Juniper is a pseudofruit that has medicinal and flavoring properties, quite common in temperate climates.
The scientific name for juniper is Juniperus communis, however popularly it can also be called cedar, juniper, gin or juniper.
The juniper tree is shrubby (shrub-shaped) and small, characterized by having a straight trunk and many sharp, short leaves. Juniper fruits are small blue or black balls, with a slightly sweet flavor when ripe.
Technically, the juniper does not produce fruit, but a kind of pine cone. However, due to its differentiated structure, it was conventionally called a pseudo-fruit or, simply, a fruit.
Juniper trees are known for their resistance, making it possible to sprout in places with very adverse climates, with rotten, dry or rocky soil. Juniper, however, has a very slow growth. It can live up to more than 150 years, for example.
Juniper fruits are considered spices widely used in Europe, mainly in the production of distilled alcoholic beverages, such as gin.
They can also be used as ingredients in some of Europe's most traditional cuisines, as well as in aromatherapy treatments and in the cosmetics and perfume industry.
In natural medicine, juniper berries are known to have properties that help to treat irritation. skin, inflammation, digestive problems, sore throat and difficulty urinating due to its power diuretic.
