juniper berries
Dried blue-black berry cones of the juniper shrub, resinous and spicy with a hint of pine and citrus.
Juniper berries are the dried berry cones of the common juniper and a classic Nordic seasoning for game, sauerkraut, cures and salted fish. They taste resinous, of pine forest and faintly sweet, and their aroma only opens up when they are crushed or lightly bruised just before use. In German-speaking countries they sit on the spice shelf of any supermarket, while in English-speaking countries they are more likely found in well-stocked supermarkets, delicatessens or from online spice suppliers.
Substitute:
There is no true substitute, as the resinous flavour is very distinctive. A splash of gin carries some of the taste into braises and sauces, and a sprig of rosemary with a bay leaf hints at the resinous note without matching it.