Description

Allspice is a small, sundried, unripe berry that comes from a small evergreen tree, Pimenta Dioica. After drying, the berries are small, dark brown balls that are just a little larger than peppercorns. The flavors in Allspice are not a mix of all spices, but it does have flavor notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. This spice is pungent and quite fragrant.

Pimenta berries.

Origin

Most Allspice comes from Jamaica. However, Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras are also sources from where Allspice comes. Jamaican Allspice has a higher oil content and therefore has been considered superior. It also has better flavor and aroma, which is more like cloves and also has a better appearance. On the other hand, Allspice that comes from Guatemala and Honduras, has bay-rum flavor. Christopher Columbus discovered Allspice in the Caribbean thinking it was pepper, which he was actually seeking. He brought the Allspice back to Spain. In Spain, Allspice got the name, "pimienta", which means pepper in Spanish.

Dried Allspice Berries .

Use

Allspice is commonly used in both savory and sweet foods. It is used in Caribbean, Indian, English, Mexican and North American cuisines. It is used in seasonings, ketchup, gravies, roasts, sauces, sausages. In sweet dishes, Allspice is used in jams, teas. Allspice is the main ingredient in jerk seasoning. Aromatic whole Allspice is a also a great addition to potpourri.

Ground Allspice Powder .