Juniper berry refers to the cone of a slow-growing evergreen shrub in
the cypress family. Although the wood is not suited for furniture making
due to the small size of the tree, it is used to make traditional
Scandinavian cheese and butter containers. It is also used to make small
utensils and decorative pieces.
The so-called berries are not eaten raw because they are too bitter.
Their strong flavor is tempered, however, when dried. The slightly
crushed berries are used typically used to flavor game meats, bread
stuffing and other savory foods. Juniper berry is also used to flavor
gin.
