Juniper is a leafy tree-like shrub that produces the widely used seed of the same name.
Juniper berries are the fleshy seeds of the juniper tree and are believed to have originated in northern Europe and Asia. Juniper berry flavor is bittersweet, piny and floral and is the responsible flavoring agent of gin. The herb is used as a culinary spice throughout northern Europe and has been used for medicinal purposes by cultures throughout Europe, Asia and the Mediterranean for centuries.
Gin Liquor
The most renowned use of juniper is its presence in gin liquor. Gin was created in the 17th century in Holland by a doctor intending a remedy for stomach, kidney and digestion ailments. Juniper was commonly used by doctors as a diuretic and alcohol was generally considered a tonic to ward off colds. The combination of grain spirits and juniper resulted in the unique refreshing herbal liquor known as gin. English distillers perfected the combination creating London Dry Gin, the most commonly consumed gin in the world. One of the most classic ways to drink gin is in a gin and tonic, a combination of tonic water, gin and lime.
Culinary
Juniper does not have a wide culinary use in the United States; however, it is commonly used as a culinary herb in Scandinavia and Switzerland. Juniper is a powerful herb and therefore must be paired with strong flavored items such as game, pickled vegetables and meat, heavy sauces and alcohol. Common dishes to season with juniper include tough game birds, pork, roasted lamb, rabbit, venison, wild boar, sauerkraut and goulash. Juniper blends well with other spices and herbs including bay, sage, oregano, onion, garlic and thyme. Aside from savory, the crisp herbal flavor also pairs well with fruits and desserts such as apple pie and can virtually be used anywhere in place of mint.
Air Freshener
Boiled juniper can be used as an air freshener to perfume a stale room. Historically, the herb was used to sanitize household air during the stale winter months. The foliage and berries were either stewed in water over the hearth or the berries were added to oil lamps or heating fuel to burn into the air. To freshen the air using juniper, fill a stove top pot with juniper foliage and berries and cover with water. Let simmer uncovered to perfume the house. Placing a hearth-safe pot full of juniper berries and leaves over the household fire is another way to spread the scent rapidly.
Medicinal
Juniper is a highly versatile herb when used in alternative medicine. Ancient Greeks, Romans and Arabs used the herb for its medicinal properties. It is cited in the Bible as a medicinal herb and has been use throughout the centuries as cures for snake bites, plague and infection. Only unripe juniper berries are used for for medicinal purposes as they are more potent. Due to the anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of the herb, ingestion of the berry is purported to cure or relieve symptoms of gout, kidney inflammation, neuralgia, rheumatism, arthritis, menstrual cramping, skin infections and inflammations, asthma, congestion, prostate infection and digestive problems. Always talk to your doctor or medical provider before beginning any form of self-medicating regime.
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