Have you ever wondered what is in allspice? It’s an incredibly versatile spice, commonly found in many kitchens around the world. But do you know exactly how many spices in allspice are? The answer may surprise you!
Well, many people mistakenly assume, based on the name, that allspice is a blend or combination of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. However, allspice is actually one single dried berry originating from the Jamaican Bayberry Tree. This berry has a complex flavor profile which some liken to a combination of clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and even pepper! Used in many traditional recipes worldwide, allspice adds depth to sweet and savory dishes.
It seems too good to be true: so much flavor in one spice? Are you intrigued yet?
What Is Allspice?
Allspice, or Jamaica pepper as some may call it, is a plant native to Central America and the Caribbean Islands. Its scientific name is Pimenta dioica, which gives away its origins in Central America, which the locals have used since forever. It’s one of the most popular spices in North American cooking but also in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Although Allspice we buy today is a dried berry of the Pimenta dioica tree, it is often confused with being a mixture of cloves and nutmeg because its taste resembles both. In fact, it has been named “allspice” because it’s believed to represent all kinds of spices!
What Are the Health Benefits of Allspice?
Like other herbs and spices, allspice is a powerful antioxidant – containing many vitamins and minerals like vitamins A and C, iron, magnesium, manganese, and potassium. It’s even been known to be a source of protective compounds that fight cancer-causing free radicals.
Furthermore, it can reduce inflammation in the body due to its amazing anti- micro viral properties – perfect for those with gut issues!
For instance, it’s been used for centuries in parts of South America, specifically for digestive ailments such as gas and indigestion. Lastly, not only will you reap the physical benefits, but there are also psychological benefits – research has found that the scent of allspice increases one’s mental clarity and focus, making it an ideal spice for studying or brainstorming sessions.
Ground Allspice vs. Whole Allspice
Ground Allspice has been finely ground, making it easier to use in recipes as a powder. Because the whole allspice is left untouched, its impact can be greater when added to recipes due to its two biggest components: clove-like flavor and pepper-like heat. Whole allspice can also be steeped like tea in boiling water and then strained if you are looking for a mild but flavorful beverage.
When compared, many chefs opt for ground allspice since they get the most out of its distinct taste without having to wait around for it to break down during the cooking process. Both forms offer unique benefits, so cooks should carefully consider which form will best fit their recipe’s needs.
Allspice vs. Pumpkin Pie Spice
The truth is, while they’re both similar, they’re distinct enough to have their taste and be used in different ways. Allspice is a spice made from seeds of the Pimenta dioica plant. It has a strong sweet, and spicy flavor. However, pumpkin spice is a mix of allspice with other complimentary fragrant spices like ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for extra punch.
Not only does this give it a more mellow flavor than allspice alone, but pumpkin pie spice also lends an autumnal touch and fits perfectly into traditional desserts like apple pies or sweet bread that call for this type of spicing. Both spices are worth having in your pantry for great tastes–and for when you want to ask yourself the eternal question: is it allspice or pumpkin pie?
How To Make Homemade Allspice
Making homemade allspice is surprisingly easy, and it really adds that unique flavor to your favorite dishes. All you need are ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, ground black pepper, mixed spice, and curry powder in a proportionate amount of about 2 tablespoons each.
Start by gathering the spices in a bowl and giving them a good mix so that everything is evenly throughout. Afterward, transfer the allspice mix into an empty jar, seal it tight, and store it in a cool, dark place. This way, your freshly-made allspice can stay fresh and flavorful for months on end!
So next time you’re making your totally delicious recipe, reach for the homemade allspice instead of the store-bought one – trust me, you won’t regret it!
Savory Recipes That Use Allspice
Allspice is a flavorful and versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Here are some recipes to get you started using this unique spice:
Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Jamaican Jerk Chicken is a savory dish easily made at home. It has a great flavor derived from the use of allspice as one of the main ingredients. The perfect blend of sweet and spicy, it’s no wonder why this recipe is so popular in many parts of the world.
The key to making this flavorful dish is ensuring that you don’t skimp on the allspice because, without it, you may not get the same kick out of your final jerk chicken creation. To make:
- Simply whisk together allspice, garlic, ginger, lime juice, and pepper sauce in a bowl.
- Coat the chicken breasts with your seasoning mix and let them sit for 30 minutes or longer to absorb the flavor.
- Place them on foil-lined baking sheets lightly coated with olive oil and bake in preheated oven at 375°F for 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through, then serve over aromatic rice – delicious!
Allspice-infused Hummus
Allspice-infused hummus is a tasty vegan snack that’s perfect for sharing! This savory recipe requires minimal effort and tantalize your tastebuds with earthy, aromatic flavors. You’ll need allspice, ground cumin, garlic cloves, tahini paste, lemon juice, and chickpeas to make this delicious dish.
Begin by combining the allspice and cumin in a bowl before stirring them into mashed garlic cloves. Add tahini paste to the mixture with freshly squeezed lemon juice and whisk gently until it reaches the desired consistency.
Finally, add drained chickpeas before blending everything until smooth. Then you’ve got your homemade allspice-infused hummus! Serve it with fresh vegetables or warm pita bread for an even more delicious experience.
Soft Spice Cake
Soft Spice Cake is one of the tastiest recipes to make using Allspice. It requires minimal ingredients, so it’s a great dessert to whip up when you’re in a pinch. To make the cake, begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and buttering a 9×13-inch pan. In a bowl, mix together two cups of flour, one cup of sugar, and half a teaspoon of baking soda.
Separately blend three-quarters of a cup of melted butter or margarine, one cup of buttermilk, two tsp Allspice, half tsp nutmeg, and two eggs. Then add to the bowl and stir gently until combined. Pour the batter into the buttered pan and bake for 35 minutes or until your toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool before you sprinkle some sugar on top when serving – et voilà! A delicious Soft Spice Cake!
Pumpkin Bread
Do you ever feel like you want to bake something delicious but don’t know what baked goods to start with? Then look no further than this recipe for pumpkin bread using allspice! What better way to bake in the fall season than a timeless classic like pumpkin bread?
It is a simple yet flavorful dish that will leave your family wanting more. The key ingredients include all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground allspice, eggs, white sugar, and, lastly, some pureed pumpkin.
Easy enough, right? First, you start off by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and preparing a loaf pan. The pan must be well-greased so the pumpkin bread can bake evenly. The next step is taking the wet ingredients like eggs and pureed pumpkin and mixing them.
Once that is done, gradually add in some flour mixed with baking powder and spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and especially the allspice for added flavor! After mixing everything, generously pour it into your well-greased loaf pan and bake for about an hour – let cool afterward.
Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
This signature blend of spices originated in the Caribbean, and it’s a must-try for everyone who appreciates the unique taste of allspice. Suppose you want to make this delicious seasoning at home. In that case, the ingredients you’ll need are 1 tablespoon of ground allspice, 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon each thyme and cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg and salt.
To prepare it, mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until they are combined well. Store in an airtight container and use according to your desired recipes over the weeks or months. Jamaican Jerk Seasoning adds an exciting kick to grilled chicken breasts, grilled vegetables, or pineapple chunks sprinkled with lime juice on skewers for succulent kabobs — so much flavor! You can also swirl some into creamy dips for chips or vegetables. Plus, sprinkle some over lightly buttered popcorn for a delightfully whimsical snack.
Roasted Sweet Potato Quinoa Bowls
Roasted Sweet Potato Quinoa Bowls are a savory recipe that uses allspice – and tastes delicious! This simple dish makes an easy yet nutritious meal, combining roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa, greens, chickpeas, and your choice of herb-filled dressing.
To start off the process of assembling your bowl, preheat the oven to 375 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scrub two sweet potatoes and cut them into cubes. Spread them out on the baking pan and sprinkle with salt and allspice. Roast in the oven until golden. This should take about 40 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare one cup of quinoa according to package directions (1 cup of quinoa to 2 cups of water) or until the water is absorbed. Put half of the cooked quinoa in a bowl with a handful of salad leaves such as spinach or kale, some canned chickpeas (drained), and roasted sweet potato pieces. Then, toss with your favorite herb dressing to finish it off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What do the allspice berries taste like?
Allspice berries, also called Jamaican pepper or pimenta, have a unique flavor that really captures the essence of multiple spices. The smell alone is enough to make your mouth water. Some might describe it as a mix between cinnamon and nutmeg with a hint of cloves. It’s sweet but with a touch of heat and bitterness that can linger in your mouth long after you’ve swallowed it. In other words, allspice berries pack an unforgettable flavor!
Q: Can I add spices like peppercorns to my allspice mix?
Absolutely! Allspice is really versatile, so you can get creative with it and add different spices to create your own unique flavor. Peppercorns will be a great option if you want to spice things up. Grind them down first, so they fit better into the allspice mix. Play around with different quantities and combinations until you find something you like. It’s all about mixing and matching until you love the taste or scent. Have fun, experiment, explore and see where your creativity takes you!
Q: Is dried allspice berry different from ground allspice?
Dried allspice berries pretty much look like any other dried berry, with their dark-brown color and oval shape. Ground allspice is made from these dried berry beauties that are ground up until they turn into the powdery spice that we know and love! So if you prefer pre-ground spices or want to use them in their berry form, you’re one step closer to creating your masterpiece dish!
Q: What other sweet dishes can I make with allspice?
Allspice is great for adding warm and inviting flavors to desserts, cakes, and pastries. So why not get creative in the kitchen? Try using allspice as an ingredient in traditional cinnamon buns or chocolate-chocolate chip cookies. You can also enhance the flavors of your morning oatmeal by sprinkling a bit of allspice in it. And remember the lightness that allspice can bring to fruit crisps and cobblers.
Final Words
Allspice is certainly an interesting spice with a subtle yet powerful flavor. From European desserts to Caribbean dishes, allspice is relied on to bring a distinct depth of taste wherever it’s used. This spice is truly versatile and can work as the main ingredient or as the background emphasis. Usually found in its dried form, allspice can also be blended into other spices to create unique combinations for really exciting tastes. So if you want something new and inventive with a familiar appeal, reach for a bottle of allspice in your pantry. It’s sure to add some zing to any dish!