Are allspice and black pepper the same thing?
Black pepper and allspice are the most popular spices in the kitchen. Stunning aroma and spiciness add piquancy to dishes. Spices have a lot of beneficial properties, which is why they are used in folk medicine and cosmetology. In this article we will talk about the fundamental difference between allspice and black pepper and the features of their use in different areas.
What is the difference between black pepper and allspice?
Black peppercorns have been known for a long time. Back in the III-IV centuries BC. e. it was supplied by caravans and ships. At that time, the spice was worth its weight in gold; it was even used to pay taxes. In the Middle Ages, European chefs actively began to popularize pepper. Seasoning was added to dishes mainly to hide the terrible smell of spoiled food.
Italy at that time incredibly quickly grew its economy through the spice trade, and the American colonialists earned their first millions precisely from the sale of spices.
The culinary history of allspice is uneventful.. The spice first appeared in the American colonies and has since become an indispensable component of many dishes.
Allspice and black pepper are not the same thing, although many people do not see the differences in them. First of all, spices differ in their method of growth and biological affiliation. Sweet peas are the fruit of a tree in the myrtle family, and black peas grow as berries on climbing shrubs.
Differences in taste and aroma:
- Allspice peas have spicy clove aroma, slightly reminiscent of nutmeg and mustard. Thanks to such a variety of aromas, the spice received the name all spice, which means “universal seasoning.” This pepper has a hot taste and can overpower the aroma of other spices, so in most recipes it acts as the main and often the only seasoning. Experienced cooks recommend removing the peas at the end of cooking.
- Black has a pronounced, sharp and specific aroma. Its taste directly depends on the content of essential oils: the more there are, the brighter and sharper it is.
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How and where pink pepper grows and how it is used
How it grows
Allspice (Pimenta officinalis) is also called allspice, Jamaican pepper, pimenta, ormum.. It grows on a pimento tree of the Myrtle family, the height of which reaches 20 m.
The fruits are collected unripe (green) and left to dry in the sun.. After a week, the peas acquire the familiar appearance of large grains. The spice was brought to Europe only in the 19th century. Researchers attribute this to the fact that in those days spices were worth their weight in gold.
Reference. "Pimenta" means "pepper" in Spanish.
Black bitter peppercorns growing on climbing bushes. Belongs to the vine-like pepper family. It blooms with small white flowers collected in racemes. The homeland of the spice is Brazil, Central America, Cuba. The fruits of the plant have a second name - Malabar berry. The branches reach 15 m in length, so when grown for sale they are supported with high poles.They are collected green and dried using the same technology as the fragrant one - in the sun. Ripe red Malabar berries produce white pepper.
Difference in properties
Allspice, or Jamaican, pepper is characterized by such beneficial qualities:
- essential oils promote rejuvenation of the body, have a detrimental effect on bacteria and viruses, and have a tonic effect;
- vitamins A and B strengthen the cardiovascular system, increase brain activity, cleanse the body and prevent premature aging;
- Vitamin C improves immunity, kills pathogenic flora;
- calcium strengthens the musculoskeletal system;
- iron saturates the blood with oxygen, increases the level of red blood cells;
- magnesium regulates the functioning of the heart muscle, makes blood vessels strong and elastic, normalizes the functions of the central nervous system;
- fiber, ash, amino acids and tannins have a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract, speed up metabolism, remove waste and toxins from the body, and promote weight loss.
A direct contraindication to the use of pymenta is hypersensitivity to the component composition. The spice causes an allergic reaction in some people.
Important! Given the ability of pimenta to accumulate extraneous aromas, it is recommended to store the spice separately from other seasonings.
Black peppercorns are not inferior in the number of beneficial properties:
- vitamins A, B, E rejuvenate and improve skin condition;
- vitamin K prevents the development of thrombosis and thins the blood;
- Vitamin C increases the body's defenses, protects against the negative effects of free radicals;
- magnesium, potassium, sodium are necessary for the full development and growth of the body, maintaining the water-salt balance in the cells;
- phosphorus strengthens bones and tooth enamel, participates in energy processes.
The spice helps fight infectious, viral and bacterial diseases, improves mood, prevents the development of pathologies of the cardiovascular system. Regular consumption helps improve vision, improve intestinal function, and normalize blood pressure.
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How to distinguish by appearance
It is very easy to recognize both types of spices by appearance.. Black pepper, when dried in the sun, turns into black or dark brown shriveled peas.
The surface of allspice remains smooth after drying., and the pea itself is dense. Inside are grains that resemble bell pepper seeds, but larger in size.
Areas of application
The wonderful taste of spices allows them to be used in cooking. Peas are added whole or ground to meat, fish, vegetable dishes, cereals, sauces, and marinades. Allspice is used to enhance the taste of chocolate, jams, cakes, sweet and savory pastries. Not a single recipe for preserving vegetables and meat is complete without black peppercorns.
Spices are used in folk medicine. Tinctures are prepared from them for flatulence, to regulate blood pressure, improve the condition of rheumatism, indigestion and bloating.
Black and allspice are used in cosmetology, aromatherapy, perfumery.
Black pepper
The use of Piper nigrum spice in cooking depends on the degree of maturity. Ground black peas or peas are added to cold and hot dishes, snacks, marinades, sauces, and canned food.For example, white peppercorns are the same as black peppers, only fully ripe. It is used as a component of creamy sauces and as a seasoning for poultry and fish.
In folk medicine, black pepper is used to prepare remedies against coughs and colds, diarrhea, rheumatism. An ointment based on ghee and ground pepper helps get rid of eczema, hives, boils and warts. To cleanse the skin of freckles and acne, ground spice is mixed with yogurt.
In Ayurvedic practice, black pepper is used to treat impotence. To do this, mix the ground spice in equal parts with granulated sugar and add half a teaspoon to a glass of milk. The course of therapy is seven days.
In cosmetology, the antibacterial and antiseptic properties of spices are highly valued.. It is added to products for the treatment of acne and gum inflammation. The antioxidant properties of black pepper allow it to be used in creams to improve skin tone, improve blood microcirculation, get rid of cellulite, and accelerate hair growth.
Black pepper essential oil eliminates symptoms of depression, inattention, feelings of fear, relieves headaches, increases sexual desire.
In the production of perfumes, the spice is used as a component of men's fragrances.. Spicy notes add completeness and a certain piquancy to the composition.
Allspice
In cooking, Jamaican pepper is used to add a rich taste to meat, fish and vegetable dishes.. It is an indispensable ingredient in marinades, sauces, various drinks and preserves. Ground fragrant is added to dough for making cakes, pies, and muffins. A pinch of spice makes the taste of jam and jam more expressive.In winter, pepper is added to warming teas with honey, cardamom, orange zest and cloves.
The beneficial properties of the spice allow it to be used in traditional medicine recipes.. A few peas will help improve the condition of poisoning, indigestion, and bloating.
To prepare an ointment for rheumatic pain, the spice is first boiled, then dried and ground into powder. Ghee is used as a base for the medicine. Regular consumption of pepper allows you to get rid of age spots, vitiligo, and freckles. To eliminate attacks of choking cough or get rid of worms, take ground pepper before meals, 1 g three times a day.
In cosmetology, the spice is used in masks to stimulate hair growth and eliminate dandruff.. It is added to face creams to improve skin color and blood circulation. Due to its pleasant spicy aroma, it is used as a component of perfume compositions.
Conclusion
No culinary masterpiece can be imagined without black and allspice. Freshly ground spices are added to enhance the taste of the products. Peas are used for preparing marinades, canning, soups, and various drinks.
Due to its unique medicinal properties, pepper is used as a component of ointments, tinctures and creams for the face and body. The spicy aroma allows you to improve perfume compositions.