Allspice, contrary to popular belief, is not a blend. It comes from a ground dehydrated berry from the Jamaican Pimenta tree. Nonetheless, its sweet flavor is extremely diverse, and seems to taste like a little bit of everything: clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, juniper, black pepper, and peppercorn. Allspice is the pride of Jamaica, especially since it can only be grown in Jamaica and other countries in Central America (please note that we only purchase allspice that has been grown in its country of origin). Nonetheless, this seasoning has gained so much fame that it is a popular ingredient in cuisines around the world. It is also known as English Spice, myrtle pepper, pimenta, and pimento. Some find that it helps with pain relief, improves circulation, and protects the gastrointestinal system, among many other benefits.

Cooking Notes

• Comes in a 1 oz. package.
• Can be combined with other spices, like crystalized ginger, cinnamon bark, one whole nutmeg, orange peel granules, and whole cloves, to create a mulling seasoning that can be infused into hot apple cider and red wines.
• Poach fish stock with allspice to infuse some of the spice’s flavor into the broth.
• Boil vegetables and fruit pickles with some allspice for an extra pizzazz.
• Bake wild game with allspice to lend the dish some of the tasting notes from the allspice.