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| Allspice |
Pimenta officinalis |
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Although allspice comes from New World and was not known worldwide until introduced to Europe by Spaniards in the 15th century, now it is used all over the world.
Tree from which berries come (of the myrtle family) is very beautiful and aromatic, quite high and has small, white flowers. Berries are as big as peppercorns, they are picked when unripe and green and later sun-dried. While sun-drying they become brown; then they can be used. English name allspice perfectly enhances its specific aroma, which is a combination of nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves with a light fragrance of pepper.
The best berries come from Jamaica which meets the whole world demand for the spice.
Trees are planted in rows - there are so-called "rows of allspice trees" which in the air produce a peculiar aroma of bark, leaves, flowers and berries.
In order to obtain the best aroma possible berries are ground in mortar; their taste will be fresher than in the case of ready powder.
Allspice should be stored in leakproof containers in cold and dark place.
Allspice can be added to pickled cucumbers, fish pickles, crustaceans and molluscs, meat, meat preserves, especially ham, vegetables, rice, cakes and snacks.
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