What is the distinctive flavor profile associated with juniper berries?
Answer
Pungent and slightly piney.
Juniper berries impart a very specific aromatic quality that makes them recognizable, particularly in culinary applications like seasoning meats or flavoring gin. This profile is characterized as being pungent, meaning it has a strong, sharp odor and taste, combined with distinct notes reminiscent of pine needles due to their coniferous nature. This signature flavor is the result of the volatile oils and compounds present in the seed cones, which are the very elements that raise concerns when heavily concentrated via tea preparation during pregnancy.
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