MarnaMaria Juniper Berries

Imported from Croatia

Many people ask, “What are Juniper Berries used for and what exactly do they taste like?” In short, the answer is gin. But the possibilities don’t end there! Apart from their gin flavor, these exotic, spicy and fragrant berries can be used fresh or dried, crushed or whole, to produce deep flavors that stand up to long cooking times at high heats. These small, dark, violet colored berries are harvested from the Juniper Tree. They have a bitter and peppery taste which develops even further during the drying process. 

The history of Juniper Berries is a bit unclear as they have been found across the globe from inside the ancient tomb of King Tut to the North American Indians where they were once used as an appetite suppressant. It is believed that these berries may have been brought to Egypt by the Greeks, who used them for medicinal purposes as well during Olympic events, as they were believed to increase physical stamina. In fact, the Romans even used Juniper Berries as a less expensive alternative to black pepper.

Juniper Berries can also be used to flavor gin,whose name is derived from either the French word “genièvre” or the Dutch word, “jenever,” both which mean “juniper.” These berries are found in numerous cuisines including: Norwegian, Swedish, French, German, Austrian, Czech, Polish, Hungarian and even Northern Italian.

Juniper Berries perfectly complement strong and gamey meats, so be sure to add a few when roasting pork, rabbit, venison, beef, duck and lamb. Adding garlic and wine to these roasts will also help contribute to deep and rich flavors. Add them to baked casseroles, stuffings or to marinades. They are not limited to savory dishes and can even be added to fruitcake and baked tarts for a tangy and spicy touch! 

Juniper Berries should to be lightly crushed before using to release their full flavor.

Available in various packing sizes:

Kraft Envelope with Recipe (1/2 cup)

Bulk Bag (2 cups)

Come discover some new sections of the world with MarnaMaria Modern Spice and Herb Blends!

Our base spices and herbs are locally sourced and our blends are combinations of the best ingredients we can find! 

Our goal is to encourage people to expand their palates and their knowledge of the cuisine of the world! Look for our complete menu suggestions, further recipes, wine pairings and more!