Crushed juniper berries

Crushed juniper berries are the dried berries of the common juniper (Juniperus communis) broken into smaller pieces or a coarse powder. They have a distinctive, resinous, slightly bitter, and citrusy flavour with a characteristic woody and forest-like aroma. Widely used in European cuisine, they are especially popular for marinating and flavouring game meat, pork, cabbage, and classic sauces such as svíčková. They are an essential component of spice blends for curing and pickling meats. Juniper berries are also a key botanical in gin production. The crushed form is best added directly to marinades, sauces, or braised alongside meat to fully release their aroma.