The edible juniper berry, which is actually a soft cone similar to a pine cone, is the only spice derived from a conifer (a cone-bearing tree or shrub). Its pine-like, spicy flavor is used to freshen and mellow the rich flavor of gamey or fatty foods and to give sauerkraut its distinctive flavor. Along with its distinct culinary uses, juniper has a wide variety of purposes: aromatherapy, perfumery, making gin, beads for jewelry, and decoration.