Περιγραφή
Allspice comes from the dried aromatic fruits of an evergreen tree called Pimenta dioica, which is native to the Caribbean islands, Mexico and Central America. It was discovered in Jamaica, by Columbus, who mistakenly believed that he had found pepper, as the fruits of the spice resemble the fruits of pepper. The Spanish called the tree pimienta (pepper), and later the name was changed to jamaica pimento. It was eventually named after its country of origin and it was thought that the plant could not grow anywhere else.
Today the cultivation of the spice has spread from the Caribbean islands to the Pacific Ocean and the Hawaiian Islands. The spices are collected from the plantations when they are still green and unripe. They are then allowed to dry until the seeds inside the spices sound like rattles as they shake under the shell. The color of the dried spice is reddish brown to dark brown and its size varies from 4 to 7 mm. The spice is similar to black pepper as it has a similar appearance.
The aroma of the spice is the reason why it is called "allspice" in English, which means "all spices". It smells like cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg together and contains the essential oil "eugenol" which is also present in clove wood. It has a rich aroma combined with a spicy, penetrating taste. The spice was used by the natives of the Caribbean islands to preserve meat and fish, long before it was discovered by Columbus. Today, the spice is still an important ingredient in Caribbean and Jamaican cuisine, and is found in various spice mixes used as marinades for meat, chicken and fish. Allspice is also a key ingredient in Mexican sauces, Indian curries and pilafs, Middle Eastern stews, pickled vegetables and sauerkraut. It is also used in sausages, cured meats and other processed meat products.
In Greece, the spice is used in preparations with hare or rabbit stew and in general in recipes with thick tomato sauces such as braised beef. Allspice is also used in sweet recipes, in desserts, cakes and fruit tarts, which call for cinnamon and cloves. Allspice enhances the flavor of baked fruits such as apples, quinces, pineapples and plums. It can also be used in spicy chocolate recipes, cookies and pumpkin pies.