Juniperus communis
Juniper
Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Juniperus communis.
General Information
Plant Properties
Growth conditions
Well-drained, Moist
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Partial shade, Full sun
Usage properties
Fruit, Leaves, Condiment, Coffee, Tea
Fibre, Incense, Repellent, Resin, Ground cover
Description
Fruit - raw or cooked. It is usually harvested in the fall, fully ripe and then dried. The fruit has soft, mealy, and sweet, resinous flesh. It is often used as a flavoring in dishes such as sauerkraut, fillings, vegetable pâtés, etc., and is an essential ingredient in gin. It is said that the aromatic fruit can be a substitute for pepper. Sometimes essential oil is distilled from the fruits as an aroma. The average yield is about 1%. The cones are about 4-8 mm in diameter and take 2-3 years to mature. It is important to be cautious when using the fruit due to toxicity, see the comments above. The roasted seed can serve as a substitute for coffee. Tea can be made by boiling the leaves and stems. A tea made from the berries has a spicy gin-like flavor.