Juniper

The juniper berry is a fragrant spice native to northern climates. It may be used fresh as well as dried. Juniper berries are blue when ripe. Best known as the distinctive flavor of gin and alcohols such as Dutch or Belgian genever or German schinkenhagers, juniper is also used to flavor game stews and hearty vegetables like cabbage and in curing ham. The flavor of the fresh berries is milder than the dried ones, and they are often used whole. Juniper is said to stimulate the appetite, but the berries, especially when fresh, are a diuretic and should not be over-used.