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Juniper trees and shrubs are absolutely filled with berries in all stages of ripening.
Source: Audrey Kirchner, CC-BY, via Hubpages
About Juniper Berries
Until recently, this author had not really stopped to consider the many uses for juniper berries. Considering that I live in Central Oregon, where juniper berries are everywhere–from low scrub brush varieties to huge, towering antique-looking trees covered with berries–it all of a sudden seemed prudent that I would investigate the possibilities.
As it turns out there are all kinds of things juniper berries are good for. Originally a plant species found in Europe, it has now become indigenous to North America and can be found just about anywhere.
Scrub juniper is the most common variety though the juniper trees (up to 20 feet in height) are prevalent in many locales as well–such as here in Central Oregon. Juniper is virtually everywhere and is the most common allergen here for both people and pets.
Robins in flocks numbering in the hundreds can be seen here in winter foraging for the berries. Fields are covered with them as they fly from bush to bush, tree to tree gobbling up the bounty.
Just this morning, I observed a herd of deer eating the berries that are just beginning to ripen on juniper trees in the area. Birds, squirrels and deer love the berries and here in Central Oregon, they have more than enough to keep them supplied.
But is the juniper berry really a berry? Actually it isn’t! The juniper “berry” is really part of a cone that develops on the plants–a cone because junipers are actually part of the pine family. This explains why the juniper berry gives a flavor reminiscent of rosemary and has a rather pine-like taste mixed with to some, a citrus-laden flavor.
The berries pack a huge amount of flavor so it’s advised to always use less rather than more if using as a spice or in cooking.
1oz. Whole (Blue) Juniper Berries – Cooking Spice/ Herb – Sample Size
Current Bid: $1.80
What Juniper Berries are Good For
Juniper berries have been used for centuries as a natural remedy for many things. Today, it’s used in many herbal preparations or as a stand-alone treatment in various forms such as dried, as a tea, mixed with other herbs, or made into juniper oil.
Some common uses and healing properties of the juniper berry:
Used to treat bronchitis–inhaled to clear lung infection
Made into a cleansing tea used twice per day
It has been found to make excellent poultices for wounds and promotes healing
Juniper berries increase urine production and is used to treat urinary infections
Anti-inflammatory properties make it a prescribed treatment for arthritis
The berries are said to fight off or eliminate herpes virus flares
Used as a treatment long ago for syphilis and gonorrhea
Said to decrease upset stomach and heartburn
The juniper berry lessons bloating and increases appetite
Juniper berries are most famous for their use in gin
Can be used as a spice–a little goes a very long way
Great adjunct to meat dishes such as beef, pork or wild game such as venison
Scandinavians, Northern Italians and Germans use juniper berries in many dishes
Juniper berries add delicious flavor to vegetable dishes and things like sauerkraut
Used to make soaps and skin oils
Said to be beneficial in treating skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis
Used in fragrances and sachets for its clean, pine-like scent
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Towering juniper trees hold lush berries but the scrub short junipers are just as prolific.
Source: Audrey Kirchner, CC-BY, via Hubpages
The Spice Hunter Juniper Berries Whole, 1.3-Ounce Jar
Amazon Price: $4.14
List Price: $5.91
TASTE Specialty Foods Juniper Berries, 10-Ounce Plastic Container
Amazon Price: $14.92
List Price: $17.99
Frontier Whole Juniper Berries Organic — 1 lb
Amazon Price: $11.81
List Price: $17.90
Juniper Berry Warnings
As in most things in life, too much of a good thing can turn out to be a bad thing. Juniper berries are no exception.
There are certain conditions that would be contraindicated to use the berries with as an herbal supplement–including juniper oils. This is because they have an interaction with certain medications or conditions.
Warnings about when not to use juniper berries:
If pregnant, nursing or trying to get pregnant–the juniper berry acts to stimulate menstruation and can result in premature delivery or spontaneous abortion
Diabetics are advised not to use juniper berry products because they can decrease blood sugar to dangerously low levels quickly
High blood pressure sufferers should beware of juniper berries because they can cause wide fluctuations in blood pressure
Anyone who appears to suffer allergy symptoms when around juniper should not ingest the berries or oils
Chronic kidney disease patients should have a care using juniper berries as they work directly on the kidney and urinary system causing increased filtration
People taking lithium are warned to use caution in using juniper berries as there can be an interaction between the berry and this drug
Likewise people on diuretics are said to have a care taking juniper berries because it can lead to over-diuresis which can be a serious health risk (both are water pills)
It is recommended never to use juniper berries for more than 4 weeks as a supplement. Then stop and come back to using it at another time. It is mainly used as an anti-inflammatory measure
If you are contemplating surgery, it is recommended to stop any use of juniper berries at least 2 weeks before the procedure
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The juniper berry is actually not a berry but instead a female cone that develops on the plant.
Source: Johnny_Automatic, public domain via Open Clip Art Library
How to Dry Juniper Berries
Equipment
Baking sheet
Paper towels or bath towel
Juniper berries
Technique
Spread berries on paper towels or bath towel and dust removing twigs, leaves, bugs, etc.
Sort through and remove any green berries that are not ripe. A ripe juniper berry is blue.
Place on cookie sheet and dry at room temperature for 3 or 4 weeks. (Put on top of a cupboard so out of reach of pets and children)
Discard any brown berries or berries that have bug holes.
Use in recipes calling for dried juniper berries.
This author would venture to say that they can also be dried in a food dehydrator. Perform the same pre-drying steps and post-drying steps to remove any berries that are brown or have bug holes.
Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place.
Cooking with Juniper Berries
For the cook, you can find recipes for all kinds of great stuff using juniper berries fresh or dried.
Again, remember that a little goes a long way in terms of juniper berry flavor.
This salmon recipe sounds absolutely fantastic and is on my list to make soon.
Recipe for Salmon Baked with Juniper Berries
