juniper berry

fruit

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Last updated

June 29, 2026

Quick Summary

Juniper berries are the fleshy, berry-like cones of juniper plants, which are aromatic evergreen trees or shrubs belonging to the cypress family (Cupressaceae). These cones typically have a bluish, waxy coating and mature over one to three seasons, containing 1 to 12 seeds.1

The common juniper (Juniperus communis) produces berries that are used to flavor foods and alcoholic beverages, most notably gin, which is named after the plant. These berries have a spicy aroma and a bittersweet taste, and they are also used to season sauces, stuffings, and in pickling meats. Oil distilled from juniper wood and leaves is used in perfumes and as a diuretic.12

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gin
…grain mash and having the juniper berry as its principal flavouring ingredient. It includes both the malty-flavoured and full-bodied Netherlands types and the drier types, characterized by distinct botanical flavouring, produced in Britain and the United States.
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…grain mash and having the juniper berry as its principal flavouring ingredient. It includes both the malty-flavoured and full-bodied Netherlands types and the drier types, characterized by distinct botanical flavouring, produced in Britain and the United States.
Read More

juniper
Uses
Juniper “berries” have a fragrant spicy aroma and a slightly bittersweet flavour. Used with venison, they remove the gamey taste. They are also used to season sauces and stuffings, in pickling meats, and to flavour liqueurs and bitters.
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Juniper “berries” have a fragrant spicy aroma and a slightly bittersweet flavour. Used with venison, they remove the gamey taste. They are also used to season sauces and stuffings, in pickling meats, and to flavour liqueurs and bitters.
Read More