Allspice — Pimenta dioica

Also called Jamaica pepper, clove pepper, pimenta/pimento

Allspice are the dried berries of Pimenta dioica, an evergreen tree native to the Caribbean and Central America, with Jamaica famed for especially aromatic harvests. The berries are picked green and sun-dried until they turn deep brown and wrinkled, developing a signature aroma often described as clove + cinnamon + nutmeg in one spice.

• Botany: Pimenta dioica • Family: Myrtaceae
• Parts used: whole dried berries (sometimes ground)
• Profile: warm, sweet-spicy, gently peppery; clove/cinnamon/nutmeg notes
• Best forms: whole for infusions and pickling; freshly ground for baking & blends

Aroma & Taste

Rounded warmth with sweet baking-spice character and soft pepperiness. Whole berries release a steadier, subtler flavor; grinding unlocks intensity—use sparingly.

Culinary Uses

• Sweet bakes: pumpkin pie, gingerbread, fruit cakes, cookies.
• Savory: marinades and rubs for pork, game, beef; stews and cabbage dishes.
• Pickling & curing: essential in pickling spice, corned-beef brine and terrines.
• Caribbean: key note in many jerk seasonings (with thyme, scallion, chili).
• Beverages: infuse mulled wine, spice syrups and tea blends.

How to Use

• Crack vs. grind: lightly crush berries for stews and pickles; grind fine for batters and spice blends.
• Toast briefly: dry-toast whole berries 30–60 s until fragrant, then crack/grind.
• Infuse & remove: add whole berries early to simmering liquids; fish out before serving.

Dosage & Kitchen Ratios

• Bakes: 1/4–1/2 tsp ground per 500 g (1.1 lb) dough/batter.
• Stews/soups: 3–6 whole berries per 1 l (4 cups) base.
• Dry rubs: 1 tsp ground per 250 g (9 oz) meat (with salt and herbs).
• Pickling: 1 tsp cracked per 500 ml (2 cups) brine.

Pairings

Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger, black pepper, bay, thyme, garlic, citrus zest; great with pork, game, beef, root vegetables, pumpkin, apple and berries.

Ingredients & Allergens

Ingredients: Allspice berries (Pimenta dioica).

Allergens: none mandatory in EN labeling for this single ingredient.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store airtight, cool, dry and away from light. Whole berries keep vibrant 18–24 months; grind only as needed.

Substitutes & Notes

No perfect 1:1. For a similar impression, blend a small pinch each of cinnamon, clove and nutmeg (use sparingly). Whole vs. ground intensity differs—adjust amounts accordingly.

FAQ

Is allspice a mix of spices?
No—it's a single berry whose aroma evokes several baking spices.

Whole or ground?
Whole for infusions/pickling and longer cooking; ground for baking and blends where even dispersion is needed.

Can I replace cloves with allspice?
Often, yes—use slightly more allspice for roundness, as it’s softer and less sharp than clove.

Merchant contact: Orlandosidee — Spice Shop (see site imprint for full company details). Email: info(at)orlandosidee.de