JUNIPER

 

(Juniperus communis)

 

Native to Europe, Juniperus communis or common juniper has become naturalized in North America and is part of one of the most popular groups of landscape plants as well as herbal shrubs.  The berries were known to Greek, Roman and early Arabs as a medicinal fruit and they are also mentioned in the Bible.  In fact, the Old Testament records that Elijah took refuge under a juniper tree and a popular legend states that a juniper hid the infant Jesus from Herod’s army while his family was fleeing into Egypt.  Thus, juniper has the meaning of protection or asylum in the language of flowers and has been grown by doorsteps for protection.

 

Common juniper is a small evergreen shrub or tree that can be low and spreading or upright with a reddish brown, papery bark on the trunk and sharp-pointed dark green to blue-green needle-like leaves.  Junipers are dioecious meaning that male and female reproductive structures are on separate plants.  The male produces small, tan cones and fleshy, berry-like cones are produced on the female plants which require 1-3 years to ripen from a grey-green to a bluish black.  If you want berries, plant both or the females will not bear fruit.  The fruit may be collected by shaking branches over a sheet and may be used fresh or dry.  The foliage is harvested as needed and the wood after the trees are cut down.

 

Juniper berries have been used for over 3000 years both medicinally and as a pungent and piney flavoring to alcoholic drinks especially gin.  Burning the branches was thought to purify the air and applying a poultice was said to relieve wounds.  The berries are mainly used for urinary infections and to clear acid wastes from the system in arthritis and gout.  The dry berries may also be used in cooking, but should be purchased in small quantities and be crushed just before using, since unlike other whole spices, they become tasteless after long storage or exposure to air.  A few berries will flavor most dishes.  They are often associated with wild game but the berries also compliment beef and pork and are sometimes used in sauerkraut and with other hearty vegetables. Juniper is also used as a fragrance component in soaps, detergents, cosmetics and perfumes plus one variety, J. virginiana, is used as a dye plant.

GARDEN TIPS

Juniper tolerates most soils,
acid or alkaline, wet or dry
 in sun or part shade
and are generally salt tolerant
for  use in seaside gardens
or roadside plantings

 

With Christmas coming as well as the beginning of deer season in states like Pennsylvania, the following herbal blends using juniper may come in handy as last minute gifts for friends, family or even yourself!!!

 

TWELVE-HERB YULE BLEND
8 parts juniper leaves/berries      
4 parts caraway seeds                    
4 parts cinnamon chips                 
4 parts ginger root              
4 parts allspice berries                   
2 parts orange peel
2 parts rosemary leaves
2 parts lemon peel
2 parts star anise pods
1 part whole cloves
1 part bay leaves

 

Combine all the ingredients and place in a jar or sachet for gift giving during the holidays.  Makes a great simmering potpourri when 2Tbs are placed in a muslin bag.

WILD GAME HERB BLEND
1Tbs dried parsley                       
1Tbs dried marjoram                  
1Tbs dried lemon balm               
1Tbs dried rosemary                   
1Tbs dried summer savory        
2tsp dried juniper berries, crushed
1tsp dried minced garlic
1tsp dried thyme
1tsp dried sage
1tsp dried spearmint

 

Combine herbs and store in an airtight container.  Use to marinate venison, moose, rabbit, squirrel, beef, pork, goose or duck before cooking.

 

". . . I have given you all things even as the green herbs."
Genesis 9:3