Juniper bushes are a common sight in the Mediterranean scrubland, so it's only natural that their berries have become a classic ingredient in rustic local cuisine, especially paired with game and other bold flavors.
Dry juniper berries.
Store in a cool dry place.
The berries have an intense aroma and tangy flavor, making them ideal for slow cooking with hearty foods.
In rustic Italian cooking, juniper is an essential ingredient in sauces that accompany slow-cooked game, especially robust meats like wild boar, thanks to its ability to mellow their strong flavors. It's excellent in all other slow-cooked dishes with bold flavors, such as braises and oven roasts. It's also widely used with strong-flavored vegetables like cabbage (and further north, it's often paired with sauerkraut). For more delicate applications, it works beautifully with fish and roasted potatoes, where a lighter touch brings out its distinctive aroma.
