Prepping Juniper for Gin?

[Rrmuf]

Hi,
I recently found, identified and picked a pile of juniper berries with the intent of doing a gin with it. They are all a nice dark blue, I sifted and cleaned them all. Now, should I dehydrate them before using them in my gin basket with my neutral? Or should I use them fresh? Also, Does anyone know whether I can freeze them for later use?