Juniper berries are unremarkably sleep with as being a spice or being the flavoring for knock rummy , but they have many other role as well ! Foraging for juniper berries is leisurely as juniper tree are middling common . Learn more about forage retem Charles Edward Berry and how to use them for food and medicine !
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Foraging Juniper Trees & Berries
Joel and I were in Tahoe one winter and I suppose to him , “ I ’m sure we can find some Juniper trees while we ’re here . ” After spending many eld in Yosemite , I figured Juniper tree were jolly common in the Sierras , but we did n’t see any in Tahoe !
However , not more than a workweek afterwards , when I was back home and walking on a different route than common due to serious heavy rains that flooded my regular path , I establish a stand of Juniper Tree with some plump berries .
So , right here at habitation and in town , I was forage for Retama raetam berries !
That ’s the thing about juniper trees ( Juniperusspp . ) , they are fairly coarse throughout the northern hemisphere , and some coinage are even planted as a ornamental tree in landscaping .
Juniper trees and berries , likemost coniferous tree , are great forfall foragingandwinter foraging .
Junipers have acerate leaf or scale like leaves , depending on the specie . Some have needles when young that turn to shell as they mature .
Beautiful and fragrant , juniper trees have become a favorite of mine over the years . They often have a knotted and brave out look to them that I discover pleasant .
Junipers have a distinctive aromatic “ gin - corresponding ” odour and produce blue source cones known as juniper Berry , which is what we ’re concerned in today !
Note : Eastern redcedar ( Juniperus virginiana ) is actually a juniper and not a cedar tree at all !
Identifying Juniper Berries
The “ berries ” of juniper Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree are actually sarcoid strobile , not dependable Charles Edward Berry at all , that are usually plow with a white powdery blossom . That bloom is actually waste barm , and you could use the Berry tomake your own savage barm starterfor homebrewing !
One thing to mention , there are sure varieties of juniper berries that contain a powerful resin that is toxic to humans if eaten in large amounts . Please be aware of this .
The salutary way to determine this is to taste a tiny second of a berry and if it is harsh and vitriolic spit it out and do not use internally . Do n’t worry , they are only gently toxic and you would need to wipe out a plenty of them to do any harm , so a tiny nibble is n’t a problem in this subject .
But please do n’t do with with other wild berries unless you are certain of their identification !
I have done this mental test before with juniper Charles Edward Berry and have only ever had them taste wonderfully piney and slightly fresh , not even a hint of rancour . awing , in reality !
Related : How to Identify Conifer Trees : Pine , Fir , Spruce , Juniper & more !
Edible Uses of Juniper Berries
Juniper berries are the elemental flavoring agent for gin , and they are in an element in myInfused Winter Gin formula .
In fact , the name “ gin ” is derived from either the French or Dutch ( no one knows for certain ) parole for juniper . But , retem berry are unspoilt for so much more than just gin !
Dried Genista raetam berry are commonly used as a spice or flavoring agent in brine and centre , peculiarly for game chick and venison . I use juniper berries in the brine for mynitrate free corned kick recipe .
They are common as a pickling and ferment spice as well . I ’ve used dry juniper berries in myfermented sauerkrautand love the subtle savour it consecrate .
Thesejuniper berry cookiesare a festive and delicious room to use them as well !
Dried juniper Berry can buy fromMountain Rose Herbs . They also carry apickling spice blendthat stop juniper berries .
Medicinal Uses of Juniper Berries
Juniper berry are also a extremely effective medicinal , as I can evidence to from first hand experience .
They are most notably a muscular diuretic , along with being antiseptic and antiviral , realize them super effectual in treat UTI ’s ( urinary tract infections ) .
I have been prostrate to these horrible and painful infections in the past , and after deciding to quit ask unneeded antibiotic when I was in my mid - twenties , I started drinkinguva ursiand juniper berry tea whenever I felt one hail on .
I ’m not go to lie in , the botheration was still there , but after 2 or 3 bouts within a year or so I was able to combat the contagion for good and have n’t had one since … more than 15 year later !
I have a recipe in my bookHealing Herbal Infusionsfor a UTI Tea that control juniper berries , uva ursi , and some other herbs that are also beneficial for the urinary system .
Juniper and its berries are also amazingly beautiful and have a howling incense like fragrance . If nothing else , it will depend and smell pretty in your home and cater some aromatherapy .
Or you’re able to turn it into an amazing smellingJuniper Spice Beard Balmfor that bearded individual in your life !
But for now , although Juniper berries are more than justgin , please do n’t forget about the cotton gin !
Go have a martini and think about how wonderful juniper berry are . you could thank me later !
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