Allspice

ALLSPICE

Allspice is the aromatic berry of the allspice tree. It is native to India and Mexico, and grows in the Caribbean. It is not a combination of spices but one spice that is reminiscent of cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg. It is slightly sweet and slightly piquant.

Jamaica is the largest producer of allspice today. It grows on a tropical evergreen that is a member of the myrtle family. The tree produces tiny white flowers. The spice itself has pea size berries. The berries are picked green and left to dry in the sun. The Spanish explorers called the berry pimento because they thought it looked like peppercorns. Eventually it was introduced to Europe in the 17th century.

Allspice can be used both in sweet or savory dishes. It is commonly found in jerk seasonings and ras el hanout.

Allspice’s Affinities

beef

beets

cabbage

carrots

corned beef

fruit pies

game

grains

lamb

meats

onions

pumpkin

rabbit

soups

spinach

squash

stews

sweet potatoes

tomatoes

turnips

Allspice tree blossoms

Allspice tree with unripe allspice berries

Uncured allspice berry

Whole Allspice and Ground Allspice

© 2011 Chef Jennifer M. Denlinger All rights reserved

Cite me: Denlinger, J. (2011, March 24). Allspice Retrieved from: FloridaChef.net

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