Myrtle Berry

What Is Myrtle Berry?

Myrtle berry is the small, round, blue-black fruit of the aromatic shrub species Myrtus communis, of the myrtle family (Myrtaceae). It grows widely in scrubland areas along the Mediterranean and Aegean coastal strip.

The fruit of this plant, whose leaves also contain aromatic oil, has a mildly resinous and spice-like aroma; it is rarely used fresh, more commonly used dried or macerated in alcohol.

Nutritional Values of Myrtle Berry

No official/verified nutritional database record could be found for myrtle berry; therefore no numerical table is provided. It is known for its aromatic essential oil content, but nutrient measurements are limited.

What Are the Benefits of Myrtle Berry?

Myrtle berry and its leaves have traditionally been used as a spice and aromatic plant in Mediterranean folk tradition. Research is ongoing into its essential oil components; these studies have not yet translated into a general health recommendation.

This information is general; myrtle berry is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Myrtle Berry?

When choosing fresh myrtle berry, dark blue-black, glossy and plump berries are preferred.

• Wrinkled or faded-colored berries may have gone stale.
• When buying the dried form, firm berries with no mold smell should be chosen.
• Berries with a strong aroma have been picked more recently.

How to Store Myrtle Berry?

Fresh myrtle berry dries out quickly; for long-term storage it is dried in the shade or macerated directly in alcohol to start making liqueur. Dried berries can be kept for months in a sealed container, in a cool place away from light.

Using Myrtle Berry in the Kitchen

Myrtle berry's best-known use is liqueur; the traditional liqueur called mirto, produced on the Italian island of Sardinia, is made from this fruit. Dried berries are also ground and used as a spice in meat dishes.

How to Make Myrtle Berry Liqueur?

Ripe myrtle berries are left to steep in alcohol for a few weeks, allowing their aroma to be released into the liquid; the strained liquid is then sweetened with a sugar syrup. This traditional drink is served chilled as a digestif.

Which Recipes Use Myrtle Berry?

Myrtle berry liqueur, meat dishes prepared with dried myrtle spice, and some aromatic syrups are the best-known uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is myrtle berry eaten raw?

It can be eaten raw in small amounts, but since its resinous-spicy aroma is intense, it is generally consumed dried or processed into liqueur.

Where does myrtle berry grow?

It grows widely in scrubland areas in regions with a Mediterranean climate, in Turkey especially along the Mediterranean and Aegean coastal strip.

What is mirto?

Mirto is a traditional liqueur made from myrtle berry on the Italian island of Sardinia; a white version prepared with the leaves is also produced.

Are myrtle berry and juniper berry the same thing?

No, they are different plants. Myrtle (Myrtus communis) belongs to the myrtle family, while juniper (Juniperus) is a conifer species; they may be confused since both are aromatic fruits used as spices.

How is myrtle berry used as a spice?

Dried myrtle berries are ground or added whole to meat dishes, especially game recipes, to add aroma.