Botanical name

Pimenta dioica

Other Names: Pimento, Jamaica pimento, Jamaica pepper, pimento, myrtle pepper.

Description

Allspice is the dried unripe fruit (berries) of Pimenta dioica, a tree that is native to the Greater Antilles, southern Mexico and Central America. However, it is now cultivated in many warm parts of the world.

Allspice is sold in both powdered and whole form.

Quick Tip

Buy the whole, dried berries and grind your own allspice powder as needed. The whole, dried berries keep their flavor and potency longer.

Flavor Profile

Many feel that allspice’s flavor is a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.

Use only small amounts as the flavor is strong and can be overwhelming.

Background and History

Allspice was discovered by Christopher Columbus on the island of Jamaica during his second voyage to the New World and was introduced into European and Mediterranean cuisines in the 1500s.

Allspice continues to be grown primarily in Jamaica. There are a few other Central American countries that produce allspice, but only in small quantities.

Popular Uses

• One of the main spices used in Caribbean Cuisine and is used in Jamaican jerk seasoning.
• Used as an ingredient in commercial sausage and curry powders
• Popular in Middle Eastern cuisine, where it is used to flavor stews and meat dishes.
• Used mostly for desserts in the United States.
• Used in deli meats, soups, marinades and pickles in Poland.
• Used in Greek cooking for stews, tomato sauces, and in marinades for meats and fish.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allspice

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