Basics

The best known and the least known spice. Juniper berries are used to flavor Gin and hardly anything else in the United States. The dark purple berries come from the Juniper tree of the Cypress family, which grows all over the Northern Hemisphere. Juniper is used widely in European Countries to season game meats. American Chefs are just beginning to use this wonderful spice. Crushed or whole they make a terrific marinade for any strong meat.

Producers

All over Europe and America. Unfortunately, juniper in the USA is brought in from Europe, even though it can be harvested close to many homes and neighborhoods in the US.

Aromatics and Flavors

Smells and tastes like GIN. The berries are sweet and yield a ton of flavor when crushed.

Culinary Uses

Use Juniper for marinades in pork, game meats, and fowl. Mix with strong aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme and rub into roasts. I have used Juniper in cures for salmon. It yields lots of flavor in almost any application. One note, Juniper can have negative affects if used while taking medications or pregnancy. Also, It has been used in Arizona as an antidote to Rattlesnake Bites.