Allspice

pimento (Jamaica); allspice

Flavor and role

Dried berries from Jamaica with an aroma like a mix of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg, hence the name 'allspice'.

Typical dishes and uses

Jamaican jerk chicken, Middle Eastern kibbeh and tabbouleh seasoning, Swedish meatballs, pickles, Christmas baking. In this book: tabbouleh.

Substitutes

1 tsp allspice = ½ tsp cinnamon + ¼ tsp cloves + ¼ tsp nutmeg.

Storage

In an airtight container at cool room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture. For best aroma, use ground spices within 6 months to 1 year and whole spices within 2-3 years.

Main countries

Jamaica

Used in this book

TabboulehBigos (Polish Hunter's Stew)Ukrainian BorschtJerk ChickenPastitsioSwedish Meatballs (Köttbullar) with Cream GravyBrown Butter Lattice Apple PieOld-Polish Three-Meat Bigos with PorciniShort Rib and Shank Quesabirria TacosRoasted Beet and Smoked Rib BorschtFava and Chickpea Falafel with Parsley Tarator and Sumac OnionsOven-Braised İmam Bayıldı with Slow-Cooked OnionsPimento-Smoked Charcoal Jerk ChickenJerk Chicken Rasta PastaJerk Chicken Puff Patties with Mango-Lime Dip24-hour cold-proved lamb lahmacunLamb Moussaka with Pecorino BéchamelPastitsio with Slow-Simmered Beef and Pork Ragù and Bay-Infused BéchamelRed Wine Beef Shin Potjie with GremolataTower-Roast Chicken Shawarma with ToumRestaurant-Style Köttbullar PlateSwedish Meatball Pasta BakeTabbouleh with Tomato-Water Dressing and PomegranateCrispy Tabbouleh Fritters with Garlic Yogurt

Updated 2026-10-10