What can I do with dried juniper berries?

Because of their strong flavor, juniper berries aren’t eaten on their own like other berries. Rather, they’re used like a spice or a flavoring for a dish. The most prevalent way they’re used is to flavor gin. Other uses for juniper berries include in teas, meat dishes, brines, and in sauerkraut.

What are dried juniper berries good for?

Juniper berries or extract of the plant has traditionally been used as diuretic, anti-arthritis, anti-diabetes, antiseptic as well as for the treatment of gastrointestinal and autoimmune disorders.

Can you eat juniper berries dried?

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 cook with dried juniper berries?

You can rub crushed juniper berries into the meat of your choosing before roasting it. Add a little ginger or garlic to the rub for a savory flavor. Or you can stew the berries before marinating or basting the meat with them.

How long do dried juniper berries last?

2 to 3 years

Juniper berries will have a shelf life of 2 to 3 years when stored correctly. Juniper berries perform a unique role by contributing as much to the character of food through their freshening ability, as they do by way of their specific taste profile.

What did Native Americans use juniper berries for?

These plants were used for medicine, food, shelter, drink, tools and art.

What are the side effects of juniper berry?

Stomach and intestinal disorders: Juniper berry might irritate the stomach and intestines, making disorders in these organs worse. High blood pressure, low blood pressure: Juniper berry might affect blood pressure and could make blood pressure control more difficult.

What do dried juniper berries taste like?

If you’ve ever tasted gin, you know what juniper berries taste like. The flavor is sometimes described as citrusy and evergreen, sometimes as reminiscent of rosemary. Juniper fruit has both bitter and sweet overtones. It’s complex, and useful for flavoring much more than gin.

How do you use dried juniper berries in tea?

How to Make Juniper Berry Tea

1. Add the dried juniper berries to a tea ball and place in a large mug (alternatively, put the berries directly in the mug).
2. Pour the boiling water into the mug. Let steep for 15 minutes. Strain the berries or remove the tea ball.
3. Enjoy as is or with a teaspoon of raw honey.

How do you crush dried juniper berries?

Dried berries are too moist for the spice grinder. They’re best crushed in a mortar and pestle, or better yet, with your hands. Drop them in a food grade infuser bag or a tea ball before adding them to pot, or be prepared to strain.

Do you crush juniper berries for tea?

Using a mortar and pestle, light crush the dried berries to get out all the benefits of juniper berries and its flavors. Add the dried juniper berries to a tea ball and place in a large mug (alternatively, put the berries directly in the mug). Pour the boiling water into the mug. Let steep for 15 minutes.

Should you crush juniper berries?

To prepare: The berries need to be lightly crushed before using to release their flavour – do this using a pestle and mortar or press them with the back of a spoon in a small bowl.

How do you use dried juniper berries in tea?

How to Make Juniper Berry Tea

1. Add the dried juniper berries to a tea ball and place in a large mug (alternatively, put the berries directly in the mug).
2. Pour the boiling water into the mug. Let steep for 15 minutes. Strain the berries or remove the tea ball.
3. Enjoy as is or with a teaspoon of raw honey.

Does juniper berry raise blood pressure?

Juniper berries also function as an “anticholinesterase agent.” (28) This is important for heart function because anticholinesterase agents (natural or pharmaceutical) help to build up acetylcholine in the nervous system, which in turn can slow heart action, lower blood pressure, increase blood flow and induce

Is juniper berry anti-inflammatory?

Juniper berries contain essential oils and flavonoids that offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

What do dried juniper berries taste like?

If you’ve ever tasted gin, you know what juniper berries taste like. The flavor is sometimes described as citrusy and evergreen, sometimes as reminiscent of rosemary. Juniper fruit has both bitter and sweet overtones. It’s complex, and useful for flavoring much more than gin.

Do you crush juniper berries for tea?

Using a mortar and pestle, light crush the dried berries to get out all the benefits of juniper berries and its flavors. Add the dried juniper berries to a tea ball and place in a large mug (alternatively, put the berries directly in the mug). Pour the boiling water into the mug. Let steep for 15 minutes.

Should I crush juniper berries?

Crush the berry or toast it; crush it if you want a stronger flavor. Rub it into the meat with some ginger or garlic.