Jamaican Allspice ( Pimento)

Allspice has a powerful flavor and fragrance, a few berries is all it takes to infuse a dish with its warm, spicy flavor and once ground, a light sprinkling will suffice. It compliments a variety of foods, and is commonly used in both sweet and savory dishes. Here’s how to use it:

• Add a couple of allspice berries when making glühwein or chai tea
• Try sprinkling a pinch on roasted vegetables for a hint of warmth
• Add it to sweet dishes where you want a bit more spiciness such as gingerbread, apple pie or dark chocolate desserts
• Its subtle peppery overtone adds depth to stews, curries and soups
• Make jerk chicken using ground allspice, a typical Jamaican dish that reflects the spice’s Caribbean origins