Juniper berries taste like how pine trees smell – sharp, resinous and clean.
If you have ever had a gin and tonic, or a traditional martini – as opposed to one made with vodka or sake – you will recognise the taste of juniper, which is the main flavour component of gin.
The so-called berry is actually the cone part of the juniper shrub, which is part of the cypress family. In areas where the plant grows – primarily in mountainous regions throughout the world, including Europe and India – the juniper berry is often used fresh.
