Yes! a few days ago, the male flowers released their pollen and yesterday i finally found, on a different plant (dioecious) a few female flowers with a last year berry ( which is not a true berry) and a two year old ripe, blue, berry on the same branch.April 29, 2017Along the Takhini river, on…
Posted in Juniper (Juniperus)
Juniper “berries” are one of the main botanicals that give gin its distinctive flavor. The berries of juniper are actually cones that have modified scales giving it a smooth, berry-like appearance. There are many types of juniper, but common juniper (Juniperus communis) is the species most often used for flavoring gin. Have you ever wondered how your favorite gin companies harvest juniper? According to this site, the best juniper is still harvested from wild trees. There is a short video in the middle of the page that shows harvesters in action.
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Posted in Juniper (Juniperus), Recipes
Gin-soaked raisins for rheumatoid arthritis?
My mother has RA, and her doctor told her that one folklore remedy is to soak raisins in gin, and eat 9 raisins every day. While I’m all for enjoying the occasional drink with or without dried fruit, this seemed a bit funny to me, and I have done a little bit of surfing for more info. Juniper berries used to flavor quality gin ARE known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Raisins (yellow raisins specifically) are treated with sulfur dioxide to keep their color, and sulfur may have anti-inflammatory effects. Plus raisins, like many fruits, have anti-oxidant properties.
Pro: The People’s Pharmacy People’s Pharmacy
Con: Snopes.com Snopes Review
In the Middle:Alternative Daily
Verdict? If you like raisins, and you like gin, it probably won’t hurt you and maaaaybe it will help. Don’t like raisins or gin, or don’t drink alcohol? Skip it!
Posted in Health, Juniper (Juniperus)
Junipers and another great Blog:
I have ornamental junipers (J. horizontalis mostly–varieties like Blue Rug) all over the steep parts of my property, and I just noticed that they are finally old enough to produce fruit. According to this blogsite, juniper berries can take more than one year to mature.
Posted in Juniper (Juniperus)
HortAlaska Berries 