Pimento (Allspice)

In Caribbean cooking terms Pimento or Allspice usually refers to the dried, unripe berries of the pimento tree. The dried berries look like peppercorns and similarly carry more aromatic strength when freshly ground. They are called allspice because they carry a similar flavor profile to multiple other spices including cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg. They should not be confused with “pimiento” which is a sweet red cherry pepper that looks similar to a habanero.

In Jamaica, jerk chicken and pork are grilled over an open flame atop spears of pimento wood to give a unique smoked flavor. The berries are used in soups and stews at home, and in the commercial preparation of barbecue sauces and sausage.