Nutmeg Myristica fragrans Fam: Myristicaceae The nutmeg tree is a large evergreen native to the Moluccas (the Spice Islands) and is now cultivated in the West Indies. It produces two spices — mace and nutmeg. Nutmeg is the seed kernel inside the fruit and mace is the lacy covering (aril) on the kernel. The Arabs were the exclusive importers of the spice to Europe up until 1512, when Vasco de Gama reached the Moloccas and claimed the islands for Portugal. To preserve their new monopoly, the Portuguese (and from 1602, the Dutch) restricted the trees to the islands of Banda and Amboina. The Dutch were especially cautious, since the part of the fruit used as a spice is also the seed, so that anyone with the spice could propagate it. To protect against this, the Dutch bathed the seeds in lime, which would prevent them from growing. This plan was thwarted however, by fruit pigeons who carried the fruit to other islands, before it was harvested, scattering the seeds. The Dutch sent out search and destroy crews to control the spread and when there was an abundant harvest, they even burned nutmeg to keep its supply under control. Despite these precautions, the French, led by Pierre Poivre (Peter Piper) smuggled nutmeg seeds and clove seedlings to start a plantation on the island of Mauritius, off the east coast of Africa, near Madagascar. In 1796 the British took over the Moloccas and spread the cultivation to other East Indian islands and then to the Caribbean. Nutmeg was so successful in Grenada it now calls itself the Nutmeg Island, designing its flag in the green, yellow and red colours of nutmeg and including a graphic image of nutmeg in one corner. Spice Description The nutmeg seed is encased in a mottled yellow, edible fruit, the approximate size and shape of a small peach. The fruit splits in half to reveal a net-like, bright red covering over the seed. This is the aril which is collected, dried and sold as mace. Under the aril is a dark shiny nut-like pit, and inside that is the oval shaped seed which is the nutmeg. Nutmegs are usually sold without the mace or hard shell. They are oval, about 25 mm (1 in) in length, lightly wrinkled and dark brown on the outside, lighter brown on the inside. Nutmeg is sold whole or ground, and is labeled as ‘East Indian’ or ‘West Indian’ indicating its source. Whole nutmeg may be coated with lime to protect against insects and fungus, though this practice is giving way to other forms of fumigation. Bouquet:sweet, aromatic and nutty Flavour : Nutty , warm and slightly sweet Hotness Scale: 1
Sweet marjoram: Origanum (O) hortensis (orMajoranahortensis). Potmarjoram: O.onites Wildmajoram: O.vulgare. Syrian majoram is called zatar Family: Labiatae or Lamiaceae (mint family). In Europe, marjoram was a traditional symbol of youth and romantic love. Used by Romans as an aphrodisiac, it was used to cast love spells and was worn at weddings as a sign of happiness during the middle Ages. Greeks who wore marjoram wreaths at weddings called it “joy of the mountains.” It was used to brew beer before hops was discovered, and flavored a wine called hippocras. A cousin of the oregano family, marjoram originated in Mediterranean regions and is now a commonly used spice in many parts of Europe. Called zatar in the Middle east and often mistaken for oregano, it is also a popular spicing in Eastern Europe. Origin and Varieties Marjoram is indigenous to northern Africa and southwest Asia. It is cultivated around the Mediterranean, in England, Central and Eastern Europe, South America, the United States, and India. Description Marjoram leaf is used fresh, as whole or chopped, and dried whole or broken, and ground. The flowering tops and seeds, which are not as strong as the leaves, are also used as flavorings. Sweet marjoram is a small and oval-shaped leaf. It is light green with a greyish tint. Marjoram is fresh, spicy, bitter, and slightly pungent with camphor like notes. It has the fragrant herbaceous and delicate, sweet aroma of thyme and sweet basil. Pot marjoram is bitter and less sweet. Chemical Components Sweet marjoram has 0.3% to 1% essential oil, mostly monoterpenes. It is yellowish to dark greenish brown in color. It mainly consists of cis-sabinene hydrate (8% to 40%), -terpinene (10%), a-terpinene (7.6%), linalyl acetate (2.2%), terpinen 4-ol (18% to 48%), myrcene (1.0%), linalool (9% to 39%), -cymene (3.2%), caryophyllene (2.6%), and a-terpineol (7.6%). Its flavor varies widely depending on its origins. The Indian and Turkish sweet marjorams have more d-linalool, caryophyllene, carvacrol, and eugenol. Its oleoresin is dark green, and 2.5 lb. are equivalent to 100 lb. of freshly ground marjoram. Marjoram contains calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and niacin. Culinary uses of Marjoram Marjoram is typically used in European cooking and is added to fish sauces, clam chowder, butter-based sauces, salads, tomato-based sauces, vinegar, mushroom sauces, and eggplant. In Germany, marjoram is called the “sausage herb” and is used with thyme and other spices in different types of sausages. It is usually added at the end of cooking to retain its delicate flavor or as a garnish. It goes well with vegetables including cabbages, potatoes, and beans. The seeds are used to flavor confectionary and meat products.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a woody, perennial herb with fragrant evergreen needle-like leaves. It is native to the Mediterranean region. It is a member of the mint family Lamiaceae, which also includes many other herbs. The name rosemary derives from the Latin name rosmarinus, which is from "dew" (ros) and "sea" (marinus), or "dew of the sea" — apparently because it is frequently found growing near the sea. Description Forms range from upright to trailing; the upright forms can reach 1.5 m (5 ft) tall, rarely 2 m (6 ft 7 in). The leaves are evergreen, 2/4 cm (0.8/1.6 in) long and 2/5 mm broad, green above, and white below with dense short woolly hair. Flowering, very common in a mature and healthy specimen, blooms in summer in the north; but can be everblooming in warm-winter climates and is variable in color, being white, pink, purple, or blue. The rosemary plant is light blue and blooms from March to May. For most tonics and recipes the rosemary leaves are use more often than the flowers or the rest of the plant. Rosemary is a bushy type of evergreen that can grow six feet or higher. The tree contains leaves that are stiff and leathery.
Salvia officinalis (Garden sage, Common sage) is a small perennial evergreen subshrub, with woody stems, grayish leaves, and blue to purplish flowers. It is a member of the family Lamiaceae and is native to the Mediterranean region, though it has naturalized in many places throughout the world. It has a long history of medicinal and culinary use, and in modern times as an ornamental garden plant. The common name "Sage" is also used for a number of related and unrelated species. Cultivars are quite variable in size, leaf and flower color, and foliage pattern, with many variegated leaf types. The Old World type grows to approximately 2 ft (0.61 m) tall and wide, with lavender flowers most common, though they can also be white, pink, or purple. The plant flowers in late spring or summer. The leaves are oblong, ranging in size up to 2.5 in (6.4 cm) long by 1 in (2.5 cm) wide. Leaves are grey-green, rugose on the upper side, and nearly white underneath due to the many short soft hairs. Modern cultivars include leaves with purple, rose, cream, and yellow in many variegated combinations. Sage is a silvery-green plant with leaves that offer a memorable fragrant. The most common variety of sage was first found growing in regions around the Mediterranean but now grows in regions of North America as well. The leaves of the sage herb serve both medicinal and culinary purposes. For thousands of years sage has been used for a variety of culinary and medicinal purposes. It has been used in connection with sprains, swelling, ulcers, and bleeding. As a tea, sage has been administered for sore throats and coughs. Herbalists have also used this herb for rheumatism, menstrual bleeding, strengthening the nervous system, improving memory, and sharpening the senses.
Turmeric is one of nature's most powerful healers. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. Tumeric has been used for over 2500 years in India, where it was most likely first used as a dye. The medicinal properties of this spice have been slowly revealing themselves over the centuries. Long known for its anti-inflammatory properties, recent research has revealed that turmeric is a natural wonder, proving beneficial in the treatment of many different health conditions from cancer to Alzheimer's disease. Here are 20 reasons to add turmeric to your diet: 1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns. 2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer. 3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice. 4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide. 5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia. 6. Is a natural liver detoxifier. 7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain. 8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer. 9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects. 10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice. 11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor. 12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management. 13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression. 14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. 15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects. 16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer. 17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma. 18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors. 19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin. 20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Botanical Name: Piper nigrum Plant Family: Piperaceae Country of Origin: India Plant Part: White Peppercorns Growth Method: Wild Harvest Extraction Method: Steam Distillation Color: Clear Consistency: Thin Strength of Aroma: Medium Pepper is a perennial vine of the Piperaceae family indigenous to the Malbar coast of India. It is now cultivated in most tropical parts of the world. Pepper bears clusters of small flowers and small spherical fruits that turn red when they ripen. The berry-like fruits eventually become the peppercorns, and each one bears a single seed. The hot spice of White Pepper is made from its berries. It is the fully mature fruits from which the soft, fleshy outer layers had been ground off before drying. The berries of the pepper plant are called peppercorns and these plants are native to southern Asia. This plant was the main spice the European explorers were looking for when they discovered the New World. It still accounts for one fourth of the spice trade in the world. Did you know that white and black pepper come from the same plant? The white variety is allowed to fully ripen on the vine, as opposed to the black peppercorns, which is why it costs a bit more. The skins are peeled off and the inside of the peppercorn is white. White peppercorns have an earthy flavor whereas black peppercorns simply give heat to a dish. The white ones are popular in Mexican, Indian, and Asian dishes, perhaps because a lot of these recipes are spicy and earthy already and the white pepper complements the overall flavor of the dish. If you want to use white pepper, it is best to buy whole peppercorns because the flavor is longer lasting. Peppercorns start to lose their potency when you grind them, which is why freshly ground pepper is usually recommended.
Black pepper and white pepper are made from the Piper nigrum plant. Black pepper is ground from dried, whole unripe fruit. White pepper is ground from dried, ripe fruit that has had the outer layer removed. The black pepper and white pepper powder are used to make medicine. In foods and beverages, black pepper, white pepper, and pepper oil (a product distilled from black pepper) are used as flavoring agents. We can offer Black Pepper MG1, TGSEB, A55, Grade 1, Special Grade 1, FAQ, 500-550-600 gl We can offer Black Pepper from India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia.
Cardamom is one of the world’s very ancient spices. It is native to the East originating in the forests of the Western Ghats in southern India, where it grows wild. Today it also grows in Sri Lanka, Guatemala, Indo China and Tanzania. The ancient Egyptians chewed cardamom seeds as a tooth cleaner; the Greeks and Romans used it as a perfume. Vikings came upon cardamom about one thousand years ago, in Constantinople, and introduced it into Scandinavia, where it remains popular to this day. Cardamom is an expensive spice, second only to saffron. It is often adulterated and there are many inferior substitutes from cardamom-related plants, such as Siam cardamom, Nepal cardamom, winged Java cardamom, and bastard cardamom. However, it is only Elettaria cardamomum which is the true cardamom. Indian cardamom is known in two main varieties: Malabar cardamom and Mysore cardamom.
Cashew nuts are actually seeds that adhere to the bottom of the cashew apple, the fruit of the cashew tree, which is native to the coastal areas of northeastern Brazil. Cashew apples, while not known in the U.S., are regarded as delicacies in Brazil and the Caribbean. The seed we know as the kidney-shaped cashew "nut" is delicate in flavor and firm, but slightly spongy, in texture. Cashew nuts are actually seeds that adhere to the bottom of the cashew apple, the fruit of the cashew tree, which is native to the coastal areas of northeastern Brazil. Cashew apples, while not known in the U.S., are regarded as delicacies in Brazil and the Caribbean. The seed we know as the kidney-shaped cashew "nut" is delicate in flavor and firm, but slightly spongy, in texture.
Cassia is an aromatic bark, similar to cinnamon, but differing in strength and quality. Its bark is darker, thicker and coarser, and the corky outer bark is often left on. The outer surface is rough and grayish brown, the inside barks is smoother and reddish-brown. It is less costly than cinnamon and is often sold ground as cinnamon. When buying as sticks, cinnamon rolls into a single quill while cassia is rolled from both sides toward the centre so that they end up resembling scrolls. Cassia buds. Cassia buds resemble cloves. They are the dried unripe fruits about 14 mm (1/2 in) long and half as wide. It is native to Burma and grown in China, Indo-China, the East and West Indies and Central America. One of the oldest spices known to man. It has a strong characteristic aroma and flavor. We may sometimes hear cinnamon refer to as cassia. This term is used to distinguish between the Southeast Asia and the Ceylon type of cinnamon. Almost all of the cinnamon consumed in the United States is derived from trees grown in Southeast Asia. Nowadays cinnamon is used to flavor bakery and dairy products, as well as drinks. Cassia-cinnamon is such a familiar and beloved spice it needs little introduction. A global favorite for its delicious aromatic flavor.
Castor meal is also variously called castor meal, castor residue, castor extract & de-oiled castor cake Castor meal - the residue obtained from castor cake by the solvent extraction process - is one of the most versatile natural manures. It is truly organic manure which enhances the fertility of the soil without causing any damage or decay. It is enriched with the three big elements vital and conducive to the proper growth of crops - Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium. It also has traces of nutrients like Manganese, Zinc and Copper, thus making it a balanced fertilizer. Moreover, it helps to neutralize the detrimental effects of chemical fertilizers. Apart from their contribution to Nutrients, they have a number of benefits in agriculture, which none of the synthetic fertilizers or pesticides can offer. They bring in the wonderful molecules that nature has designed to help the plants flourish naturally. They provide slow and steady nourishment, stimulation, protection from soil nematodes and insects; improve yields, and quality of product like taste, flavour, amino acid composition etc. The pressed cake obtained after the expression of castor bean. The solvent extracted cake, although rich in protein cannot be used as cattle fodder because of its toxicity. However, it can be used as a fertilizer. The protein content of castor seed meal varies from 21-48% depending upon the extent of decortications. It has an ideal amino acid profile with moderately high Cystine, mithionine, and isoleucine. But its ant nutritional substances, ricin, ricine and an allergen restrict its use in poultry feed, even at a very low level of inclusion. Castor Cake is an excellent fertilizer because of high content of N (6.4%), Phosphoric Acid (2.55%) and Potash (1%) and moisture retention. There is negative correlation between the contents of ricinine in castor seeds and oil content (r = -0.76). This content of ricinine in castor seed is determined by Agro climatic conditions. Nutrient content of Castor Cake: Organic matter - 75 - 80 %, Nitrogen - 4.0 - 4.5 %, Phosphorous - 1.5 %, Potassium - 1.25 - 1.5 %. It also contains some micro nutrients viz., Calcium, Magnesium, Sulphur, Iron, Zinc, Manganese, Copper etc. A typical composition of castor residue/meal is as follows: Nitrogen - 4% min. approx. Phosphorous - 1% min. approx. Potassium - 1% min. approx. Moisture - 10 - 12 % max. approx. Oil Content - 0.7% max. approx. Advantages: 1. It provides all the major & minor nutrients necessary for better plant growth. 2. It also helps in increasing the nutrient uptake by plants. 3. It improves the soil fertility and productivity. 4. It is known to protect the plants from nematodes and termites. 5. It improves the yield & quality of the farm produce. 6. It improves the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil
Ceylon cinnamon has been hailed as the "true cinnamon" or the "real cinnamon" that possesses outstanding health benefits especially for the diabetics and those challenged by obesity and high cholesterol issues. Unfortunately this cinnamon which is native to Sri Lanka and sourced from the plant Cinnamomum Zeylanicum A highly valued culinary and medicinal spice. Price can be up to 10 times more than the Cassia/Chinese cinnamon. Contains a small, negligible amount of coumarin, a naturally occurring blood-thinning substance. Recommended for regular use, e.g. for correcting blood sugar level. Thin and paper-like textured bark that forms multiple layers when rolled up. Tan brown in colour.
Red chili powder can set the taste buds on fire, and sometimes the tummy too! It is basically a spice blend consisting of one or two types of dried red chilies that are ground and pulverized into a fine powder. It is generally used to add spice to otherwise bland foods. Culinary Uses - Chili powder is commonly used in Indian cuisine to make foods spicier. - Used it moderation it adds a lovely red glow and sharp flavour to dishes without making it unpalatable.
Cloves offer many health benefits, some of which include providing aid in digestion, having antimicrobial properties, fighting against cancer, protecting the liver, boosting the immune system, controlling diabetes, preserving bone quality, and containing anti-mutagenic properties, as well as fighting against oral diseases and headaches, while displaying aphrodisiac properties as well. Cloves are one of the spices indigenous to Asian countries like Indonesia, India, Pakistan, and even areas of East Africa. It is native to the Maluku islands in Indonesia. Cloves are a popular flavouring agents used in a variety of ways across the world, particularly in Asia. Cloves form the culinary base in a number of different Asian cuisines. Better Digestion: Cloves improve digestion by stimulating the secretion of digestive enzymes. Cloves are also good for reducing flatulence, gastric irritability, dyspepsia and nausea. Cloves can be roasted, powdered, and taken with honey for relief in digestive disorders. Antibacterial Properties: Cloves have been tested for their antibacterial properties against a number of human pathogens. The extracts of cloves were potent enough to kill those pathogens. Clove extracts are also effective against the specific bacterium that spreads cholera.
Desiccated coconut is coconut meat which has been shredded or flaked and then dried to remove as much moisture as possible. There are a number of different styles of desiccated coconut used around the world, and availability of this coconut product varies, depending on the region where one is shopping. If desiccated coconut is not available, regular dried coconut can be used as a replacement, although dried content tends to have higher moisture content, despite the "dried" in the name. One of the most common forms of desiccated coconut is an unsweetened, very powdery product which is produced by drying shredded coconut and then grinding the shreds. It is also possible to find coarser desiccated coconut, such as desiccated shreds and even flakes of coconut. Many producers also make sweetened versions. The label should clearly specify whether or not the coconut has been sweetened. Desiccated Coconut Powder is obtained by drying ground or shredded coconut kernel after the removal of brown testa. It finds extensive use in confectioneries, puddings and many other food preparations as a substitute to raw grated coconut.
Specifications for Red Dry Chilies Kinds: - Sannam S4 best - Teja Best - Byadige - Wrinkle 273 - Wonder Hot - Tomato Chili - Mundu - Yellow Chili Type: - Whole Chili with Stem - Whole Chili without Stem - Grounded Chili Powder
Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) is a commodity that is highly valued in international markets for its aroma, pungency and high oil and Aleo resin content. Nigeria is the third largest exporter of ginger in the world after China and India. Most of the dried ginger that are available for international trade are simply sun dried over a few days, but artificial drying is also used in areas lacking a defined dry season to coincide with the harvest. The rhizome is dried to 10-12 percent moisture content. Dried ginger is usually presented in a split or sliced form. Splitting is said to be preferred to slicing, as slicing loses more flavor, but the sliced are easier to grind and this is the predominant form of dried ginger currently in the market
The manufacture of both granulated and powdered garlic is the same, except for the grinding or powdering process. Granulated garlic is coarse while garlic powder is ground extra fine. Whole cloves of garlic are peeled, cleaned and then sent into a machine that slices and chops them into smaller sections. The sections are dried in slow ovens for three to four hours. When the garlic has cooled it is ground to the desired consistency, be it granulated or powdered. The finished products are put through sifters to separate any debris or undesirable pieces. Both are packaged in air-tight containers and stored in a cool, dry place. Granulated and powdered garlic are used to season and enhance the flavor of many foods. Often it is an appropriate substitute when fresh garlic is called for in a recipe. Powdered garlic dissolves almost instantly when incorporated into any dish, hot or cold. Granulated garlic takes a few minutes to become incorporated and release its flavor. We can offer Garlic Granules in 0.5mm to 1.0mm, 40/60 mesh, 26/40 mesh - 20 FCL: 10 Mt (Flakes/Cloves), 14-15 Mt (Minced/Granules/Powder) - 40 FCL H/C: 20 Mt (Flakes/Cloves), 25-30 Mt (Minced/Granules/Powder) Product Packing - 12.5/13/14 Kg Paper Bag inside 1 Poly Bag - 20/25 Kg Cartoon inside 1/2 Poly Bag - 20/25 Kg Cartoon inside 1/2 Aluminium Foil Bag Our range includes: - Dehydrated Garlic Flakes/Cloves (5-10mm) - Dehydrated Garlic Minced (1-3mm, 3-5mm) - Dehydrated Garlic Granules (G1, G2, G3) - Dehydrated Garlic Powder (80-100 mesh) -
The Jalapeno is variously named in Mexico as huachinango and chile gordo. The cuaresmeno closely resembles the Jalapeno. The seeds of a cuaresmeno have the heat of a Jalapeno, but the flesh has a mild flavor close to a green bell pepper. As of 1999, 5,500 acres (22 km2) in the United States were dedicated to the cultivation of Jalapeno s. Most Jalapeno s are produced in southern New Mexico and western Texas. Jalapeno s are a pod type of Capsicum. The growing period is 70–80 days. When mature, the plant stands two and a half to three feet tall. Typically a plant produces twenty-five to thirty-five pods. During a growing period, a plant will be picked multiple times. As the growing season ends, Jalapeno s start to turn red. Once picked, individual peppers ripen to red of their own accord. The peppers can be eaten green or red. Jalapenos have 2,500 - 8,000 Scoville heat units. Compared to other chillies, the Jalapeno has a heat level that varies from mild to hot depending on cultivation and preparation. The heat, caused by capsaicin and related compounds, is concentrated in the veins (placenta) surrounding the seeds, which are called picante. Handling fresh Jalapeno s may cause skin irritation. Some handlers wear latex or vinyl gloves while cutting, skinning, or seeding Jalapeno s. When preparing Jalapeno s, hands should not come in contact with the eyes as this leads to burning and redness. Jalapeno is of Nahuatl and Spanish origin. The Spanish suffix -eno signifies that the noun originates in the place modified by the suffix, similar to the English - (i) an. The Jalapeno is named after the Mexican town of Xalapa (also spelled Jalapa). Xalapa is itself of Nahuatl derivation, formed from roots xal-li "sand" and a-pan "water place." A Jalapeno plant with pods. The purple strips on the stem are anthocyanin, due to the growth under blue-green spectrum fluorescent lighting. Five Jalapeno peppers. - A chipotle is a smoked, ripe Jalapeno. - Jalapeno jelly can be prepared using jellying methods. - Jalapeno peppers are often muddled and served in mixed drinks. - Texas Toothpicks are Jalapeno s and onions shaved into straws, lightly breaded, and deep fried. - Jalapeno Poppers, also called Armadillo eggs, are an appetizer; Jalapeno s are stuffed with cheese, usually cheddar or cream cheese, breaded and deep fried.
Juniperus communis Fam: Cupressaceae Juniper is widely distributed throughout the northern hemisphere and its birthplace is obscure. It is found in Europe, North Africa, North America and northern Asia. The main commercial producers are Hungary and southern Europe, especially Italy. The berries were known to Greek, Roman and early Arab physicians as a medicinal fruit and are mentioned in the Bible. In the Renaissance, they were recommended against snake bite, and plague and pestilence. Because of its air-cleansing piney fragrance, the foliage was used as a strewing herb to freshen stale air and the Swiss burned the berries with heating fuel in winter to sanitize stale air. Gin, the alcoholic drink that gets its unique flavour from juniper berries, is named from an adaptation of the Dutch word for juniper, "geneva". Spice Description Initially hard and pale green, juniper berries ripen to blue-black, become fleshy and contain three sticky, hard, brown seeds. When dried, the berries remain soft but if broken open one will find the pith surrounding the seeds is easily crumbled. Bouquet: Fragrant and flowery, combining the aromas of gin and turpentine. Flavour:Aromatic, bittersweet and piny. Hotness Scale: 1 Preparation and Storage Juniper berries are at their best when they are still moist and soft to the touch, squashing fairly easily between one's fingers. It is possible to make a purée from juniper berries or to extract the flavour and aroma by macerating them in hot water, but as all parts are edible and the texture is agreeable, it is usually just as well to use the entire fruit, split or crushed. The berries are quite powerful, one heaped teaspoon of crushed fruits serving for a dish for four people. Store in a cool place in an airtight container. Culinary Uses Juniper berries perform a quite unique role, by contributing as much to the character of food through their 'freshening' ability, as they do by way of their specific taste profile. As well as flavouring a dish, juniper cuts the gaminess of game, reduces the fatty effect of duck and pork and perks up a bread stuffing. The strong hearty flavour of juniper goes well with strong meats, such as game. Pork chops, roast leg of lamb, veal, rabbit, venison and wild boar are all enlivened with a hint of juniper. Juniper berries blend well with other herbs and spices, especially thyme, sage, oregano, marjoram, bay leaves, allspice and onions and garlic. One application I am particularly fond of is in a simple chicken casserole, It can effectively be added to wine marinades for meats, and is used with coriander in smoking meat. It seasons pâtés and sauces and in Sweden. Goulash and Sauerkraut often feature a juniper taste, as do some home-pickled meats like salt beef, salt pork and ham. Generally juniper can well be used in any dish requiring alcohol. Fruit dishes, such as apple tart and pickled peaches, also harmonize with this flavour.
