I love how I can still learn new things as an adult. I always assumed Allspice was just a combination of particular spices, but I recently learned that Allspice is actually a berry!

Allspice berries are local to Central America and the West Indies and come from an evergreen bush known as Pimenta Dioica; they’ve also been called Jamaica peppers, pimento or myrtle peppers. The berries are harvested in the late fall when they are green and before they are fully ripened, looking almost olive-like in appearance. They are then fermented, dried and packaged. During this process they turn a reddish-brown color, which is the color you’re probably familiar with in regards to Allspice!

Whole allspice berries are slightly larger than a peppercorn, and again, have that reddish-brown color. While it’s definitely more convenient to buy ground allspice, it does lose its flavor faster. To guarantee the ultimate fresh allspice flavor, buy whole allspice berries and crush them as needed for your recipes.

Allspice is most often described as a “warm” spice. A mixture of nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, anise, etc. It can be used in sweet dishes like apple pie and gingerbread, but it can also be used in savory dishes, like Jerk chicken and Swedish meatballs.

This unique spice is definitely a good one to keep in your cupboard. It is hard to substitute- if you’re really in a pinch you can use cloves or cinnamon with just a dash of black pepper, but really, nothing quite compares to the real thing!

If you’re not sure how to use it, here are a few ideas:

• Sprinkle in hot chocolate (like a twist on Mexican hot chocolate).
• Mix it in with your warmed apple cider.
• Add a dash to your apple pie or apple crumbles to give it a warmer flavor.
• Use it as a rub for your grilled meats- pair it with thyme and bay leaves for even more flavor!
• Sprinkle on pumpkin pie!
• Mix it in your cookies! Gingerbread, pumpkin, molasses, even sugar cookies!
• Add it to your homemade jam for a more unique flavor.
• Mix in with your favorite chili recipe.
• Add it to your homemade spaghetti sauce, or take your canned sauce up a notch by adding a few sprinkles!
• Sprinkle in caramel sauce for an added depth!

What’s your favorite way to use allspice?

    Camille Hoffmann
    Weekly Newsletter Contributor since 2014
    Email the author! camille@dvo.com