#NewThisDay Writing From My Photo Stream
Juniper Berries, King Philip's Overlook
“Juniper berries. . .are actually modified conifer cones. A juniper berry is the female seed cone produced by the various species of junipers. It is not a true berry but a cone with unusually fleshy and merged scales, which give it a berry-like appearance. The cones from a handful of species, especially Juniperus communis, are used as a spice, particularly in European cuisine, and also give gin its distinctive flavour. Juniper berries have been called the only spice derived from conifers, although tar and inner bark from pine trees is sometimes considered a spice as well.”
A day or two after Thanksgiving, I love to go into the woods and gather evergreens and berries to decorate for the holidays. A few juniper branches with silvery blue berries look lovely on the mantle over the fireplace.
On the ledge of King Philip's Overlook this morning, I found this juniper bush covered with berries, (which I now have learned are not actually berries, but cones). Cheerfully lit fireplaces are of another season, and I'll be at peace when winter arrives. This morning, my cheer comes from the August sun beaming on berries – lighting my face – atop this rocky cliff.
All text and photos copyright Kelly DuMar 2017, unless otherwise attributed