The juniper berries is one which when being put into use is recommended to be used in small amounts as a flavoring because of how unique its flavor profile is. An uncommon spice you don’t get to find in your regular supermarket; enough reasons why you have to be duly informed about available alternatives
Talking about alternatives, should you be in search of that very ingredient to give your dish that same unique flavor as the case is with Juniper berries, look no further as below have been highlighted few of them.
Best Substitutes For Juniper Berries
1. Rosemary
Rosemary is one known for its pungent and piney taste, one which if you don’t pay afresh to details you might mistake it for the juniper berries itself, with this trait obviously making it an ideal substitutes for Juniper berries.
It is a common ingredient among Meat dishes, pasta, and roasted veggie dishes of which 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary would perform the same function as what 1 tablespoon of crushed juniper berries would ordinarily
2. Caraway Seeds
Ideally, the Caraway seeds is perceived by many to also be another superb substitute to the juniper berries, owing to its ideal match of earthy, woodsy notes accompanied by an extra bite.
When it comes to being put into use in the kitchen, it is a common ingredient in dishes such as Sauerkraut, pork, coleslaw, and rye bread.
3. Bay Leaves
In terms of its flavor profile, the bay leaf in question here actually does hold a bold and slightly bitter flavor as the case is as well with the juniper berries, thereby placing it in a perfect position of being an ideal substitute to the juniper berries as well.
When it comes to being put into use, it is advisable to try out on dishes such as Soups, stews, marinades, and pasta sauces.
4. Black Peppercorns
The black peppercorns in its crushed form is one which is also often times mistaken with the juniper berries as well, due to its flavor profile of offering a spicy bite and aroma, as well as making an appearance on Meat dishes, sauces and roasted vegetable dishes.
To get the very best out of this ingredient, it is advisable to put into use 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 teaspoon freshly grounded black peppercorns which is relative to 1 tablespoon juniper berries.
5. Dried Thyme
Dried thyme is s common and popular ingredient among kitchens in the neighborhood, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise it is tagged as one of the perfect substitutes to the juniper berries; with its earth and lemony notes proving such assumptions to be right
This ingredient is just as it is with juniper berries and is easily noticeable in Meat dishes, stews, and stuffing.
Read also, 12 Best Substitutes For Arugula
6. Fennel Seeds
The presence of licorice notes inside of the fennel seeds which brings out in dishes the same unique flavor as the juniper berries also makes it so ideal substitute it, especially when making an appearance on dishes such as Veggie dishes, sausages, bread, and fish
With 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds equating to 1 tablespoon of juniper berries.
7. Celery Seeds
The flavor profile of the Celery seeds clearly reads that it is one with strong earthy flavors with a little touch of bitterness, just as the case is as well with the juniper berries. With such a flavor profile as that, undoubtedly the celery seeds are also an ideal substitute for the juniper berries
With its little touch of bitterness needed on dishes such as Sauces, soups, pork dishes, and potato salad.
8. Allspice Berries
Known as a finely grounded allspice that is famous for its similarly robust and piney aroma; a flavor profile needed as well in dishes such as Jerk chicken, barbecue sauces, and chili
Undeniably, the allspice berries are also a suitable substitute for the juniper berries, since juniper berries are a major ingredient in each one of the aforementioned dishes.
9. Hickory Smoke Powder
The Hickory Smoke Powder is definitely an item you should have on your priority list when next you’re shopping for an alternative to the juniper berries, with its’ smoky and woody depth ensuring it shares similar traits with the juniper berries especially when making an appearance on fish such as Marinades, barbecued meats and chili.
10. Black Cardamom Pods
Just as you would always find in the juniper berries, the black cardamom pods have also gotta that very smoky flavor profile needed in dishes such as Curries, stews, roasted meats and grains.
This places it in a perfect position of being one of the few ingredients to take up the role of being an ideal substitute for the juniper berries
Conclusion
In conclusion, since the juniper berry unlike every other classic ingredient used in recipes like sauerkraut, venison, and meat dishes is not something you regularly find in well-stocked supermarkets, you might want to lean towards the direction of each one of these aforementioned Substitutes