Allspice facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Allspice |
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| Allspice | |
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P. dioica
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| Pimenta dioica (L.) Merr.
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Allspice is a popular spice that comes from the dried, unripe fruit of the Pimenta dioica plant. This plant is a tree that belongs to the myrtle family. It grows naturally in the West Indies, southern Mexico, and Central America.
The name "allspice" was given because its flavor tastes like a mix of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It is used a lot in baking, especially for things like mincemeat and mixed pickling spice. Early Spanish explorers first found allspice. They thought it was a type of pepper.
Allspice is special because it is the only spice that grows in the Western Hemisphere. Sadly, many wild allspice trees were cut down to get the berries. Now, only a few wild trees are left. There are many plantations in Mexico and Central America where allspice is grown. However, the best allspice comes from Jamaica. The weather and soil there are perfect for growing these berries.
History of Allspice
Allspice has a long and interesting history. The Mayans and other South American Indians used allspice. They added it when making chocolate. The name Jamaica comes from "Xamayca." This word means ‘land of wood and water’ in the language of the Arawaks. The Arawaks used allspice to help keep meat from spoiling. Sometimes, they even used it against their enemies.
The spice was brought to Europe after it was discovered. Many people tried to plant allspice trees in the East. But these attempts did not work well. The trees could not produce many fruits there. Even though allspice had a rich smell and a tasty flavor, it was never as popular in Europe as cinnamon or pepper.
The English began shipping the spice to England in 1737. However, by that time, people wanted other products more, like sugar and coffee. Allspice was still a bit popular in England. There, it became known as the English Spice. During the Napoleonic War of 1812, Russian soldiers put allspice in their boots. They believed it helped keep their feet warm. Because of this, today, pimento oil from allspice is often used in men’s fragrances.
What Allspice Looks Like
Dried allspice berries look like large, brown peppercorns. Their color is a deep cocoa brown. The berries are picked when they are not yet ripe. Then, they are dried in the sun.
Allspice berries are usually between 4 and 7 mm (about 1/8 to 1/4 inch) wide. They have a dark brown color. Their skin is very wrinkled. Each berry has two seeds inside its outer shell. Allspice can be used ground into a powder or kept whole.
Storing Allspice
Whole dried allspice berries can last a very long time. They will stay fresh if you keep them in airtight jars. It is also important to keep them away from light. You can grind whole allspice using a spice mill or an electric coffee grinder. Once allspice is ground, it starts to lose its flavor quickly, usually within a few days.
Images for kids
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Whole allspice berries -
Pimenta dioica leaves in Goa, India
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See also
In Spanish: Pimienta de Jamaica para niños
