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Pimento, Allspice, or Jamaica Pepper

The tree from which is obtained the fruit producing this spice is a native of the West Indies. It is cultivated, however, almost exclusively in Jamaica, thus giving rise to the name Jamaica pepper. The designation allspice is derived from the spice resembling in flavour a mixture of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The berries are gathered in an unripe state, when the essential oil contained in them is most abundant; they are then dried in the sun. The flavour resides within the shell of the pimento, which is, when dried, about twice the size of a pepper-corn. Allspice is inexpensive in price, and agreeable in flavour. It is much used in domestic cookery. The berries may be bought either whole or ground.