Juniper Berries
Enbär
Plant Description
juniper berries
Berry, Aromatic Spice: (Juniperus communis), the Common Juniper, is a species in the genus Juniperus, in the family Cupressaceae. Small to large evergreen shrub with dark green needles. The cones from a handful of species, especially Juniperus communis, are used as a spice, particularly in European cuisine.
Season:
Uses in Cooking:  

Juniper berries are used in northern European and particularly Scandinavian cuisine to "impart a sharp, clear flavor" to meat dishes, especially wild birds including thrush, blackbird, woodcock and game meats including boar and venison.  They also season pork, cabbage, and sauerkraut dishes. Traditional recipes for choucroute garnie, an Alsatian dish of sauerkraut and meats, universally include juniper berries.

Possible Substitutes:
How it comes:
Spice Mixes
Dried berries vacuum packed or in small jars.
Other Uses:
The mature, dark berries are usually but not exclusively used in cuisine, while gin is flavored with fully grown but immature green berries.
       
copyright 2008 bill rubino