In addition to J. communis, other edible species include Juniperus drupacea, Juniperus phoenicea, Juniperus deppeana, and Juniperus californica. But the berries of some species, such as Juniperus sabina , are toxic and consumption of them is inadvisable.
Are there any poisonous juniper berries?
A. Possibly never. 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.
Which juniper is poisonous?
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.
Which juniper berries are edible?
The common juniper (Juniperus communis) is the most widely known edible Juniper species. Its berries are used as a spice for flavoring meat and fish dishes, as well as sauerkraut, notes North Carolina State Cooperative Extension. However, the most prominent use for common juniper berries is in the flavoring of gin.
Are juniper berries okay to eat?
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.
Are juniper berries good for you?
Antioxidant-rich foods are important for health, as they help protect your cells against damage that may otherwise lead to illness. Juniper berries are rich in essential oils and flavonoids that function as potent antioxidants and may help reduce inflammation .
Are junipers poisonous to dogs?
The University of California – Davis list Juniperus (Junipers) in their Safe and Poisonous Garden Plants list as having a minor toxicity (class 2) for pets and children . This rating means ingestion of these plants may cause minor illnesses such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Do junipers attract bugs?
Junipers (Juniperus spp.) belong to the cypress plant family (Cupressaceae), and many varieties grow well as multibranched shrubs. ... Tolerant of various environmental conditions, these hardy bushes still occasionally attract various bugs.
What is juniper good for?
Juniper is used for digestion problems including upset stomach, intestinal gas (flatulence), heartburn, bloating, and loss of appetite, as well as gastrointestinal (GI) infections and intestinal worms. It is also used for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and kidney and bladder stones.
Where do juniper berries come from?
Where do they come from? The juniper berries used in food and drink usually come from the species Juniperus communis , which grows throughout the Northern Hemisphere, as far north as the Arctic.
How do you know if juniper berries are safe?
Look for a plant with berries that appear blue on it in this open sunny area. The berries are a little smaller than regular blueberries and grown at the ends of the branches. You will smell a pine aroma that is very strong as you come closer to the juniper plant.
How can you tell if a juniper berry is edible?
Juniper berries are not eaten in handfuls, straight off the bush like the sweet, juicy blueberries they resemble. Juniper berries have a strong, bitter, slightly peppery flavor and gritty texture. Instead, just a small quantity of mature juniper berries are added to recipes as a flavoring or spice .
What time of year do juniper berries grow?
When to Harvest Juniper Berries
Juniper berries ripen for 2 to 3 years. The first year produces flowers, the second a hard green berry, and by the third, they are ripening to a deep blue. Pick berries in the fall once the plant has numerous blue berries.
What can I replace juniper berries with?
Take Away. Now you know you need not worry if you’ve run out of your favorite spice, there are many juniper berries substitutes. Gin, rosemary, bay leaves, caraway seeds, and cardamom provide an excellent juniper berry substitute. What’s great about these substitutes for juniper berries is how easily available they are ...
Are juniper berries the same as blueberries?
Juniper berries are berries that are blue, and they look strikingly similar to the common blueberry that you may find on a leisurely hike through the wilderness, but they are very different fruits. First of all, juniper berries aren’t technically berries, but rather cones that happen to look like blueberries.
Is juniper berry good for hair?
The benefits of juniper berries translate into improving the condition and health of your scalp and hair as well. ... Their astringent properties also help to deeply cleanse the scalp and balance oil production to ensure that hair follicles are not clogged and hence promote stronger hair.
