Allspice Berries
Description
Allspice Substitute - The Spice HouseAllspice berries are the dried, unripe fruits of the Pimenta dioica tree, native to the Caribbean and Central America. They are also known as pimento or Jamaican pepper, and their name comes from their flavor, which is said to combine the tastes of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper. They are used in both sweet and savory dishes, from jerk seasoning and stews to cakes and pickling brines.
What they are
A dried berry: Allspice berries are the small, round, dried, unripe fruits of a tropical evergreen tree.
A complex flavor: The name "allspice" was given by the English because the flavor was believed to be a combination of multiple spices, including cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and pepper.
A key ingredient: They are a cornerstone of Caribbean cuisine and are used in dishes like jerk seasoning and many other spice blends around the world.
How they are used
Savory dishes: They are used in casseroles, stews, stuffings, and sauces.
Sweet dishes: They add a warm, spicy flavor to baked goods like cakes, cookies, and puddings.
Pickling: Allspice berries can be added to pickling brines for ingredients like onions or beets.
Ground vs. whole: Berries can be used whole, often removed before serving, or ground for a more potent flavor.
Type
Fruit
