Found in the wild across Scotland, it thrives in drier areas where trees enjoy bright sunshine and open space. The foliage consists of needles and its fruit a blue and aromatic berry. The young shoots were also used for seasoning.

Juniper is now among our most rare trees, due mainly to a fungus but also perhaps related to climate change. Many have been lost through disease but replanting programmes are underway. There are artisan gin distillers who are collaborating with a number of conservation projects.

Berries can be picked and dried and used as a spice – delicious with game, juice and of course as gin.

No contact address for sourcing – forage if you can!

http://www.fondazioneslowfood.com/en/ark-of-taste-slow-food/wild-scottish-juniper/