Juniper Berries

Juniper berries have an aromatic, spicy, bittersweet flavour and are used to make spirits such as gin or jenever (Dutch gin), for example. The berries are usually first crushed and then added to the food, so as to produce a more intense juniper flavour. The dried berries are often used to add flavour to game meat, sauces, soups, meat or sauerkraut. Juniper berries are an important spice in preparing smoked meat or fish. The branches of the juniper tree are also used for the smoking process to achieve a better aroma.