Allspice

A single spice, not a blend, made from dried berries that taste like a mix of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. Hence the name. Common in Caribbean cooking (jerk seasoning) and warm-spiced baking.

Allspice

Used for

  • jerk seasoning
  • baking
  • mulled cider
  • braises

In the kitchen

  • Use whole berries in long-simmered dishes and remove before serving.
  • Grind fresh for baking.

Picking it at the store

  • Ground loses potency fast. Buy whole berries and grind as needed if you use it often.
  • Not a blend of other spices despite the flavor resembling one; don't substitute a cinnamon-clove-nutmeg mix 1:1, allspice is more concentrated.

Related terms

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