After a huge nationwide hunt for Juniperus communis led by Juno Gin in 2019, researchers at Massey University have taken big steps toward supporting the creation of New Zealand’s first commercial juniper crops.
“We are great believers in sourcing local whenever we can,” explains Jo James who founded Juno Gin with husband Dave. “It’s kinder on the planet and typically produces wonderful flavour profiles unique to that location. So, obviously, we’re excited that one day soon we will have locally grown juniper that speaks to Aotearoa’s uniqueness.”
“The work that Massey is doing is fantastic,” says Dave. “Not only have they positively identified 39 plants that all show tremendous promise, but they are also understanding the genetic make-up of those plants so that we have the genesis of future crops that are healthy and rich in flavour. One exciting piece of work is the effect of terroir on flavour and chemical composition.”
The first seedlings are currently growing at Massey University’s Palmerston North laboratories and Cedar Lodge Nurseries in New Plymouth. From here they will go into test crops in the North Island and also in the South Island through Lincoln University – becoming the parent stock for the industry.
“Seeing these young plants grow is an exciting milestone for the project,” says Jo. “And we do have to pass on a huge and heartfelt thank you to all those Kiwis, including the media, who helped us spread the word and look for juniper in backyards and gardens. Thank you!”
Juniper is said to enjoy New Zealand’s temperate climate and requires well-draining soil.
“Our dream is that we’ll see juniper develop as an industry in its own right here in New Zealand,” says Dave. “Imagine farms with shelter belts of juniper and small plots of land converted into juniper orchards. If for no one else, we know this would be a welcome sight for gin lovers across the country!”
Juno Gin was established in 2017 and runs its distillery from New Plymouth where they make use of pure mountain water and the many local growers of botanicals. Each quarter they release a seasonal gin that captures the uniqueness of that season in New Zealand. Their autumn 2020 Gin, to be released Easter weekend at a virtual event, will feature Taranaki oranges, mountain horopito and mairehau.
From 30 March, Juno’s Autumn 2020 Gin will be available for purchase at www.junogin.co.nz as a cocktail pack that includes tonic and recipe card so that people can enjoy delicious cocktails in the comfort of their own home over Easter Weekend.
For more information on the Great New Zealand Juniper Hunt and if you think you’ve discovered a Juniperus communis, please visit www.junogin.co.nz/juniper-hunt