Advertisement
Allspice
Piment de la Jamaïque
Appears in
Published 2010
Scientific name: Pimenta dioica
Available forms: Whole and ground
Allspice is the dried berry of the Pimenla dioica tree (from the myrtle family), which is native to the West Indies and parts of Central and South America. The berries are harvested just before reaching full maturity and are left to dry in the sun. Allspice is available whole or ground. Whole allspice can be preserved for a very long time in airtight jars, but once it is ground it will lose its flavor quickly.
Allspice is pungent and aromatic with a bouquet that is comparable to a combination of clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger. The flavor of allspice is like that of its bouquet, only with peppery overtones. Allspice is used to flavor patés, terrines, smoked and canned meats, cakes, fruit pies, and even ice cream.