Juniper Berries – Aromatic Spice Berries for Hearty Recipes
Juniper berries offer a warm, spicy aroma with slightly sweet and resinous notes. They are commonly used in European cuisine and are particularly known for their role in gin production.
What Are Juniper Berries?
Juniper berries are the fruit of the evergreen juniper tree (Cupressaceae), which can reach heights of up to 12 meters. Also referred to as "Kranewitt" or "Machandel," the plant produces blue-black berries every two years. These berries are harvested and dried before being used as a spice.
Flavor Profile
Juniper berries have a complex aroma – spicy, woody, mildly sweet, and with a slight sharpness. In addition to culinary use, they are the key ingredient in the production of gin, where their distinctive character defines the spirit’s flavor.
How to Use Juniper Berries in Cooking
Juniper berries are often used in rustic and hearty dishes across Europe. Whether whole, crushed, or ground, they provide a pleasant depth of flavor and work well in many savory recipes:
- Game and Meat: Crushed juniper berries pair well with venison, wild boar, and lamb.
- Fish Dishes and Marinades: Juniper adds complexity to marinades and fish preparations.
- Pickling: Used in Nordic cuisine for pickling meats such as moose.
- Sauerkraut: Commonly combined with caraway in German and Austrian sauerkraut recipes.
- Spreads: A traditional ingredient in "Latwerge," a Swiss fruit spread.
Homemade Spice Blend with Juniper Berries
Prepare a simple spice mix by crushing juniper berries with garlic and salt using a mortar and pestle. This blend is ideal for seasoning pork, game, or lamb. For enhanced flavor, add rosemary.
Recommended Spice Pairings
Juniper berries complement many savory spices. Try them with:
These combinations enrich your recipes with balanced and aromatic flavors.
Buy Juniper Berries Online at Orlandosidee
Since 2005, Orlandosidee has been your source for premium spices. Our juniper berries are sourced from selected regions and carefully dried to retain their full aroma. Order now and experience this traditional spice in your kitchen.
Ingredients: Juniper berries (Juniperus communis)
ALLERGENS: Contains no declarable ALLERGENS according to Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011.
