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The juniper berry, from the Juniperus communis plant, is a small, dark blue berry with a strong aroma and distinctive taste. The juniper berry has been appreciated for its unique properties for centuries, both in the kitchen and beyond. These berries grow on coniferous trees, found primarily in the cooler regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. Juniper’s aroma is fresh and spicy, with a hint of pine that pairs perfectly with savory dishes.
The juniper shrub
Juniper shrubs mainly grow on dry, sandy soil and are particularly resistant to cold climates. The berries are small, about the size of a pea, and mature over two to three years, changing from green to a deep, blue-black color. The taste of juniper berry is both bitter and sweet, with a hint of pine and citrus, making it a common ingredient in both traditional and modern dishes.
Culinary uses of juniper berry
Juniper berry is a classic ingredient in game dishes, such as venison, wild boar, and duck. It adds a deep, aromatic flavor to stews, sauces, and marinades. The berry is often crushed or lightly ground to release its flavor, and just a few berries can completely transform a dish.
Additionally, juniper berry is an essential ingredient in the production of gin. In fact, the word “gin” comes from the French word “genièvre,” meaning juniper. The spicy, aromatic berries give gin its distinctive flavor, appreciated worldwide in a broad range of cocktails.
Traditional uses of juniper
Juniper trees have long held symbolic meanings. In some cultures, the plant was seen as a protective symbol against negative influences, with branches often hung at doors to keep out evil.
The fresh, resinous scent of juniper is still used in the perfume and cosmetics industries today. Because the scent evokes pine forests and winter landscapes, juniper is a popular ingredient in both masculine and unisex fragrances. It is also used in candles to create a feeling of freshness and cleanliness.
Juniper berry in YIXIY™
In YIXIY™, juniper berry is one of the 19 herbs with which the drink is fermented. The amount of juniper berry per 15 ml daily shot varies depending on the flavor variant:
- Berry: 0.67 mg juniper berry
- Rosehip: 0.78 mg juniper berry
- Ginger: 3.4 mg juniper berry
These amounts are far below the dosages used for specific health effects. For example, to support the normal metabolism of fats and carbohydrates¹, a dosage of at least 90 mg of juniper berry powder per day is required. To support the kidney excretion function¹ and digestion¹, 375 mg of dried berries per day is needed. The amounts in YIXIY™ are much lower, but you can always supplement with products containing juniper berry if you want these specific effects.
Recipes with juniper berry
While juniper berry is often associated with hearty, savory dishes, it can also work surprisingly well in lighter recipes. Here are a few ideas for incorporating more of this unique berry into your meals:
Juniper berry chicken: Make an aromatic marinade with crushed juniper berries, olive oil, garlic, and thyme, and marinate chicken breasts. Perfect for grilling or baking.
Braised red cabbage with juniper berry: Add a few juniper berries to your traditional red cabbage recipe to deepen the flavors and add a subtle spiciness.
Juniper gin tonic: Add a few dried juniper berries to your gin tonic for an extra flavor kick and a beautiful visual twist.
¹ Health claim evaluation is pending
