Juniper berries

Juniper berries are the fruit of the common juniper, an aromatic plant in the cypress family. Juniper berries are widely used in cooking for their distinctive flavor and woodsy aroma. They have a slightly sweet, spicy and resinous taste, reminiscent of a mixture of pine, licorice and pepper. They are often used to flavor meat, poultry, game and fish dishes. Juniper berries are a key ingredient in the preparation of gin. They are also used in traditional European cuisine, particularly in German, Alsatian and Scandinavian dishes. They can be used whole in marinades, sauces, stews and stews, or ground for a stronger flavor.