Can you eat juniper tree berries?

Unlike other berries, juniper berries are typically used only in small amounts to flavor foods — not eaten in large portions. They have an astringent, pine-like taste, which makes them a popular ingredient for seasoning recipes and infusing beverages.

Are any juniper berries poisonous?

Of the roughly 40 species of juniper, a small number are poisonous and a majority have bitter fruits. Only a few yield edible berries (actually modified cones) and only one is routinely used for flavoring.

Are juniper berries safe to eat raw?

Yes, juniper berries are edible. In fact, you may have tasted them before without even knowing it if you drink alcoholic beverages. Juniper berries are what gives a gin martini its unique flavoring.

What happens if you eat a juniper berry?

All juniper berries contain the powerful oil Thujone. This oil can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and kidney problems when ingested in large quantities. Certain varieties of juniper berry contain safe, low amounts of Thujone, while other varieties contain high levels and can make you very sick.

Can you do anything with juniper berries?

They are common as a pickling and fermenting spice as well. I’ve used dried juniper berries in my fermented sauerkraut and love the subtle flavor it gives. These juniper berry cookies are a festive and delicious way to use them as well! Dried juniper berries can purchased from Mountain Rose Herbs.

How can you tell if a juniper berry is edible?

Identifying Juniper



I like to look at the cones to perfect my juniper tree identification. The female plants produce the mature bluish/purple berries, that we are looking for. I like to take a field taste test. If the berries are piney, a bit resinous, and slightly sweet, then I harvest.

How do I know what kind of juniper I have?

A helpful way to perfect juniper tree identification is by looking at its cones. Juniper cones on male trees are small and either yellow or tan. The female plants produce colorful berries, which are actually modified cones. Northwest species berries turn blue at maturity, but some species have red berries.

How many juniper berries can you eat a day?

Juniper berry supplements and extracts can be purchased online and in certain health food stores. Because human studies are lacking, it’s unclear what dosage is most effective to reap their medicinal benefits. Most juniper berry supplement labels recommend taking 1–6 grams per day, divided into multiple doses.

How many juniper berries do you need to make gin?

Ingredients: 700ml bottle good quality vodka (we used a rye vodka) 2 tbsp juniper berries.

Does juniper raise blood pressure?

High blood pressure, low blood pressure: Juniper berry might affect blood pressure and could make blood pressure control more difficult. Surgery: Juniper might affect blood sugar levels, making blood sugar control more difficult during and after surgery. Stop using juniper at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

What does a juniper berry taste like?

What do they taste like? If you’ve ever tried gin you’ll have a fair idea of what juniper berries taste like, although the ones used for cooking are riper. They have a slightly piney flavor with a touch of both fruitiness and pepperiness.

What alcohol is made from juniper berries?

gin

gin, flavoured, distilled, colourless to pale yellow liquor made from purified spirits usually obtained from a grain mash and having the juniper berry as its principal flavouring ingredient.

How can you tell if berries are poisonous?

Edible and more The Juniper

Which juniper is toxic?

Savin Juniper is known to be toxic and potentially deadly poisonous if taken in large enough quantities. It can be difficult to accurately distinguish between different species of cultivated junipers because they have been bred to have unique features not present in their wild forms.

How many juniper berries do you need to make gin?

Ingredients: 700ml bottle good quality vodka (we used a rye vodka) 2 tbsp juniper berries.

Can you eat Utah juniper berries?

The berries are edible, though they are not as popular as pinyon pine nuts. However, juniper berries are a staple for jackrabbits, coyotes, and a variety of birds.

Can you eat dried juniper berries?

Dried juniper berries (or fresh ones, when they are available) are used as a flavoring in Northern European cuisine, especially in Scandinavia, Germany and the Alsace region of France.

How do you prepare juniper berries?

Juniper Berries?

1. Crush the berry or toast it; crush it if you want a stronger flavor.
2. Rub it into the meat with some ginger or garlic.
3. Sear the meat.
4. Deglaze the hot pan (add some liquid to loosen up the meat flavors at the bottom of the pan).
5. Add some eggplant or a tart apple, such as a Braeburn or a Granny Smith.

How many juniper berries can you eat?

Most juniper berry supplement labels recommend taking 1–6 grams per day, divided into multiple doses. These supplements are not appropriate for children and should be avoided by women who are pregnant, as juniper berries are considered uterine stimulants and may cause miscarriage in high doses (23).