The unique properties of allspice peas for which they are loved
Allspice is one of the most popular spices. Did you know that these are not peppers at all, but dried berries? They are part of the world famous seasonings curry and are actively used in cooking and folk medicine. From this article you will learn what these hot berries look like in nature, what to combine them with when preparing various dishes, and what are the benefits and harms of allspice.
What is allspice and where does it grow?
Allspice is the fruit of the evergreen tropical tree Pimenta officinalis, which belongs to the Myrtle family. Essentially, peas are dried berries. Initially they have a dark blue color, and after drying they turn brown. Their surface becomes rough. The berries are picked when they are not yet ripe. The size of a pea of allspice is 2-3 times larger than black pepper.
Their special rough texture is clearly visible in the photo.
Interesting! These fruits have other names: Jamaican pepper, English pepper, pimento, pimento, ormus, clove pepper, four-spice, cabbaccini.
The plant is native to the Caribbean islands. Now it is actively grown in Central and South America, India, Jamaica and Cuba.
How to grow
Getting your own pimenta berries takes some serious effort. Growing is possible only in a greenhouse or in the south. The temperature should never fall below 10 degrees - this is a southern plant.
Already dried peas are not entirely suitable for planting - they are much more difficult to sprout.It is better to purchase seeds in a specialized store. They are planted at a temperature of at least 20 degrees, having previously been soaked in 35-40 degree water.
Pimenta begins to bear fruit in the second year of life.
Features of the variety
Dried Pimenta officinalis berries have an interesting taste and aroma. They are a little spicy. Like all spices, allspice can bring both benefits and harm.
Benefit
Pepper has a very rich chemical composition, which determines its high usefulness for the human body and even certain medicinal properties.
About 4% of the total composition is pymenta essential oil. It contains tannins, resins, fatty oils, as well as eugenol, phellandrene, cineole and caryophyllene.
Vitamins included in pepper: A, C, B vitamins. It also contains many minerals such as potassium, calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, sodium and phosphorus. All of them play an important role in the life of the body.
Harm and contraindications
Pepper will harm a healthy person only if the product is consumed excessively. But people with health problems need to be careful; allspice has many contraindications.
It is not recommended to use Jamaican pepper for people:
- prone to allergies;
- preparing for surgery;
- patients with epilepsy;
- with duodenal ulcer, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis and reflux disease;
- with cancer;
- with blood clotting disorders.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should limit consumption to minimal doses.
Read also:
What is Jalapeño pepper, how is it grown and used?
Where is allspice used?
The spice has been used since ancient times to improve the taste of dishes and as a medicine. Let's look at it in more detail.
Medicine
Sweet peas have many beneficial properties:
- gives strength and energy;
- has an anti-inflammatory and disinfecting effect;
- relieves pain;
- regulates digestion;
- strengthens teeth and gums;
- improves metabolism;
- Vitamin A and folic acid improve brain function;
- Magnesium helps enhance memory.
Inhaling allspice aromatic oil is beneficial for depression. This procedure reduces stress and nervous exhaustion. Massaging the desired area of the body with this oil increases blood flow, relieves pain and swelling.
Jamaican allspice is also considered a strong aphrodisiac.
Reference. Essential oil of Jamaican pepper is widely used in the manufacture of toothpastes and oral deodorants, as well as in perfumes and insecticidal preparations. The Aztecs and Mayans added ground pepper to cocoa and gave the mixture to their warriors before battle.
Cooking
The taste of Jamaican pepper is hot and very aromatic. Main notes are cloves, ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon.
The spice is most often used when preparing dishes from chicken, game, pork or beef. It is also great for marinades, various sauces and ketchups.
Sometimes allspice is added to confectionery products: cookies, gingerbread, muffins and puddings. It gives desserts a special taste and aroma, making them truly original. But you need to experiment with such spicy-hot desserts carefully. It's better to start by cooking according to a proven recipe. It is common to add pepper to pumpkin-honey pies - it gives the baked goods a spicy note.
Among other spices, it goes well with marjoram, cumin, black and red pepper, cumin, chili pepper and oregano. In baking - with anise, ginger, cardamom, orange zest, cinnamon and star anise.
To enhance any of the main notes of the pepper itself, you can add separately any of the components of its taste: cloves, ginger, nutmeg or cinnamon.
Conclusion
Allspice is used not only as a delicious addition to a large number of dishes, but also in medicine. However, despite all the taste and beneficial properties, excessive or improper use can cause harm to the body.
Healthy people, in turn, can safely add this spice to food, do massages with essential oil, or freshen their breath.