutankhamun. It would have been likely that the berries would have been imported into Egypt from Greece. Allegedly, the Greeks used juniper berries in many of their Olympic events because of their belief that the berries increased physical stamina in athletes.

On a separate note – chemicals in the berries also stimulate contraction of the uterine muscles and could potentially be administered during labour. These properties were used to abort an unwanted pregnancy in Middle Ages, and the phrase used in Lothian of giving birth “under the savin (an older name for juniper) tree” was a euphemism for juniper-induced miscarriage. The largest body of folklore concerning juniper comes from Iceland where amongst other things, it was traditionally believed that juniper and rowan could not grow together because each creates so much heat that one of the trees would burn up. For the same reason it was considered not a good idea to bring sprigs of both woods into the house together unless you particularly wanted your house to burn down. Thankfully for us gin fans, Coarunn Gin’s distillery (who use both to make their gin) has been safe and sound for a few years, which should help dispel that myth. Practical uses of the juniper’s wood are few, and it was most commonly used to burn for its smoke. Though burning juniper wood gives off only minimal visible smoke, it is highly aromatic and in ancient times it was used during the ritual purification of temples.

The smoke was said to aid clairvoyance, and continued to be burned for purification and to stimulate contact with the “otherworld”. In central Europe juniper smoke played a part in the spring-time cleansing and casting out of witchcraft. Juniper was also burned during outbreaks of the Plague , while doctors were known to place it in their mask’s beaks as a rudimentary filter. Little did they know it was in fact the rats not the air that caused the problems. Juniper’s use in alcoholic drinks and the use of its wood’s smoke are drawn together neatly in the tales of illicit Highland whisky stills hidden away in the glens, which used juniper wood for fuel so that the near absence of smoke would not attract the suspicions of the local excise man. Juniper berries are still used by certain whisky distillers to sweeten the still during the first distillation of a new still, although it is now widely acknowledged that this is more ritualistic than for flavouring. From a more liquor-oriented point of view, in the nineteenth century Highland juniper bushes were prolific enough for their berries to be collected by the bagful and taken to the Inverness and Aberdeen markets to be exported to the Dutch gin distillers.

The berries are also used to flavour other alcoholic beverages such as a Swedish health beer and a French beer-like drink called ‘genevrette’ made from equal amounts of juniper berries and barley. Recently, some American distilleries have begun using ‘New World’ varieties of juniper such as Juniperus Occidentalis. Our favourite variety purely for its name is Juniperus Deppeana, or Alligator Juniper, whose bark is usually very distinctive unlike other junipers, hard, dark grey-brown, cracked into small square plates superficially resembling alligator skin. A few North American juniper species are known to produce a seed cone with a sweeter, less resinous flavour than those typically used as a spice. According to George Dodd of the Whisky Aroma Academy, because of its use in herbal medicine and aromatherapy, there is a lot of information about the aroma molecules of juniper berries. Surprisingly given the amount of varieties, geography and growing conditions, there is quite a good consistency in the quantitative composition of oils amongst juniper from various parts of the globe.

The piney antiseptic notes are allegedly from the hydrocarbon Alpha-pinene, which forms between 40 and 45% of the aroma molecules in juniper. Sabinene, another Hydrocarbon is the second most common molecule (around 5-15%). Other molecules include Lemonene (4-5%), Farnesene, which gives a floral note (around 5%) and Borneol and its woody notes (around 5%) to name a few. Each molecule brings with it individual aromas that depending on the overall percentages they have, combine to give slight variations to the final nose. As George mentions in his Gin Aroma Kit, “the aromas of junipers is an exciting and never ending story and the success of some gins may be due to trace juniper ingredients rather than the [other] listed botanicals”. If aroma can form such a large impact on our perception of taste, and that a trace within an individual botanical can vary and alter our impressions of the overall composition – just imagine the endless possibilities when you start interchanging the strain of botanicals or where they came from.

Gins where Juniper is noticeable to taste: Junipero Gin and Sipsmith VJOP both carry deep, resinous juniper notes and are definitely advisable for those seeking a juniper heavy gin. If you prefer a more clean, green and fresh juniper, Oxley Gin, Makar Gin and Boxer Gin are just what the (plague) doctor ordered. Alternatively, try either Herno or Blackwater’s Juniper Cask offerings, where they have both taken the juniper wood and created bespoke mini-casks that give off a particularly sappy, resinous note. Best used… …In the pub, in the house, in the garden, in the park. Juniper is gin, and gin is life. Juniper Evergreen Trees | Garden Guides Juniper Evergreen Trees Submit Overview One of the toughest plants in the landscape, junipers (Juniperus spp.) are very hardy and tolerant of drought. They grow in USDA zones 4 through 8, depending on the variety. Juniper plants are either male or female. The male produces flowers and the female produces berries, which are used to flavor the alcoholic spirit gin.

Appearance An evergreen with pointed, sharp, scalelike foliage, junipers produce fleshy blue berries that can take up to two years to mature. Juniper leaves take on colors in varying shades of green, from pure green to yellow-green to blue-green. Their foliage can also be yellow, gold or blue. Site Selection Plant junipers in full sun and well-drained soil. The are well-adapted to hot, dry and unimproved soil and thrive where other evergreens will not. Do not plant junipers in shade because they will grow thin and be more susceptible to diseases. Many varieties will grow in sand and several are tolerant of salt spray. Because of the large number of varieties, junipers can be planted virtually anywhere in the landscape. They make excellent hedges, windbreaks, screens, ground covers, foundation plants or lawn specimens. Varieties Hundreds of varieties of juniper exist, according to the University of Missouri Extension. Many named varieties have been confused with other varieties and a certain amount of confusion exists when identifying them. They can, however, be divided into three major groups: upright, prostrate and spreading. Upright junipers are commonly grown as shrubs and are often heavily sheared to contain their size.

Most upright junipers have foliage that is blue to blue-green. Prostrate juniper varieties are used as ground covers. They grow about 18 inches high and spread over a large area. Their foliage color ranges from light green to gray-green to blue-green. Spreading juniper grows in either a horizontal or arching habit, growing from 2 to 8 feet high and spreading from 5 to 8 feet. Spreading juniper ranges in color from yellow-green to green to blue-green. Care and Culture Junipers require very little care from the home gardener. They should not be irrigated other than normal rainfall and do not tolerate over-watering. Fertilize them in early spring and late summer with a complete, balanced granulated fertilizer applied at the rate of 1/2 lb. for every 100 square feet of growing bed. Do not allow the fertilizer to come in contact with the base of the plant. Apply fertilizer prior to a rainstorm or water it in with a soaker hose. Pests and Diseases Junipers almost never succumb to disease, except when over-watered or planted in shade. They are susceptible to insect pests, including spider mites, leaf miner, scale and aphids.

Control these insects by applying pesticide recommended for the control of the individual pest, following the directions of the pesticide manufacturer. Keywords: juniper evergreen trees, evergreen juniper bushes, grow junipers About this Author Sharon Sweeny has a college degree in general studies and worked as an administrative and legal assistant for 20 years before becoming a freelance writer in 2008. She specializes in writing about home improvement, self-sufficient lifestyles and gardening. Juniper Berries Flavor More Than Gin Juniper Berries Flavor More Than Gin By Naomi Gallagher | Submitted On December 09, 2010 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 actually 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 highly 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 popular 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 number of ways with a variety of flavorful ingredients. A grain mash is distilled to produce alcohol that may undergo 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. People 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 retention and indigestion. Essential oil of juniper may be used for its aroma in making disinfectants, air fresheners, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and perfumes. Junipers planted in gardens are important 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 wonderful nesting sites for small birds. Naomi Gallagher is a writer and a fantastic cook with a love for machines that help her make the most of her time in the kitchen, like the trusty bosch stand mixer [ Learn more about flavorful spices and culinary herbs by visiting kamenstein spice rack [ where Naomi serves up a number of articles on the topic.

Whole Juniper Berries - Buy Bulk Juniper Berries what else you should know whole juniper berries Juniper is a small coniferous tree in the cypress family that is native to Europe and southwestern Asia. The shrub is also naturalized in the southern coastal areas of North America. The berries, which are technically cones, ripen in the fall. However, it takes two years for them to change from green to purplish-black. In Europe, juniper berries are traditional flavoring agents for game meats and smoked fish. They are also frequently paired with rosemary , garlic , marjoram and other mint family members to season stuffing and gravy. The whole berries can also be treated like peppercorns and ground fresh at the table in a spice grinder. The ancient Egyptians used juniper berries as food and also to remedy intestinal parasites. Because the tree is not native to the region the berries had to be imported, probably from Greece. In addition to the mention of juniper in various ancient Egyptian writings, remnants of juniper berries have been found at the tomb of Tutankhamun, better known as King Tut, which indicates the people may have also used the herb as an offering to the departed.

The early Canaanites considered juniper berries a symbol of fertility and healing and dedicated them as offerings to Ashera, the Mother Goddess and consort of El sometimes referred to as the lost goddess of Egypt and She Who Walks On (or in) the Sea. Today, juniper berries are largely limited to culinary use, especially in northern Europe where they are commonly used to balance the pungent flavor of game meats. Juniper berries are a key flavoring ingredient in gin and a beverage called sati, a type of rye beer enjoyed in Norway and Finland. Juniper berries are a key ingredient in gin, the alcoholic beverage that takes its name from the Dutch word for juniper, or genever. Originally, the concoction developed by the 17th century Dutch physician and chemist Franciscus Sylvius was intended to aid in dispelling gout, lumbago and disorders of the kidneys and gallbladder, but it soon travelled from the pharmacy to the battlefield. In fact, the term "Dutch courage" stems from the habitual imbibing of English soldiers to muster up courage when fighting against the Spanish during the Dutch Revolt (aka The Eighty Years War).

During the reign of William the Orange, and for the decades that followed known as the Gin Craze years, gin became a popular drink for commoners, although its quality declined from a lack of juniper berries and the substitution of turpentine. In Norway, juniper foliage is used in cladding, a traditional method of insulating barn walls from wind and rain. The process is tedious, but well-constructed juniper cladding can last for decades, reportedly up to 50 years in some cases. chemical composition Various flavonoids, catechin tannins, diterpenes, monosaccharides, pinene and limonene. safety Juniper berries should not be consumed during pregnancy or if there is a history of kidney disease. Because certain compounds in juniper berries may stimulate insulin release from the pancreas, this herb should not be used if diabetes is present. Customers who bought this also bought Why Gin Tastes Like Christmas Trees (And More Weird Gin Facts) | The Huffington Post Why Gin Tastes Like Christmas Trees (And More Weird Gin Facts) 03/20/2014 07:00 am ET Julie R.

Thomson Food writer Andrew Rietze-Fehr/500px If there's one liquor that's truly polarizing, we'd have to say it's gin -- with tequila as a close second (from a night of one too many shots). When it comes to gin, people are either die-hard fans or they can't handle its "Christmas tree" flavor . We have two things to say about that. First, anything that tastes like Christmas is awesome. And second, if you're tasting an unpleasant Christmas tree flavor, chances are you're drinking cheap gin. It's like saying you don't like burgers when you've only ever had one from White Castle. Take a moment and educate yourself on this liquor that was once used as a prevention for the plague , to ease the pains of childbirth and to treat a lack of courage. And then go buy yourself a decent bottle of gin and mix yourself a classic cocktail . 1 Gin is basically made from pine cones. Emilia Blom/500px Well, not exactly. Gin is made from juniper berries. And juniper berries are not actually berries, but female seed cone (read pinecones).

THIS IS WHY IT TASTES LIKE CHRISTMAS TREES, which (in our opinion) is a very good thing. 2 Gin is basically just vodka. Kat Chadwick via Getty Images Gin is pretty much just flavored vodka -- but the best kind possible. While juniper berry is the most popular and predominant flavor, other aromatics that give gin its flavor include: cumin seeds, coriander seeds, angelica root, orris root, citrus peels, cardamom pods, cassia bark, grains of paradise and cubeb berries. 3 The '80s were brutal in many ways, but at least they brought back gin. RACKHAM /500px We will forever be okay with big hair and leg warmers because they are from the era that brought gin back to its proper glory. Bombay Sapphire is mostly responsible; in 1988, they were one of the first new premium gins produced in decades. 4 You have the Dutch to thank for your next gin cocktail. Hillary Fox via Getty Images The Dutch gave us the masterpieces of Rembrandt AND gin. The first confirmed date for the production of gin is the early 17th century in Holland.

We are forever indebted to the Dutch for this. FOREVER. 5 Gin was first sold at pharmacies, not bars. Flickr: Barry Winiker via Getty Images In the 17th century, gin was sold in the Netherlands to treat medical problems such as kidney ailments, lumbago, stomach ailments, gallstones, and gout. That's one treatment we can fully get behind. 6 A proper martini is always made with gin. Artifacts Images via Getty Images All you vodka martini drinkers can just go home. 7 The expression "Dutch courage" is all about gin. albert mollon via Getty Images More specifically, Dutch courage refers to getting drunk on gin. The British came up with this expression during the Dutch War of Independence 1568–1648 as the drink presumably gave them courage in battle -- and expression has stuck. 8 You're never supposed to order straight gin. Holger Leue via Getty Images Gin is meant for cocktails. You don't ever take shots of gin like you would tequila and you wouldn't really sip on it like whiskey, but when mixed into a cocktail gin comes to life. The botanicals add complexity to cocktails -- which is why many classic cocktails are made with this liquor.

9 Despite some haters, some countries really love their gin. Soma Images/500px Global gin sales have reached approximately 47 million nine-litre cases, with the Philippines leading in sales. The U.S., Spain and UK follow closely behind. 10 Gin and tonics were invented to cure malaria. Annabelle Breakey via Getty Images In the 1700s, quinine (what gives tonic water its unique flavor) was used to treat and cure the disease. As you can imagine, it tasted terrible so sugar was added. Then gin. Then soda water. Not a bad dose of medicine if you ask us. Now gin and tonics are so popular there are bars devoted entirely to gin and tonic in Spain. Want to read more from HuffPost Taste? Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Pinterest and Tumblr . Also on HuffPost: Foraged Flavor: All About Juniper | Serious Eats Foraged Flavor: All About Juniper [Photographs: Yossy Arefi and Tama Wong] The Japanese say that walking in an evergreen forest and "taking in the atmosphere" (shinrin-yoku, or "forest bathing trip") is therapeutic for the health and the spirit.

If that's true, then surely hanging around for hours foraging juniper berries is good for the soul. Whenever I'm foraging among the junipers I like to breathe in deeply. The aroma is a mix of the forest and the earth, rich and balsamic, like a shot of a winter holiday elixir. There are some 60 species of juniper found around the world, growing in different ways: some as shrubs, low and sprawling; some more upright as trees. In North America, there are 13 indigenous species that grow wild, and more that are commercially cultivated varieties, not all of which are edible. If you look closely at a juniper branch, you'll find that they all have tiny scale-like needles. On younger trees, the needles can be sharp and prickly. Juniper berries are not real berries. They're cones with scales so miniature and packed down that you can't even see the scales — instead, they appear as round berries. Only the female tree makes the berries, while the male just has little brown cones. Juniper berries are most famously known as the flavoring in gin, and in fact the word gin comes from the French genievre, or juniper.

flavoring can be very strong and have a slightly turpentine-like finish. Juniper berries found in the grocery store and in gin are those of the common juniper, which grows as a low sprawling shrub and can be found in many parts of North America as well as Europe. However, it is not so "common" in the mid-Atlantic and other regions, as it favors cliff edges and rocky soils. The juniper that is grows most often in the wild in central and eastern North America is called (somewhat confusingly) eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana). It is one of the first trees that you can see pioneering in old fields and hedgerows. The Comanche and the Lakota American Indians used the berries of the eastern red cedar, eating them whole and also crushed as a spice for soups, meats, and stews. The berry is much smaller than that of the common juniper. It's also sweeter and less harsh, without those "turpentine" gin notes. This summer, we enjoyed the underripe green berries, and now they have ripened into a blue-black hue with a slight white dusting wrapper.

We pick them now when they are still firm, since later in the winter they may start to crumble and lose their peak quality. This year is a gold mine for juniper berries so those in the know are stashing away lots of them. Who knows whether next year will be as good? Last year, I could barely find a tree with any berries to speak of. Juniper sugar The berries can be eaten dried, fresh, chopped, or powdered to impart a sharp, peppery flavor to balance the richness of winter game, meats, soups, and stews. Right before using the berries, you can also grind and sprinkle them on meats as a seasoning, or make a juniper sugar for blueberry scones (add extra juniper spice if you're using foraged eastern red cedar berries, as their flavor is more subtle). Or try chocolate sables with juniper sugar for a treat that's not too sweet and more on the order of a European-style biscuit cookie. Juniper berries are also a traditional ingredient in making German sauerkraut and they pickle well on their own. On the savory side, the Wong family's favorite is wintertime cauliflower soup with wild juniper .

The pepperiness of the juniper balances the creaminess of the cauliflower exquisitely. Note: Fresh juniper can have strong antiviral and other medicinal properties. If you are pregnant or under medications consult your physician before consuming. About the Author: Tama Matsuoka Wong is corporate lawyer turned professional forager who supplies wild plants to chefs in the New York City area and leads events across the country about the deliciousness of wild ingredients. She is the author of the Beard Award-nominated book 'Foraged Flavor: Finding Fabulous Ingredients in Your Backyard or Farmer's Market, " with chef Eddy Leroux. But wait, there's more! Follow Serious Eats on Facebook , Twitter , Pinterest , and Google+ ! Juniper Berries – Uses, Health Benefits, Side Effects, Recipes and Substitute Juniper Berries – Uses, Health Benefits, Side Effects, Recipes and Substitute What are Juniper Berries? Picture 1 – Juniper Berries Source – bellirosa.com Juniper berries are the female seed cone of the juniper tree. It is a fleshy cone, with merged scales, thus having a berry like appearance.

These berries are green in color at a young stage, but later, when they mature, they turn purple-black in color. The juniper berries belong to the family of N.O.Coniferae. Its botanical name is Juniperus communis. It is a since, due to the presence of a primary flavoring agent in gin. Juniper berries – Other Names Juniper berries are known by several names in different places. It has the following synonyms: India – Dhup, Shur The name of Juniper Berry in hindi is Araar. Juniper Berry Tree It is a coniferous tree, which belongs to the family of Cupressaceae. It has which bluish-green branches, and bears small yellow-purplish flowers and three cornered seeds. It is a wonderful and a versatile garden plant. It can tolerate a wide range of growing and soil conditions, as well as certain extent of drought. It is distributed throughout Europe, North America and certain parts of northern Asia. The tree has thick foliage, commonly used as strewing herb to freshen the stale air, due to its air-cleansing fragrance. The juniper trees very in size, ranging from small to tall trees. Their leaves are needle shaped and scale like.

Its seeds are cone like and very fleshy, due to which they appear as berries. The foliage of the tree comes in many colors, ranging from silvery-grey to mauve and purple in some seasons. Juniper Berries Growing The juniper trees and shrubs grow mostly in all parts of Northern Hemisphere. All the species of juniper trees produce berries. These plants grow from direct planting of berries, and also from the cuttings from new growth. The trees can grow very well in light drained, impoverished soil. The soil to be selected can be alkaline or acidic. This plant is effective against gravel much and paving. The berries are picked when they are fully ripe, sometime in late summer or early autumn. When ripe, these berries are very dark in color. Juniper Berries Harvesting When the juniper berries are ready to be harvested, you need to spread them on a flat ground, in a sunny place. You can also dehydrate the berries, or place them in an oven. But you should make sure that these berries are used within one year of harvesting. Juniper Berries Nutrients Juniper berry is rich in nutrients, and provide many health benefits to the people.

They possess many important nutrients, which are as follows: Vitamins and minerals – juniper berries are rich in vitamin C and Vitamin B. they contain small amounts of calcium. Volatile Oils – it also contains a substantial amount of volatile oil. The percentage of various nutrients is as follows: Protein- 4% Ash – dry weight. The Juniper Berries health benefits are as follows: Juniper berries are a natural cure for treating flatulence. The tea that is prepared from these berries is often used to wash the joints so as to relive oneself from joint pain and soreness. It treats gout and other similar conditions. Apart from this, it is used for expelling respiratory problems. Juniper Berries Substitutes Juniper berries are excellent flavoring agents, and you may not get the exact flavor on using any other spice or flavoring agent. However there are certain spices that provide almost a similar taste, Gin being one of them. Other distant spices that are used as a substitute for juniper berries may include usage of garlic or onion extracts, so as to give some flavor to the cooked food.

Juniper Berries Uses Picture 2 – Juniper Berries Image Source – herb-magic.com Juniper berries are primarily used as a spice, providing a great flavor to the food. The outer scales of the berries do not contain any flavor, so they are removed while crushing the seed to extract the spice out of it. The spice can be used in a dry state or in a wet state; however the odor is strongest immediately after harvest, so they should be used fresh. They flavor the liquor such as jenever and sahti beers. It flavors the various meat and veal dishes. The juniper berries extract has an antioxidant activity. Apart from the use of juniper berries in cooking, junipers play a major role as a landscape attraction in various places. The juniper forests are a rich storehouse of wood, fuel, food and shelter for the people living in and around these forests. In Morocco, the tar of these trees is applied in the dotted designs of the drinking cups. An essential oil that is extracted from these seeds is used in making perfumes and in aromatherapy. Juniper berries healing properties are also too many, it therefore cats as a medication for many ailments. The seeds inside the berries are used for decoration and in jewellery making.

Juniper Berries: Medicinal Uses Juniper berries are a diuretic. They have many important medicinal uses. Here is a list of juniper berries benefits: The consumption of tonics made out of it can act as an appetite increaser. It can also act as an appetite suppressant. It also has remedies for Arthritis and Rheumatism. It is being used for treatment against diabetes. In some tribal areas, it is used as a female contraceptive. It also helps in combating bacterial infections such as prostates, vaginitis and inflamed kidneys. It can be used for treatment of lung disorders. It is used as a purifier and overall system cleaner. Juniper berries have also acted as an old herbal remedy for digestive tract problems. The extracts increase peristalsis and intestinal tone. Juniper Berries Kidney Stones Juniper berries can be used to dissolve kidney stones in the prostrate. It has some natural healing properties, due to which the person gats cured without the need of surgery to remove the stones. Juniper Berries Gin Gin is a kind of white spirit whose flavor is primarily extracted from juniper berries. It is a kind of intoxicant, made from juniper berries by crushing its seeds and thereby obtaining the flavor.

Gin is of two kinds: distilled and compound. Gins produced from juniper berries are of the distilled type. Juniper Berries Recipes Juniper Berries are used for preparing a wide range of dishes. They enhance the taste and enhance the flavor of many meat dishes. They can be used for seasoning the meat dishes like that of the wild birds – blackbird, woodcock; pork and also game meats. They also compliment the taste of beef. Some of the traditional recipes that can be cooked with the help of juniper berries are: Choucroute garnie Alsatian dish of sauerkraut and meat Calico carrots Juniper Berries Side Effects Juniper berries stimulates the uterus, therefore it should not be consumed by pregnant women, as it may even lead to abortion of the fetus in worst circumstances. Those people with severe kidney infection should absolutely not consume it, as it may increase the chances of its severity. Side effects of this spice include certain urinary problems such as purplish urine and blood in the urine; intestinal pain and diarrhea. Juniper oil should never be applied to open wounds as it may result in swelling and irritation. Juniper Berries Allergy Juniper berries have certain allergic reactions like most plants.

People who are allergic to it may show symptoms of sneezing, rash, coughing and wheezing. People who handle this plant are more vulnerable to these allergies. Juniper Berry Oil Juniper berry oil is generally obtained from raw fruit or from the berries. This oil occurs as a pale green or yellowish limpid liquid, having a terebinthic odor. This oil serves many medical purposes. It acts as a diuretic, as a carmintive and for curing certain diseases of kidney. It can be used in combination with lard to prevent irritation from flies. It is also used for the expulsion of uric acids in the joint and gout. It can be used to detoxify and clear congested skin. Sometimes this juniper berries essential oil is also used as a local stimulant. Juniper Berries Edible All the species of the juniper trees grow berries, and almost all are edible. But all are not, and some of them are just too bitter to eat. Therefore you should know which kind of juniper berries you can eat. The Juniperus monosperma should not be eaten as it is unpalatable. Even Savin juniper should not be eaten. The rest are pretty much edible.

Juniper Berries Poison Some varieties of Juniper Berries are poisonous. You should be careful while picking the berries to make sure that the species that you have selected id edible. You should be sure that the species that you have selected is not poisonous in disguise. Juniper Berry Combination Due to the special Juniper berries diuretic properties, and because they help in alleviation of fluid retention, there is a special formula prepared, containing juniper berries and certain other herbs that are beneficial for medical purposes. This is the juniper berry combination. It has proved in improving the genital-urinary problems and supporting the kidney. The juniper berries are nutritionally rich. They provide many health benefits and are excellent when used as a flavoring agent. Try this spice if you still have not. You will surely feel sorry if you miss this amazing spice. References: Juniperus communis Juniperus communis This plant has poison characteristics. See below. Common Name(s): This plant is seldom damaged by deer. Description: Low, evergreen shrub or small tree; leaves small, short needle-like (awn or awl shaped), tightly crowded on the twig, 3 at a whorl; fleshy seed cones bluish and berry-like.

Family: North temperate America and Europe Distribution: Fleshy cones (resemble berries), leaves Poison Delivery Mode: Large amounts may cause diarrhea Edibility: EDIBLE PARTS: "Berries" used to flavor gin and for cooked meats and red cabbage. Juniper tea can be made by placing a dozen young berryless twigs in a quart of cold water; bring to a boil then allow to simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and use as regular tea, in small quantities. SOURCE: Angier, B. 1974. Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants. Stackpole Books, Harrisburg, Pa, 255 pp. Toxic Principle: Buy Juniper Trees Online | The Tree Center™ $29.50 Juniper Trees For Sale Juniper Trees are diverse, with between 50 and 70 subspecies. With every size, from a low-shrub to a tall tree, Junipers will fit the needs for most homeowners. Juniper Trees are native to several regions throughout the world, including North America, Africa, Central America, and Asia. These evergreens can reach as high as 130 feet tall, though some varieties offer low ground-cover instead.

There are 12 species within the genus Juniperus which grow well in the United States, including the privacy screen or hedge known as Juniper Wichita Blue. The other most common species are the Spartan Juniper and the Hollywood Juniper. Oftentimes, Junipers are commonly referred to as Cedars, though true cedars fall under the genus Cedrus. For this reason, Junipers may be called redcedars or whitecedars, the lack of space noting the inherent difference between these and true Cedars. In USDA hardiness zones 3 through 10, Juniper Trees can offer shade, privacy, and adaptability. It is essential to learn about the Juniper Tree before planting a new sapling, as the tree’s needs, the effort on the part of the planter, and the benefits and concerns around any new tree change from species to species. Juniper Trees are adaptable to sunny and drier climates, and they are perfect property privacy protectors and shade providers. Read about the essential facts on the Juniper Tree below. Then, carefully read the specifics about planting and caring for Juniper Trees in the proceeding sections. Sun: Plant in full sun. Mild partial shade acceptable.

Water: Water immediately after planting and once per week for the first twelve months, unless it rains. When to Plant: Spring is best, though Junipers can also be planted in late fall with proper mulching. How to Buy Juniper Trees The Tree Center offers carefully chosen Junipers, which will ship quickly to most locations throughout the United States. There are twelve species of Juniper Tree and Shrub native to The United States, though the most common are the Spartan Juniper, Hollywood Juniper, and Juniper Wichita Blue. This species of Juniper offers blue-tinted foliage, which can grow quickly, making it ideal for privacy screens and perimeter barriers. Be sure to buy from tree specialists, such as those at The Tree Center, as the initial growth of the Juniper Tree prior to planting will impact future growth. How to Plant Juniper Trees Juniper Trees are hardy and adaptable trees, but they still have their preferences for water needs, soil types, and location areas. Depending on the species of Juniper Tree planted, different locations may be beneficial. For example, taller species, such as the Hollywood Juniper or the Spartan Juniper, can reach upwards of 15 feet tall.

These should be planted far away from foundations and fences; on the other hand, the Juniper Wichita Blue can reach 30 feet, but is often pruned to less than 10 feet, enabling it to remain a tall hedge acting as a privacy screen. These smaller shrubs do well when planted along property lines, and the Juniper Wichita Blue can be planted closer to homes. Once the location has been identified, the next step is to dig a hole. The hole should be three times the size of the Juniper’s root ball. When planting any kind of tree, a wide hole is needed. Do not worry about the depth of the hole. Too deep and necessities such as water and oxygen will have a harder time reaching the Juniper’s roots. The hole should be about two to three inches less deep than the Juniper’s root ball. This is because the tree will settle over time. So, make sure the top of the root ball is visible once in the hole. The next part is best done with two people; set the tree in the hole so it stands vertically. Then, begin backfilling the hole with soil.

Be sure to work some of the Juniper Tree’s roots into the soil as its backfilled, as this will quicken its rooting. Water immediately after planting and gently compact the soil around the plant with feet and hands. If using mulch, begin mulching with 3 to 4 inches of mulch around the base of the tree. Soil Type Juniper Trees do not do well with excessive watering, which is, in part, why the soil consistency matters significantly. Identifying the soil type in which the Juniper Tree will be planted is essential to future growing success. The soil will fall into one of three categories. Clay soils are made of small particles. When wet, the soil clumps together with ease, often making it difficult to separate the soil into its component pieces again. Clay soils are usually red-tinted, and though useful in pottery, are detrimental to water-draining properly through the soil. Silt or sand soils are similar. The particles are larger than in clay, though equally poor for water transference. Loam soils are the best, especially for Juniper Trees. Loam soil is characterized by a variety of granular sizes.

This variety not only allows for diverse nutrient offerings, but also for excellent water drainage and oxygen availability. Whatever soil the Juniper Tree is planted in, the tree can be successful with proper care and attention. The difference is that in loamy soils, less direct intervention from the planter will be needed. Water Access Juniper Trees grow well in areas in which droughts frequent, though during a sustained water absence, some minimal watering by the landscaper may be necessary. Juniper Trees can be drought tolerant. Water the Juniper Tree immediately after planting and once per week for the first 12 months at least after planting unless it rains. Water with two to three gallons of water to a depth of 30 inches. It is best to water Junipers once or twice a week aggressively than to water frequently but sparingly. It is best to observe the changes in the Juniper to assess whether too much or little water is received by the tree. If the needles are dry and falling frequently, the tree likely needs to be watered. If the soil surrounding the tree is saturated, it likely is being overwatered. Mulch and Fertilizer Micronutrient needs of Juniper Trees are minimal, and as such, fertilizers are not needed.

Mulch can be beneficial, as natural mulch will both enable water and oxygen transference to the soil surrounding the Juniper Tree. Use a natural mulch made of wood chips and mulch a 3 to 4 inch layer around the base of the Juniper. Cedar mulches work well for Juniper Trees, though most varieties will provide equal benefit. Water after mulching. Information on Juniper Trees Juniper Trees grow best in hot, dry climates; specifically, in the United States Junipers are found primarily west of the Mississippi River in the Pacific Northwest south to Arizona, including Colorado, Utah, and Nevada, though Junipers grow throughout America. Once established, Juniper Trees are relatively tolerant of drought and can go without water for short, dry spells. Junipers produce a small seed, or berry, similar in physical description to a blueberry. Though not usually eaten as the seed is both hard and bitter, extract from the berry is used to flavor gin. Although Juniper Trees can make excellent privacy screens, they are also used for their ornamental qualities. Some species are cultivated as bonsai, and other species, such as the Juniper Wichita Blue, are planted for their unique blue hue.

Juniper Trees usually grow at a moderate rate of at least a foot per year. Juniper Tree Varieties and Cultivars Juniper Trees consist of a controversial mix of species, numbered somewhere between 50 and 70 unique varieties. These varieties span both low groundcovers to shrubs to tall trees towering at 130 feet tall. Regardless of the height, Juniper Tree planters can find a species suitable to the land’s needs. Although the Juniper Wichita Blue is a great fit for those looking to create privacy screens and hedge barriers, the Spartan Juniper and Hollywood Juniper are taller and planted to offer a hardy tree, reminiscent of a Cypress. Juniper Wichita Blue The privacy tree known as Juniper Wichita Blue is hardy is USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9, meaning in grows well throughout most of the United States. Juniper Wichita Blue is easily identified by its blue tones. Although this species can reach heights of 30 feet, the Juniper Wichita Blue is usually between 10 and 15 feet tall. The Juniper Wichita Blue is often used as a privacy screen or garden accent tree.

If planting as a privacy tree, plant between 3 and 5 feet apart, as the eventual width of the Juniper Wichita Blue is between 4 and 6 feet. Spartan Juniper The Spartan Juniper is considered one of the most popular upright growing Junipers in the United States. Reaching heights between 15 and 20 feet, the Spartan Juniper is a columnar-shaped evergreen, tolerant of salt, drought, heat, and cold. Minimal effort is needed to grow the Spartan Juniper, which usually grows between 12 and 18 inches a year. Hollywood Juniper The Hollywood Juniper reaches heights between 10 and 15 feet tall. The Hollywood Juniper is easily identified by its spiraling, twisted branches, which add an eccentric twist on the landscape ornamental. Although the Hollywood Juniper can be 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide, the roots of are usually small and narrow, so landscapers can prune the tree to be much smaller for smaller spaces. Benefits of Juniper Trees Juniper Trees are beneficial for a variety of reasons. They are: Drought tolerant

Question: Which evergreen tree's berries are used to flavour gin?
Answer: Juniper