Juniper berry

Juniper berries are the female seed cones of the common juniper, an evergreen coniferous shrub. Native to the Northern Hemisphere, they are typically harvested from wild plants and dried before use. The berries have a strong, pine-like aroma and a slightly bitter, peppery flavour.

Juniper berries are primarily used as a spice to impart a distinctive flavour to foods and beverages. They are a key ingredient in gin and are also used in marinades, stuffings, and stews, particularly with game meats. Their pungent aroma and taste also make them suitable for preserving and flavouring certain fermented foods.

Juniper berry is not considered a food additive and is used as a flavouring agent. Regulatory bodies like the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated flavourings, and juniper berry is permitted for use in foods in the UK. While traditionally used in herbal remedies, scientific evidence for specific health benefits at typical dietary intake levels is limited.