Central Asia

Juniper

Juniperus species, berry.

Berry (technically a cone).

Part Used

Dried berries.

Form

Artcha mevasi (regional term, varies).

Mountainous areas of Central Asia (Tian Shan, Pamir ranges); also found in Europe and North America.

Piney, resinous, slightly citrus-bitter.

Minor regional use in some meat preparations and traditional medicine; far more central to European and North American cooking.

Occasional inclusion in mountain-region meat dishes.

Game meats, black pepper.

Crush lightly and add early in a braise.

Keeps a year or more sealed and dark.

None close; often simply omitted where unavailable.

A minor regional ingredient here – juniper plays a much more central culinary role in Europe (notably in gin production and European game cookery).

Not a standard regional blend component.