The untouched mountains of the Balkan region, especially North Macedonia, are world-famous for the unparalleled quality of the juniper berries (Juniperus communis) that grow wild there. The sun-dried, carefully selected, dark, bluish-black cones have an exceptionally high essential oil content thanks to the perfect climatic conditions. Its flavor is complex: definitely piney and woody, accompanied by a refreshing, slightly citrusy and peppery finish. A real trump card in the kitchen for heavier dishes. It is indispensable for venison, wild boar and beef marinades, but it also gives an inimitable character to cabbage dishes (such as Székely cabbage), dark sauces and pâtés. To release the valuable essential oils most intensively, it is worth lightly crushing the berries in a mortar or crushing them with the blade of a knife before use. It is also a classic in drinks: it is the most important botanical ingredient in the distillation of gin, but it also provides a special experience when added to mulled wine or spicy tonics.