Allspice

Allspice originates from the West Indies. It’s made from the dried, unripened berry of the tree Pimenta dioica, which is of the eucalyptus family.

Historically it was called ‘Jamaican pepper’ and was frequently imported from Britain’s Caribbean colonies. Later it became more commonly known as allspice – the name given to it because it was thought to combine the flavours of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.

The berries can be used whole or ground in both sweet and savoury dishes.