Allspice

A single berry that tastes of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg at once.

Also known as: Pimenta dioica, pimento, Jamaica pepper

Overview

Allspice is the dried, unripe berry of a Caribbean tree, named for its uncanny resemblance to a blend of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. Native to Jamaica, it is the defining spice of jerk seasoning and a mainstay of Caribbean and Latin American cooking.

Beyond the islands, allspice flavors European baking, Middle Eastern rice and stews, and pickling spice blends. Its warm, complex character makes it equally at home in sweet and savory dishes.

Culinary Uses

Ground into jerk seasoning, spice rubs, and marinades.
Added to braises, stews, and Middle Eastern rice dishes.
Used in baking, mulled drinks, and pickling spice.
Simmered whole into broths and sauces, then strained out.

Flavor Profile

Warm and sweet, evoking cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and pepper together.
Potent and rounded, bridging sweet and savory cooking.
Freshly ground berries are far more aromatic than pre-ground.

Storage

Store whole berries in an airtight jar away from light for a year or more.
Grind fresh as needed, since ground allspice fades faster.
Keep away from heat and humidity.

Preparation

Toast whole berries briefly, then grind for the fullest aroma.
Use whole berries for infusing and strain them out before serving.
Measure carefully — its complexity can dominate a dish.

Nutrition

Allspice is used in small amounts and adds negligible calories or macronutrients.

It is valued for aromatic oils and antioxidants.

Manganese

Concentrated in the dried berries by weight.

Eugenol

The clove-like compound central to its aroma.

Antioxidants

Present in the ground spice.

Dietary Considerations

Naturally vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
Very low in sodium and widely tolerated.

Nutrition information is educational and approximate; it varies by variety, portion, and preparation, and is not a substitute for professional dietary advice.

Common Pairings

Scotch bonnet, thyme, and scallion in jerkCinnamon, clove, and nutmeg in bakingBeef and pork braisesRice and root vegetables

Recipes with Allspice

Jamaican 0

Jamaican Oxtail Stew

Meaty oxtail braised low and slow with butter beans, thyme, allspice, and scotch bonnet until the sauce is rich and the meat falls from the bone — the ultimate Jamaican comfort dish.

210minHard6 servings

No Fish

Jamaican 0

Jamaican Escovitch Fish

Crisp fried snapper topped with a bright, tangy pickle of vinegar-soused onion, carrot, bell pepper, and scotch bonnet — a festive Jamaican coastal favourite.

50minMedium4 servings

Jamaican 0

Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken

Chicken browned in caramelised sugar then simmered with onion, thyme, scotch bonnet, and allspice into a deep, glossy gravy — a beloved Jamaican Sunday-dinner classic.

75minMedium4 servings

No Gluten

Egyptian 0

Egyptian Hawawshi

Spiced ground beef mixed with onion, pepper, and herbs, stuffed into Egyptian flatbread and baked until crisp, a popular hand-held street food bursting with savoury flavour.

50minMedium4 servings