Allspice

About Allspice

The dried unripe berries of Pimenta dioica, a tree native to the Caribbean and Central America. Its flavor resembles a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, hence the English name. Spanish explorers called it pimienta, mistaking it for pepper, and it is still known as Jamaica pepper. Jamaica remains the leading source of top quality allspice. It is essential in Jamaican jerk seasoning, Cincinnati chili, and Christmas baking. Its wood and leaves are used to smoke meat.