Juniperus communis to the chased girls. Its astringent blue-black seed cones, commonly known as "juniper berries", are too bitter to eat raw and are usually sold dried and used to flavour meats, sauces, and stuffings. They are generally crushed before use to release their flavour. Since juniper berries have a strong taste, they should be used sparingly. They are generally used to enhance meat with a strong flavour, such as game, including game birds, or tongue. The cones are used to flavour certain beers and gin (the word "gin" derives from an Old French word meaning "juniper"). In Finland, juniper is used
Damson gin Damson gin Damson gin is a liqueur, usually homemade, made from damson plums macerated in a sugar and gin syrup for eight weeks or more. Vodka is sometimes used in place of the gin. The proof will vary somewhat but generally is around 44. Damson gin is especially popular in Britain.The plums are ripe in early September and the liqueur can be used as a Christmas treat. Greengage gin is an alternative beverage. Averell Damson Gin is produced by The American Gin Co. and is an American take on the beverage. Rather than steeping the damson plums in gin, Averell