Flavor description
Also known as pimiento or Jamaican pepper, it's made from the aromatic berries of a Caribbean tree. The berry has a pungent yet sweet spice flavor; it is similar to a peppery combination of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg--thus its name allspice. It is a delicious but underused spice, and adds deep, warm flavor to pork, bean, onion, and tomato dishes, as well as pickles, salsas, relishes, and ketchup. Add a few whole berries to marinades, and use ground allspice in gingerbread and other cakes and cookies.
How to use
Store allspice in an air-tight container in a cool, dark place. Ground allspice stays fresh for up to six months. Whole berries up to a year.
Mix allspice berries with dried green, black, and white peppercorns in your pepper mill to make a zesty sprinkle for salads, vegetables, and grilled chicken.
How to find
Allspice is available ground and whole. For optimum flavor, buy whole berries and grind them as needed. Allspice is located on the spices aisle of your local supermarket. Or, buy online at www.spicehunter.com or www.ChefShop.com.
Related Recipes
Rum-Allspice Pound Cake with Ambrosia
Spiced Beef with Onion and Allspice Gratin
Pork Meatballs with Garlic and Allspice
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