Taste and flavour

Allspice is a miraculous spice: these are the fruits of Pimenta tree. Dried, these fruits have the taste of pepper, cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon so it is no wonder that it is known as allspice (all the spices) in England.
Allspice fruits contain essential oil with substances present in cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon. Some people say that the flavour of allspice is reminiscent of ginger or pepper, but unlike them, spiciness prevails.

Advice for use

– Allspice is very tasty. Crushed in a mortar or freshly ground, it develops all of its flavour.
– Allspice alleviates the acidities of some types of fruit and complements the aroma of compotes, punches and jams.
– Allspice goes well with tomatoes and is ideal for seasoning sauces and tomato soups.

Origin and history

Christopher Columbus discovered allspice during his second trip to America. Since the fruits of allspice looked like peppers, he thought this was another kind of pepper and gave it the Spanish name dulce pimienta, which means sweet pepper. Jamaica Pepper is considered one of the noblest and most aromatic allspices.

Good to know

It can be used with: allspice goes well with cardamom, hot peppers, ginger, orange peel, pepper, rose petals, vanilla, juniper, lemon zest, onion.