Allspice | Jamaica Pepper | Sarvasuganthi | Kabab Chini

Description

Allspice is a spice made from the dried berries of a plant known as Pimenta dioica, which is a member of the myrtle family. The flavor of allspice brings to mind cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and pepper. Allspice is used in Caribbean, Middle Eastern, and Latin American cuisines, among others. The versatile seasoning can be used to flavor desserts, side dishes, main courses, and beverages, including mulled wine and hot cider. The name might suggest it is a blend, but allspice is a single spice made from dried berries of the allspice tree which look like peppercorns. The allspice tree is native to Jamaica, and it is also known as Jamaica pepper and new spice.

Health Benefits

Adding allspice and other warm spices such as ginger and cinnamon to your oatmeal and other dishes can allow you to cut back on adding sugar. Traditional medicine uses of allspice include as a tea to relieve gas and bloating and a poultice of ground allspice for topical pain relief. Allspice oil contains the compound eugenol, which is also found in cloves. It has traditionally been used for pain relief and its reputed antiseptic properties. Precautions must be used, however, since allspice essential oil can be irritating to the skin and it is toxic when ingested in amounts as low as 1 teaspoon.