Allspice or Bay Rum ("type Jamaica")

Livré en sachet refermable

Sans OGM - Sans ionisation - 

Uses in Cooking:

The nickname "four spices" often given to this berry perfectly describes its aroma! A mix of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and pepper, very close to the traditional blend known as "four spices." Its name "allspice" is quite misleading since it’s not spicy, and in fact, it’s much milder than pepper!

Known as "allspice," the one presented here actually comes from Mexico, hence its designation "type Jamaica" and not simply "Jamaica" since it didn’t grow there. It’s also possible to find these seeds from various origins, from Jamaica, of course, but also from Mexico and Guatemala, where the tree thrives as well.

To fully appreciate its flavor, it should be ground in a mill or at least crushed in a mortar. It is widely used in Caribbean cuisine since the tree grows on these islands as well. The locals have known it well for a long time.

It flavors both savory and sweet dishes, and even chocolate. However, its main uses are in meat and fish dishes, marinades, certain cured meats, and Bénédictine liqueur. It is also commonly used in Nordic countries to prepare herring, and in the United States in ketchup and pickles.

It is also one of the components of the blend called "5 peppercorn mix."

In countries where the tree grows, its fresh leaves are preferred, used in a manner similar to our bay leaves. These leaves are part of many Creole recipes, but they remain difficult to find here.

Who am I?

Origin: Mexico

Scientific name: Pimenta dioica

Common names: Jamaican pepper, four spices, bay rum, allspice

Jamaican pepper comes from a 10-meter-tall tree of the Myrtaceae family, growing in the tropical regions of the Americas. Its entire leaves resemble bay leaves and give off a strong clove scent.

The tree produces small white flowers followed by clusters of spherical fruits. These fruits are harvested before full maturity, about the size of a pea, dark brown after drying, each containing two small seeds. There are male and female trees, with the seeds being produced by the female trees.

A Little History:

The tree, sometimes called myrtle-pepper and related to the clove tree, is native to Mexico and the Caribbean. It is now also cultivated in Honduras, Guatemala, and Brazil.

Allspice has been consumed since ancient times, and the Aztecs already used it to flavor their chocolate.