Allspice - fruit of the medical root (pimento tree, Pimenta dioica), serving as a spice. - fruit of the medical root (pimento tree, Pimenta dioica), serving as a spice.
Origin and naming
Allspice, despite its name, does not come from England, but from Central America and Mexico. Traveling in Mexico in 1571-1577, the Spanish scholar Francisco Hernandez claims that besides vanilla, it was the favorite spice of the Aztecs and made chocolate a drink. He was brought to Europe at the end of the sixteenth century, and it was widespread here only at the end of the 17th century.
Allspice is also known under the names: English pepper, fragrant pepper, pimento, clove pepper, new roots. The word pimenta in Spanish means pepper, initially because the Spanish explorers of this plant considered it pepper.
That's where the names pepper fragrant and clove pepper come from. The English called it "allspice", which means spice - everything, because they believed that it is a mixture of many spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves). This spice was very popular in England and for this reason, by Poles, it was called English herb.
properties
The color of the fruit is red-brown. They contain a lot of essential oils that give them an aromatic aroma and a sharp, bitter taste. The smell is quite weak, slightly reminiscent of carnations with the addition of a floral aroma.
Allspice facilitates the absorption of selenium, B vitamins and beta-carotene. However, it should be consumed with moderation, the consumption of larger quantities (this applies to most spices) is harmful and causes food disorders. The main active component of English herb is eugenol, in addition there are: resin, tannins, sugar, malic acid and gallic acid.
Application
- It is most often used for seasoning cold cuts, marinades, canned food, soups, as well as pickled cucumbers and various types of vegetable salads and fruit compotes.
- To a lesser extent it is used for seasoning creams, cakes, pancakes and some liqueurs.
- Is a common spice in the Middle East. Often it is added here to dishes instead of salt or pepper.
- Is a common spice in the Middle East. Often it is added here to dishes instead of salt or pepper.
- Is the main ingredient of barbecue sauce.
- Is a medicinal plant. It is helpful in flatulence and spikes, relieves neuralgia and rheumatic complaints, and has a weak disinfecting effect.
- Is used for the production of cosmetics and perfumes and other products of the cosmetics industry.
Source: wikipedia