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Allspice

 
Allspice
allspice.jpg
photo credit: gourmetsleuth
Allspice Pimento) is a the "dried unripe berry" of the Pimenta dioica which belongs to the family Myrtaceae. Learn about Allspice, inncludes photograph, history and uses.
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Published by: Gourmet Sleuth

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About

Allspice 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.

Allspice History

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.

Uses

Course Foods
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 cake
Miscellaneous
 chutneys; eggnog; hot chocolate; marinades; mulled wine; stuffings; sweet breads
  

Harvesting & Forms

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 the longest shelf life. 

The Allspice Tree

allspice tree

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