Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis)
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
Origin: Europe
Chemical Composition: Various flavonoids, catechin tannins, diterpenes, monosaccharides, pinene and limonene.
Plant Part Used: The seed cones which are commonly referred to as juniper berries.
Storage Tips: Keep in a well-sealed container away from drafts and excessive moisture and light.
Appearance And Aroma: Whole, dark blue juniper berries with a pine-like aroma when crushed.
Cosmetic Uses: Infuse the crushed berries in oil or alcohol for skin and hair products. Juniper berry tinctures are known for producing a warming sensation on the skin.
Decorative Uses: Use in potpourri and floral displays.
Culinary Uses: Add to soups, braised meats and game. The whole berries are also traditionally added to sauerkraut.
Flavor Profile: A strong, resinous and pine-like flavor. Use sparingly.
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.
Before making any changes to your diet you should always consult with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have existing conditions.
This information is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by Canada Health or the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Additional information about Juniper Berries:
A sauce or syrup of juniper berry is traditionally served as a condiment to accompany rabbit, pheasant, quail, venison and other game meats. Combined with anise, rosemary and other herbs, juniper berries are used as a barbeque seasoning and flavoring for barbeque sauce. 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 mature, dark-colored cones, or berries, are used to lend a slightly citrus and pine-like flavor to foods and beverages. In Northern Europe, juniper berries are used as a spice to season game meats, smoked fish and sauerkraut, as well as beer. The berries are also the key flavoring agent in gin.
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.
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.