Spice
Allspice
Allspice is the dried berry of Pimenta dioica, tasting like a natural blend of clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Native to the Caribbean, it seasons jerk marinades, pickles, stews, and baking. Whole berries keep flavour; ground allspice is convenient for doughs and rubs.
Also known as: Pimento, Pimienta gorda
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Breeds, cuts & preparations
Variety
Central American AllspiceHonduran AllspiceJamaican AllspiceMexican AllspicePimenta dioica
Source
Indoor FarmedOutdoor FarmedWild
Provenance
BiodynamicExport GradeFair TradeHand HarvestedNon-GMOOrganicPesticide FreeSingle OriginSun Dried
Preparation
CrackedDriedFreshGroundPowderRoastedToastedWhole
CommonCharacteristic
AromaticClove-likeNuttyPungentSpicySweetWarmWoody
History
JM
Caribbean peoples used pimenta berries as seasoning long before European naming as allspice.
ES
Spanish traders introduced allspice to Europe, where it was compared to mixed baking spices.
JM
Jamaican allspice became the reference origin for quality dried berries.
Allspice entered global baking and savoury spice blends beyond Caribbean cookery.