Juniper Wine
Juniper trees are everywhere in Central Texas. Juniper berries, and to a lesser extent, the sprig branches, are warming substances that can be used to clear ear infections, stimulate digestion and even thwart cedar fever. (“Cedar season” in Central Texas is actually the result of allergies to the pollen from the female juniper tree, Juniperus ashei, also known as Mountain Cedar; consuming small amounts of juniper berries or leaves serves as a homeopathic remedy to combat allergy symptoms.) Harvest juniper berries in the fall when they are ripe and dark purple. If finding juniper sprigs is difficult, try substituting rosemary.
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