Allspice

Allspice is the definitive Jamaican spice, a pungent brown berry the size of a large peppercorn that is dried in the same way. It is a common misunderstanding to think of it as a spice mixture, as in its complex aroma one can detect subtle shades of mace, cinnamon and cloves. Allspice is one of the principal flavourings in jerk dishes, Jamaican marinated and barbecued chicken and pork, though it is also used in baking. The vigour of ready-ground allspice declines rapidly. Seek out whole berries and grind them fresh in a coffee grinder or pepper-mill that you keep exclusively for spices. The difference is as profound as that between ready-ground pepper and freshly milled.