Skip to content
FriendsPantry

Spices & seasonings · Whole spices

Juniper berries

Dark blue-purple dried berries with a piney, resinous flavour; crushed for game, sauerkraut and gin.

Also called: juniper, wacholderbeeren

Around the world: Wacholderbeeren (de)

3 recipes with it

Read the full spice guide: flavour, history and how to use it

What it is

Juniper berries are the small, blue-black, waxy cones of the juniper shrub. Crushed lightly, they release a sharp, piney, slightly citrus flavour, best known as the main flavour of gin. They are used in small amounts with rich meats and cabbage in northern and central European cooking.

Juniperus communis

How it’s used

  • Venison, duck and pork dishes
  • Sauerkraut and choucroute
  • Marinades and brines
  • Curing salmon and hams

Characteristics

Taste
Piney, resinous, bittersweet.
Sold as
whole, dried
Cooking uses
Mainly a seasoning, Commonly cooked

Storage

Cool, dry and dark. Airtight jar; crush just before use.

Diet, allergens and safety

No major allergens in typical versions.

  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Dairy-free
  • Egg-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Nut-free
  • Soy-free
  • Caffeine-free
  • Avoid in large amounts; use culinary juniper only.

Substitutes

Optional — what works if you don’t have it, and how it changes the dish.

Related ingredients

Recipes with juniper berries

More whole spices