Juniper Berries

Quantity/Pack: 3 packages (1.5 ounces each)
Seasonality: Year Round
Origin: USA

Melissa's blueberries are a wonderfully plump and juicy snack, as well as an delicious baking ingredient.

Juniper berries are most famously known as the flavoring in gin; in fact, the word gin comes from the French word genievre, which means juniper. Interestingly, Juniper berries are not real berries. They are really cones from the juniper bush with scales so miniature and packed so tight as to be undetectable — instead, they look like round berries. The flavor of these small, dark blue berries can be very strong and pungent. Crushed Juniper berries will add a sharp, peppery flavor to balance the richness of savory soups and stews. They are also delicious when you rub ground berries on red meat as a seasoning before cooking. Juniper berries are also a traditional ingredient in making German sauerkraut.