General Information
Too sharp to be used fresh, they are most often available dried. Crush before using to release the essential oils and flavor. Use in meat marinades, for game meats in particular. The flavor is a distinct “pine.” The variety of Juniper berries most often used in culinary applications grow on low sprawling bushes that open to an irregularly shaped crown. Only the female tree makes the berries, while the male just has little brown cones. The small berries have a dark blue color with a silver bloom and very firm texture. Juniper berries offers a sharp flavor similar to rosemary but with sweet citrus undertones and a turpentine-like finish.
History
Juniper bushes are native to the northern latitudes of Europe, Asia and North America. They are one of the most widely distributed shrubs and have a history that can be traced to all corners of the globe. Evidence of Juniper berries have been uncovered in the Ancient Egyptian tomb of King Tut. They were used by Romans for medicinal purposes and the Greek warriors ate them raw to boost stamina. The Comanche and Lakota Native American tribes used them as a food source as well as in natural medicine. Juniper typically prefers open, sunny locations in light, sandy with adequate drainage.
