Juniper berries are small, dark-colored fruits commonly used as a spice in cooking, especially in the preparation of meats, sauces, and in the making of gin. They have a slightly bitter yet aromatic flavor that adds a distinctive touch to dishes. Coming from a shrub of the same name, juniper berries are a fruit with numerous species and varieties . Once dried, their color ranges from blue to purple to black, a characteristic that makes them as distinctive for their hue as for their flavor.

Their flavor? It's unique, with an initial bitter note followed by a sweet undertone that makes them so special. Here's a trick: to bring out their full essence, crush them in a mortar and pestle, releasing all their flavor so you can fully enjoy them.

A gin and tonic, a good cocktail, or even an herbal infusion—there's a wide variety of drinks that pair perfectly with this fruit. You can make as many cocktails as you like with this jar, because just one bean will fill your glass with maximum brilliance.

Throughout history, the juniper plant and its berries have been highly valued, primarily for their essential oils. However, in recent years, they have gained increasing popularity in the culinary world due to their versatility; moreover, they are a key ingredient in cocktails.

But juniper berries aren't just a cocktail staple; they also play a role in meat and fish dishes. If you travel to Germany, everything will smell of juniper, as it's a key ingredient in many of their dishes. Their traditional food, sauerkraut, is fermented cabbage with a very acidic flavor, often seasoned with spices like juniper berries. This recipe is often combined with meat, such as German sausages or Saxon chops.

And if you're not quite ready to try this traditional dish, give these berries a go in a delicious pasta dish with juniper ragu. You won't regret it!