Allspice
Pimenta Dioica

Unlike the other spices mentioned in this exhibition which all originated in the East, allspice comes from the Caribbean.

It was introduced from the New World to Europe in the 16th century by the Spanish colonialists and quickly became widely used not only in Europe but in the Middle East too.

It is sometimes known as pimento (although this can lead to confusion with the sweet pepper pimiento) or Jamaica pepper as Jamaica is the source of what is regarded as the finest quality of this spice.

It is the dried fruit of the pimento dioica tree and is sold either powdered or as whole fruits. Freshly ground it provides a more aromatic flavour.

The name allspice comes from the complex aroma of this spice which has overtones of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and pepper.

Allspice is used in all kinds of cooking: in soups, stews, with fish or meat, in chutneys and sauces and in certain puddings and spicy cakes.

It does not appear to have many medicinal uses though there are suggestions that it may provide relief for digestive troubles. For centuries, the Mayan Indians used Allspice to embalm the bodies of important leaders.