Allspice
(pimenta dioica
syn p. ofiicinalis)
MYRTACEAE
Curious Facts about allspice
The name of allspice was given to this seasoning because it combined the fragrance and flavor of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. It is employed mainly when pickling and preserving fish and meat, especially in Northeastern Europe, however it is not one of the essential spices in the kitchen, despite its versatility in both sweet and savory dishes.
It is one of the few spices native to the Western hemisphere and exclusively grown there. It is copiously farmed in Jamaica and to a lesser extent in other parts of the Caribbean and South America. It has never been cultivated on a large scale anywhere else, despite attempts.
Allspice is a mildly pungent and aromatic berry of a beautiful evergreen tropical tree, the pimento tree. The berries are picked fully grown, but still green, and dried in the sun for a week until they turn a dark reddish brown.
The pimento tree belongs to the myrtle family. It grows to 30ft (9m) with thick leathery leaves and clusters of small white aromatic flowers that appear around mid-summer. It bears a fruit about the size of a currant. Ripe berries are dark purple.
Originally from the West Indies, Central and South America, it is the only major spice grown exclusively in the Western hemisphere. Most allspice comes from the island of Jamaica today, but it is also grown in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Brazil.
It is available whole or ground. Buy preferably whole berries and store them in an airtight jar; grind in a mortar or pepper mill, as necessary. Ground allspice quickly looses aroma and flavor.
In European cooking, it is commonly used as a pickling spice for fish, notably Scandinavian raw herrings, beef and pork, and in marinades, pates, sausages and terrines. Ground allspice is used in baking, fruit desserts, pies and puddings, especially Christmas pudding.
It is well-liked in the Middle East and the Levant where is used to flavor meat and rice dishes.
In Jamaica it is popular in local dishes, as their Jerk Pork, and it is used in pickles,marinades, soups, and stews. It is used, as well, for a Jamaican liqueur known as the pimento dram.
Pimento trees, which can live up to 100 years, are grown on tropical plantations along hillsides. Once established, they need little attention. Allspice berries are picked by hand.
It has proved difficult to grow pimento trees other than their natural area. Individual trees have been grown in the warmer zones around the Mediterranean.
Right from the heart of Caribbean cuisine, an all time Jamaican favorite, although you are more likely to find chicken prepared this way.
JERK PORK
¼ cup allspice berries
3 tbsp olive oil
3 scallions, chopped
1-2 fresh red or green chillies, seeded and chopped
1-2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper, best if it is freshly ground
4 pieces of pork chops or boneless loin, approx. ½ lb each
- Toast the
allspice berries in a small pan
for 3-4 minutes.
- Combine them in
a blender with the
scallions, chillies, bay leaves, oil and seasoning. Work to a thick
paste., adding a little olive oil or water, if
necessary.
- Rub the paste
into the pork and leave it
covered for
at least two hours, preferably overnight, in the refrigerator.
- Slowly
grill the
chops for about 40-60
minutes, turning them after half the cooking
time. A charcoal fire is preferable.
Tip – to give the
meat an authentic aroma, throw allspice berries on the charcoal.
Now, it is your turn. It is worth experimenting with allspice, a versatile, maybe ignored spice.
- Add berries to soups and stews, as the Jamaicans do.
- Add ground allspice to pureed root vegetables.
- Goes well with game, pork or ham, and veal or beef.
Don't be afraid to try your ideas.
pimenta dioica: allspice; Jamaica, pepper - French poivre de Jamaique - German Jamaicapfeffer - Italian pimenta - Spanish pimienta de Jamaica.
