Allspice
(Pimento) is a the "dried unripe berry" of the Pimenta dioica which belongs to the family Myrtaceae.
Article by: GourmetSleuth
It is also know as Jamaica pepper, common name applied to the berry of a small West Indian tree of the myrtle family. The tree grows to a height of about 9 m (about 30 ft) and has aromatic, glossy green leaves and white flowers. The fruit, when dried, is widely used as a spice. The name pimento is sometimes applied to the pimiento, a variety of sweet pepper, also used as a spice.
Spanish explorers happened on to the Allspice plant in Jamaica in the beginning of the 16th century. The Spaniards thought the fruits look like pepper so they gave it the name of Jamaican Pepper and pimento from the word "pimienta", Spanish for peppercorn.
The English name "Allspice" was given because the spice is said to have the aroma of several spices including cloves, pepper and even cinnamon and nutmeg.
| Salads | chicken; mushroom; pasta; slaws; tomato |
| Soups & Stews | beef; chicken; consommé; fish; fruit; potato; tomato; vegetable |
| Fish & Poultry | chicken; duck; goose; poached fish; turkey |
| Meats | beef; corned beef; ham; lamb; rabbit; sausages; veal; venison |
| Vegetables | beets; carrots; parsnips; peas; spinach; sweet potatoes; turnips; winter squash |
| Pasta, Grains; Dried Beans | black beans; bulghur; couscous; polenta; rice |
| Cheese & Egg Dishes | cottage cheese; deviled eggs; fondue; savory custards; |
| Sauces | barbecue; chocolate; cream; meat; sweet; tomato |
| Desserts | baked apples; chocolate; fruit; gingerbread; pumpkin; spice cakes |
| Miscellaneous | chutneys; eggnog; hot chocolate; marinades; mulled wine; stuffings; sweet breads |
The green Allspice berries are picked and then dried. They are very high in eugenol which is the main flavoring substance of the berry.
Allspice is available as whole berries or ground. Grinding your own whole berries will provide the most intense flavor and longest shelf life.