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OREGANO
Origanum vulgare - is a flowering plant in the mint family.
Oregano is a perennial herb with rose-purple or white flowers and a taste reminiscent of thyme.

• Harvest the leaves as you need them. The most flavor-filled leaves are found right before the flowers bloom.
• You can freeze the leaves to use during the winter. Oregano leaves store well and are easily dried. Keep them in an airtight container once dried.
Oregano is an herb whose existence can be dated back to as far as the ancient Greek time .
The word oregano is actually a derivation from Greek words ‘Oros’ meaning mounting, and ‘Ganos’ meaning joy. Thus the word oregano means "the mountain of joy". According to Greek mythology, oregano was created by goddess Aphrodite as a symbol of happiness. For this reason, the Greek believed using oregano in marriage ceremony would provide joy and usage of oregano in funerals would convey peace to the dead. After the Romans conquered the Greek, the Romans inherited the use of oregano and the Romans were the ones responsible for the extensive use of oregano all over Europe and abroad. After that, with time this herb found itself a journey from the Middle East to China. In China, they used oregano exclusively for medicinal purposes.

STAR ANISE - Illicium verum
This spice that closely resembles anise in flavor is obtained from the star-shaped pericarp of the fruit of Illicium verum which are harvested just before ripening.

It has been used as spice and medicine for over 3000 years.
The star anise pod is dried before use as a spice, which turns it a deep brown or rust color. The pods have six to eight prongs, each containing a single seed. Both the seeds and the pod contain the sweet, potent, spicy anise flavor, similar to licorice.
Star anise oil is a highly fragrant oil used in cooking, perfumery, soaps, toothpastes, mouthwashes, and skin creams.
Providing antioxidants for the body: Star anise is a good source of two antioxidants: the essential oil linalool and vitamin C that helps protect the body against cellular damage caused by free radicals and environmental toxins.
Star anise grows as dark brown pods with eight segments, each containing a pea-sized seed. This spice hails from an evergreen tree plant that is native to southern China and northeast Vietnam, although it is cultivated in countries like Laos, Korea, Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines.

STAR ANISE has a very strong, distinct flavor and should be used in small quantities. Although the flavor of star anise is generally thought of as sweet, it is commonly used in savory dishes. Star anise pairs well with citrus, onions, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
It is also widely used to flavor beverages. for instance chai tea.
STAR ANISE can be purchased whole or ground. When the whole seed pods are used in cooking, the flavor is quite obtrusive and the pods can't be eaten. But whole pods can be simmered in sauces, marinades, and soups, then removed before serving. The ground spice is much easier to work with, although the flavor diminishes faster.
Star anise is traditionally used in Japan as incense.

The warrior plant stinging nettle
My spring detox-cure and one of my heart's herbs.
This juicy deep green native plant is a specialty. Shunned by many people and animals because it fights back!
To all the exhausted, tired warriors: Nettle wants to be your friend!
She (to me a nettle is female) is one of our most valuable medicinal plants and has many uses, especially in spring.
The stinging nettle has a variety of excellent properties.
For example, the tea made from the leaves has a strong flushing effect (detoxifying and diuretic) and thus purifies the blood. Every year - especially in spring, when the tops sprout - a few fresh nettle shoots are added to my morning herbal tea.
On the other hand, the leaves, especially when young, contain many vitamins and minerals: more iron than spinach, six times more vitamin C than lemons, more potassium, magnesium, silica and even protein than most vegetable plants.
I therefore eat young nettle leaves regularly - whether as a soup or in a vegetable stew.
In recent years, it has served me well so many times: as food, as a remedy, as a fertilizer, as a means of strength and of meditation.
They also taste good. When heated, the nettle toxin is destroyed. If you always pluck off only the shoot tips with the top two to four leaves, young leaves will constantly grow back and you can harvest fresh nettle tips every day until the first frost.

And btw. roasted Nettle seeds are delicious sprinkled on top of salads or stir fried veggies.
Since ancient times, the medicinal properties of nettle are known and were used for a variety of diseases. For example, the Roman poet Petronius believed that men could be helped with potency problems by whipping "the area below the navel, the loins and the buttocks" with a bunch of nettles. Also "love potions" were made from the nettle seeds, because the nettle was considered the symbol of problem-loaded love.

My fave recipe for clarity of thoughts and improved memory:
Crush a handful of fresh nettle in a mortar so that the juice comes out. Pour 300 ml of olive oil over it and put this mixture in the sun for 1 day. Then strain the mixture and bottle it. Daily before going to bed rub the sternum with 5 drops and both temples with 5 drops each.

A remedy for full hair or hair loss:
Put a large handful of finely chopped nettle in a glass jar, pour about 300 ml of clear brandy (fruit brandy or grain) and close with a lid. Leave the tincture in the sun for 6-8 weeks, shaking it from time to time. Strain, pour into an atomizer and spray on the hair after washing the head and massage well.

Photo: Fresh stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)

Chrysoprase ring set in rhodium-plated sterling silver.

This absolutely stunning chrysoprase gem is completely natural and was carefully selected. The end-result is a finely polished and expertly crafted piece both valuable, and unique.

It pairs Chrysoprase, a much sought after gem from Queensland Australia (considered to be the source of world’s highest quality) with Sterling Silver and Rhodium

Rhodium (like gold) is a low tarnish metal and therefore remains bright and shiny under most environmental conditions. It enhances the beauty of silver and helps ensure the longest-lasting, most durable finish for your jewellery. It also is hypoallergenic, easy to wear and perfect as that special gift for a loved one.

Chrysoprase is typically translucent to opaque.
Translucent specimens are considered most valuable.
When cut and polished, it has a vitreous to waxy luster.
Color can range from light, minty-green to intense deep,
apple-green. Deeper colors are considered more desirable Chrysoprase is said to help balance the conscious and unconscious realms of the mind. It carries strong energy and crystal power, which can bring happiness, protection, success, friendship, good fortune and prosperity.
Chrysoprase promotes inner-strength and courage. Historically it was highly prized by Greeks, Roman and Egyptians alike for its many great powers and alluring soft color.It was a favorite of Frederich the Great of Prussia. According to Greek legend, chrysoprase ensures a happy marriage, good health, and its power was 'recharged' when placed out in the open during the half-moon. Chrysoprase is a powerful stone that brings poise, grace and mental dexterity. It is also thought to be able to reduce inferiority complexes and mend broken hearts by boosting self-esteem. It is ideal for opening, activating and energizing the heart chakra.

Unique Rock Crystal Pendant Handcrafted in 925-Sterling Silver with 5 genuine Crystals

The setting includes two beautifully faceted Imperial Topaz stones and another two Blue Topaz Gemstones‎ of great clarity, brilliance and finish.
Eye-catching large Pendant The color is Fabulous and the Clarity is Flawless!

CLEAR ROCK CRYSTAL – Generally used for healing purposes, to cleanse mind, body, spirit.
ROCK CRYSTALS are transparent and have glassy appearance. Their color can vary from milky white to colorless.
Rock crystal is known as the "master healer" and will amplify energy and thought, as well as the effect of other crystals. It absorbs, stores, releases and regulates energy. It draws off negative energy of all kinds, neutralising background radiation, including electromagnetic smog or petrochemical emanations.
Rock Crystal helps the wearer to think clearly, allowing them to focus and become clear about their dreams and desires.
It balances and revitalises the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual planes, and acts as a deep soul cleanser, connecting the physical dimension with the mind. Clear Rock crystal enhances psychic abilities, aids concentration and unlocks memory. It Stimulates the immune system and brings the body into balance.

IMPERIAL TOPAZ
is well known for its golden color and its sparkling clarity.
It is also known as "precious topaz".
Many believe topaz to be a jewel that represents empathy and serenity.
The colors of topaz are also associated with the stability and comfort of the home.
The sparkle and sheen of these stones remind us of the cooking fires we all used to gather around to celebrate good fortune and welcome guests into our home.
The ancient Greeks believed that topaz was a powerful stone that could increase the strength of the wearer . Both the ancient Egyptians and the Romans associated topaz with the Sun God.
In traditional Indian belief systems, topaz is said to unlock the throat chakra, which facilitates communication and self-expression. Therefore, topaz is thought to be beneficial to artists, writers, public speakers and others who are concerned with self-expression. Some believe that topaz can promote virility in men.
You may want to wear topaz jewelry when you want to encourage forgiveness and relieve tension. Some swear by the rule that wearing a topaz pendant when entertaining guests will help foster an atmosphere of harmony, warmth, and pleasantness.
This stone is a symbol of balance and is believed to promote emotional stability and hospitality.

BLUE TOPAZ
Blue topaz is one of the most beautiful and popular gemstones today. From early times, these shining blue stones have captivated us and inspired our imaginations.
Topaz celebrates beauty. It gives you new perspectives that unveil the loveliness in even the smallest of details. This means that you can not only see the good in nature, but in the other souls with whom you share this planet. Topaz often bears the simple message: Look on the bright side.
It promotes harmony and relaxation and can be especially helpful in healing hurt feelings and calming frayed nerves.
Often associated with loyalty and love, this gem represents eternal romance and friendship.
It symbolizes honesty, clarity of feelings, and deep emotional attachment.
It aids you to discuss your life path with those dearest to you, as it helps you to clearly express your hopes and wishes. It will help you to speak clearly and to communicate what comes through from spirit, in a manner that others can clearly understand.
Gifts of topaz jewelry and gems may signal a wish for a committed romantic relationship or a strong appreciation of loyal friendship.
These Stones will heighten your ability to communicate better, and to express yourself in a meaningful way when speaking, or when writing.

ARTISAN SMOKY CITRINE 925-STERLING SILVER HANDCRAFTED PENDANT

An absolutely stunning gem Jewelry -
This elegant rhodium plated Sterling Silver pendant features a Water Clear Smoky Citrine - AAA Quality, completely untreated, with an exceptionally cut

Smoky Citrine has been a favorite healing stone of shamanistic practitioners around the world for thousands of years.
Smoky quartz is a traditional stone of slow transformation and purification of the emotional body through deep meditation, and citrine is the golden purifier, actively transforming and elevating the sluggish – or stuck -- energies in an individual’s energy system.
Smoky quartz and citrine are both found in high-temperature hydrothermal veins in Brazil, and both are used by Lightworkers to transform negative or unwanted energies.
Smoky Citrine combines the energies of these two powerful types of crystal.

SMOKY CITRINE is a stone of profound spiritual transformation, an alchemist’s stone. Smoky citrine provides a smooth and easy, graceful access to a very deep place. Smoky citrine works to gently purify and cleanse the physical and astral bodies, energize the root, third and crown chakras, increase the flow of Universal Life Force energy throughout the mind, body and aura, and to protect the bearer from unwanted or deleterious energies impacting the bearer's energy field.

RHODIUM will also remain bright and shiny under most environmental conditions, it enhances the beauty of silver and helps ensure the longest-lasting, most durable finish for your jewelry. Additionally, rhodium is hypoallergenic. Easy to wear and perfect as special gift for a loved one.
Metaphysical and Mineralogical Properties of Smoky Citrine
Smoky citrine is a form of what is known as “the philosopher’s stone”, a catalyst in the alchemical transformation of the human soul, which consists of elevating the vital energy, the heart’s desire and the mind’s focus to the frequencies characteristic of the higher chakras, and of attuning the mind more and more consciously to the energy signatures of the elevated spiritual realities one encounters there.
Smoky citrine works to gently purify and cleanse the physical and astral bodies, energize the root, third and crown chakras, increase the flow of Universal Life Force energy throughout the mind, body and aura, and to protect the bearer from unwanted or deleterious energies impacting the bearer's energy field.
The deep golden glow of the transformative citrine appears to rise up within the crystal, illuminating the intensely bright darkness of the smoky citrine quartz from within. Just so, the bearer will find that smoky citrine illuminates that which is dark within body, mind and aura, transmuting what had been negative energies into powerful, positive energies of self-transformation. Self-transformation is the true alchemy.
Citrine is a form of quartz occurring in a variety of colors ranging from platinum white to yellow to orange-red.
Citrine's color is a result of iron impurities occurring naturally within the crystal. Citrine typically is formed as an iron-containing amethyst which becomes heated to the point where the iron held within the crystal undergoes a further stage of oxidation.
Smoky citrine combines the qualities of the two types of quartz in a very powerful way.
Smoky citrine facilitates the harmonious transformation of negative emotions, karmic imprints, mistaken mental maps of the world, bad habits, neurotic behaviors and love wounds into positive manifestations of Divine Love and Higher Purpose.

Genuine RUBELLITE TOURMALINE Cabochon handcrafted in 925 Sterling Silver RING RHODIUM plated

This beautiful ring features a deep Pink-Red Tourmaline cut to a lovely cabochon - a natural untreated gem with a wonderful feel and a bohemian look.

The RUBELLITE is a multifaceted gemstone with a color range from tender dramatic pink to crimson red. It is highly prized and priced due to its rarity and unique beauty.
The rubellite is a transparent gemstone from the colorful family of the tourmalines. It is the most prized and expensive member of the tourmaline family because of its beauty and rarity.
Rubellites are one of the few stones, where the presence of inclusions is a benefit.

RUBELLITE TOURMALINE, also known as Red Tourmaline, is a stone of the perfected heart - one that is strong, vital, and full of passion for love and life. This Tourmaline’s combination of vibrant pink and ruby red color energy creates a vibrational pattern that resonates deeper with the Heart Chakra than other heart-stones. It links not only to the heart of the Earth, but opens to love that goes beyond human relationships and reaches out to the Universe.
PINK TOURMALINE represents a love of humanity and humanitarianism. It is worn to promote sympathy towards others. It is an excellent stone for healers, therapists and counselors as it allows them to better listen to and understand their patients. It carries the virtue of unconditional love and friendship. In fact, it radiates the highest amount of love of all the different colored tourmalines. It’s also meant for people who bear a special injury in their hearts as it encourages love and gently disperses emotional pain and dissolves disruptive feelings. It calms the negative emotions that often upset relationships.
RUBELLITE TOURMALINE stimulates and activates a direct pathway between the Base Chakra and the Heart Chakra. It provides energy and vitality to the physical body, while incorporating the healing qualities of the heart with a loving consciousness.
A Rubellite is also of great value to people that have difficulty dealing with fear, who have panic attacks or who are in need of something to help them heal their inner chaos and dread. It’s a heart protector as well as an aphrodisiac. It teaches that it is safe to love and therefore instills confidence. It introduces the qualities of compassion and wisdom into your dealings with others. It also promotes flexibility of thought.
Rubellite Tourmaline expands one’s awareness of true abundance - the sense that all we need is provided by Spirit. Opening the heart to others and the world and receiving this abundance allows a sense of peace and fulfillment.
Although Tourmaline may be found on every continent, fine crystal specimens and gems are still considered rare and can be quite expensive.

This exquisite ring features a stunning facetted Peridot with a 24-karat yellow gold setting on the front that holds the beautiful gemstone.

The ring is handcrafted in 925 sterling silver and rhodium plated. Rhodium plating is used to increase the strength, durability, and bright look of silver.
Rhodium (like gold) is a low tarnish metal and therefore remains bright and shiny under most environmental conditions. It enhances the beauty of silver and helps ensure the longest-lasting, most durable finish for your jewellery. It also is hypoallergenic, easy to wear and perfect as that special gift for a loved one.

The PERIDOT is one of the lesser-known gemstones, despite its illustrious history, increasing rarity and lively beauty.
The color of the stones, reminiscent of spring, linked them to nature, youthfulness and the goddess Isis.
Egyptian Priests drank from cups lined with peridot to heal maladies and pay tribute to the goddess.
- The gems were thought to promote wealth and power for their wearers and also to ward against nightmares and jealous thoughts.
We bet it’s nearly impossible to see a a Peridot and not smile.
Governed by both the Solar Plexus and Heart Chakras, Peridot unites their energies.
In this, Peridot alternately gives heart energy to our will and, at the same time, infuses the strength we need to act on our heart’s deepest desires.
In nature Peridot grows as a hexagon. In SACRED GEOMETRY the hexagon represents balance, positivity and resolution. The hex appears again and again in nature from flowers to honeycombs. So again, we find the Peridot spirit having strong ties to Gaia and the patterns of creation itself.
One more symbolic meaning for you to ponder with this healing crystal – it’s linked to both the sun and the moon, so Peridot bridges the gap between the conscious and sub-conscious as well as the Higher Self and even Divine realms. As such it is a good meditative tool.

Hawaii
Peridots are rare in Hawaii, but as one of the few natural gems found on the islands they quickly became a treasured part of native mythology.
Tiny peridot pebbles washed up onshore, causing the Hawaiians to believe they were the tears of Pele, goddess of the fiercest elements.
It is a delicate stone, and a rare one, so treat your peridot jewelry with great care to preserve it for the appreciation of future generations.

Gold-Plated Silver Earrings - Lapis Lazuli and freshwater Pearls
Lightweight Dangle Earrings. Petite Gemstone Drops

These Pearls and Lapis lazuli are untreated, they are natural...totally organic in both shape and color.
Freshwater drops with true metallic luster, rare color and intense overtones.
In certain light, you will even see lavender purple overtones.

LAPIS LAZULI - It is one of the oldest “spiritual” stones, first mined six thousand years ago in Afghanistan—the finest stones still come from that area. Its name comes from the Latin word lapis, meaning “stone,” and the Arabic word azul, which means “blue.”
Lapis has been used in ornamental decoration for thousands of years. The Egyptians crushed it and used it to decorate their eyelids. It was also ground and used for paint. In Egypt lapis was used mainly by royalty and priests, and it is believed that the sapphire referred to in the Bible was actually lapis lazuli. Lapis is often worn as talismans and used in inlaid work and ornaments. The Romans believed it was an aphrodisiac.
Lapis is probably most well-known metaphysically for its use to promote psychic awareness and in achieving meditative states such as trance and other altered states of consciousness.
Reputed to be a stone for teachers, lapis has many useful magical properties. It has been referred to as a stone of awareness and wisdom and may be used to enhance creativity. Its gift of insight is useful in divination.
Lapis is a protective stone, both from physical danger and psychic attacks.

BLACK PEARLS are a stunning choice in pearl jewelry. They range in color from dark blues and greens to peacock and multi-hued and all are unbelievably gorgeous. Natural freshwater pearls come from mussels that live in ponds, rivers, and lakes.
Black pearl jewelry is sleek and sophisticated while easily becoming a go-to choice for day to day jewelry.
In certain light, you will even see lavender purple overtones.

ST.JOHN'S WORT - Hypericum perforatum
It is linked with the Sun and Leo, Midsummer's Day, or St. John's Day.

Harvesting & Storage
It is traditionally harvested on St. John's Day (June 24th) or Midsummer's day, early in the day after the dew has dried. Harvest soon after flowering.
Otherwise, harvest flowers and leaves as needed.

St. John's Wort has been used in medicine for over 2.400 years. It was used in ancient Greece and prescribed by Hippocrates and others for insanity, among other problems. It was also used in the Crusades to treat battle wounds.
It is associated with St. John the Baptist. It was gathered on St. John's Day and soaked in olive oil to create an anointing oil called the "Blood of Christ". It is said that the red sap "bleeds" in August on the day when St. John was beheaded.
The ancient name Fuga Daemonum (Scare Devil) and the Latin name Hypericum ("over" + "apparition") attests to its usefulness in driving away evil spirits. The latter may also refer to the fact that it was hung over religious icons. It was hung in the home, and carried as a talisman. It was also used to protect from lightening strikes.

St. John's Wort was also used for divination of romance and longevity. St. John's Wort was hung over the beds of the members of a household to divine their longevity. The sprig that was most wilted the next morning indicated who would die the soonest. Keeping a sprig under your pillow is said to grant you a vision of St. John who will promise that you will live another year.

This exquisite RING features a stunning Boulder OPAL, with a 24-carat yellow GOLD setting on the front that holds the beautiful gemstone.

The ring is handcrafted in 925 sterling silver and is rhodium plated. Rhodium plating is used to increase the strength, durability, and bright look of silver with a hammered finish.

Opal gemstones are unlike any other thanks to their brilliant and unusual play of color.
OPAL:
Australian "Black" Opal is considered the most precious variety and was formed many millions of years ago. Black Opal is the result of a combination of molten silica and trapped water flowing into cracks and crevices and cooling underground. This then gradually hardened and solidified to become opal.
The word Opal comes from the Sanskrit "upala" for stone, or precious stone. There are many varieties ranging from opaque and milky or common opal to fiery precious so-called black opal.
Because Opals contain water molecules, they are very sensitive to heat.
OPALS are hard to beat for variety of color and eye-catching brilliance. In addition to color the amount of light an opal reflects is a key in determining value. The most valuable opals sparkle with the brightest color flashes and these change with the viewing angle. This phenomenon is typically referred to as opalescence.
- An emotional stone reflecting the wearer’s mood, Opal intensifies emotions, releases inhibitions and encourages both freedom and independence. Opal enhances cosmic consciousness and induces psychic and mystical visions. It is therefore easy to understand how Opal can stimulate originality and creativity while helping to release anger, claim self-worth and express one’s true self. Opal is said to strengthens memory, heighten an interest in the arts and to bring loyalty, faithfulness and spontaneity.

OPAL brings its watery (emotional) energy to the surface of your life. In this way it can be very powerful to enhance self-esteem and a sense of self-worth – despite other conditions. When this is aligned with the inspiring love energies Opal can help you to release damaging inhibitions and access your deeper spiritual nature. Opal may also be used to bring pleasant dreams and avoid nightmares. It is a soothing stone which can calm turbulent emotions and bring a deep sense of hope and inner peace.

Opal is said to be a stone for love. It brings the inspiration of love into a stagnant heart chakra and brings renewal. This can take the form of fiery sensual love or gentler unconditional love and any shade of love in between. Opal is also said to bring fidelity to love.
Mentally, opal is said to enhance memory and decrease confusion.

The Bedouins believed that opals contained lightning and fell from the sky during thunderstorms...

RHODIUM (like gold) is a low tarnish metal and therefore remains bright and shiny under most environmental conditions. It enhances the beauty of silver and helps ensure the longest-lasting, most durable finish for your jewellery. It also is hypoallergenic, easy to wear and perfect as that special gift for a loved one.

SAGE - Salvia officinalis
Sage was often described in old herbals for the many miraculous properties attributed to it. The specific epithet, officinalis, refers to the plant's medicinal use—the officina was the traditional storeroom of a monastery where herbs and medicines were stored.

SALVIA OFFICINALIS has been used since ancient times for warding off evil, snakebites, increasing women's fertility, and more.
The plant had a high reputation throughout the Middle Ages, with many sayings referring to its healing properties and value.
John Gerard's Herball (1597) states that sage "is singularly good for the head and brain, it quickeneth the senses and memory, strengtheneth the sinews, restoreth health to those that have the palsy, and taketh away shakey trembling of the members." In past centuries it was also used for hair care, insect bites and wasp stings, nervous conditions, mental conditions, oral preparations for inflammation of the mouth, tongue and throat, and also to reduce fevers.
Internally, a tea made from SAGE leaves has had a long history of use to treat sore throats and coughs; often by gargling. It was also used by herbalists for rheumatism, excessive menstrual bleeding, and to dry up a mother's milk when nursing was stopped. It was particularly noted for strengthening the nervous system, improving memory, and sharpening the senses.
In Germany, SAGE tea is also applied topically as a rinse or gargled for inflammations. Sage extract, tincture, and essential oil are all used in prepared medicines for mouth and throat and as gastrointestinal remedies.
In recent years, many research studies have been conducted to document the traditional uses of Salvia officinalis and to find new biological effects for this plant. These studies have revealed a wide range of pharmacological activities including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antimutagenic, antidementia, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic, effects. In this review, effort has been made to discuss all pharmacological findings that have been reported for Salvia

JUNIPER BERRY - Juniperus communis

One of the characteristic heathland shrubs of the chalk and limestone country is the Juniper.
The shrub typically grows from 4 - 6 feet high with the trunk or stem often being contorted and twisted. The leaves take the form of needles of a deep green colour sometimes with a bluish-tinge, on account of which it is often known in folk tradition as the needle yew. The berries usually take two to three years to fully ripen, hence it is common to see both the bluish-black ripe berries alongside very green and under-ripe ones on the same bush. When fully ripe, the berries are about the size of a pea and have an aromatic resiny scent.
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- Juniper berries have been called the only spice derived from conifers,although tar and inner bark from pine trees is sometimes considered a spice as well.
There are many varieties of the shrubby, perennial juniper bush. It can be found throughout North America as well as Europe, North Africa and Asia. Juniper berries reputed to have the most intense flavor are grown in Hungary and Italy. It is these berries that are bottled and sold in the spice section on our markets.
JUNIPER has been used over the centuries for a variety of things, some medicinal, some culinary. In fact, the dark purple berries are used significantly in cooking to flavor such classic dishes such as choucroute, the French sauerkraut .
The prickly bush is easy to grow with both male and female flowers on separate plants. The female plants bear the berries, which, depending on the climate, can take up to three years to ripen. Only the ripe, dark purplish berries should be harvested.
If you have access to a fresh juniper bush, remove the ripe berries and let them dry in the sun. After the berries have been plucked, put the branches on a hot grill while cooking savory dishes. Crushed juniper berries complement the flavor of most fresh or dried herbs. Adding a few juniper berries to steeping tea will produce a tea with a lovely aroma and unique flavor that is particularly good iced.