Are allspice and black pepper the same thing or not?
Black and allspice peas are the most popular spices in the kitchen. Amazing aroma and pungency add spice to the dishes. Spices have a lot of useful properties, due to which 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.
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What is the difference between black pepper and allspice
About black peppercorns has been known for a long time... Even 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 culinary experts actively took up the popularization of pepper. The seasoning was added to dishes mainly to hide the awful smell of spoiled food.
Italy at that time incredibly quickly raised its economy through the spice trade, and the American colonialists earned their first millions from the sale of spices.
The culinary history of allspice is not eventful... The spice first appeared in the American colonies and has since become an indispensable ingredient in many dishes.
Allspice and black pepper are not the samealthough many people do not see the difference in them. First of all, spices differ in the way of growth and biological origin. Sweet peas are the fruit of a tree in the myrtle family, while black peas grow as berries on climbing bushes.
Differences in taste and aroma:
- Allspice peas have spicy clove scent, slightly nutmeg and mustard. Thanks to this variety of aromas, the spice is called all spice, which means "universal seasoning." This pepper has a pungent taste and is able to interrupt the aroma of other spices, so in most recipes it acts as the main and often the only seasoning. Experienced chefs 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 it grows
Allspice (Pimenta officinalis) is also called English clove, Jamaican pepper, pimenta, orormum... It grows on a pimento tree of the genus myrtle, whose height reaches 20 m.
The fruits are harvested unripe (green) and left to dry in the sun... After a week, the peas take on the usual appearance of large grains for us. 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" in Spanish means "pepper".
Black bitter peppercorns grow on climbing bushes... Belongs to the liana-like pepper family. It blooms with white small flowers, collected in a brush. 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, therefore, when grown for sale, they are propped up with high poles. Gathered green and dried using the same technology as fragrant - 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 help to rejuvenate 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 enhances 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 work of the heart muscle, makes the 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, accelerate metabolism, remove toxins and toxins from the body, and promote weight loss.
Direct contraindication to the use of pimenta - hypersensitivity to the component composition. In some people, the spice causes an allergic reaction.
Important! Given the ability of pimento to accumulate foreign aromas, it is recommended to store the spice separately from other spices.
Black peppercorns are not inferior in terms of the number of useful properties:
- vitamins A, B, E rejuvenate, improve skin condition;
- vitamin K prevents the development of thrombosis, 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.
Spice helps to fight diseases of an infectious, viral and bacterial nature, improves mood, prevents the development of pathologies of the cardiovascular system. Regular use helps to improve vision, improve bowel 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 their appearance.... Black pepper, after drying in the sun, turns into black or dark brown wrinkled 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.
Applications
The wonderful taste of the spices allows them to be used in cooking... Peas are added whole or ground to meat, fish, vegetable dishes, cereals, sauces, marinades. Allspice is used to enhance the flavor of chocolate, jams, cakes, sweet and savory pastries. Not a single recipe for preserving vegetables and meat can do without black peppercorns.
Spices are used in folk medicine... Tinctures are prepared from them against flatulence, to regulate pressure, improve the condition with rheumatism, indigestion and bloating.
Black and allspice are used in cosmetology, aromatherapy, perfumery.
Black pepper
The use of the spice Piper nigrum in cooking depends on the degree of maturity... Ground black or peas are added to cold and hot dishes, snacks, marinades, sauces, canned food. For example, white peppercorns are the same black ones, 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 cough and cold, diarrhea, rheumatism. An ointment based on ghee and ground pepper helps to get rid of eczema, hives, boils and warts. To cleanse the skin of freckles and acne, ground spice is mixed with curdled milk.
In Ayurvedic practice, black pepper is used to treat impotence. For this, ground spice is mixed in equal parts with granulated sugar and half a teaspoon is added to a glass of milk. The course of therapy is seven days.
In cosmetology, the antibacterial and antiseptic properties of the spice are highly valued.... It is added to products for the treatment of acne, gum disease. The antioxidant properties of black pepper allow it to be used in creams to increase skin tone, improve blood microcirculation, get rid of cellulite, and accelerate hair growth.
Essential oil of black pepper eliminates manifestations of depression, inattention, feelings of fear, relieves headaches, increases sexual desire.
In the production of perfumery, the spice is used as a component of men's fragrances.... Sharp notes add completeness and some piquancy to the composition.
Allspice
In cooking, Jamaican pepper is used to add rich flavor to meat, fish and vegetable dishes.... It is an irreplaceable ingredient in marinades, sauces, various drinks and preservation. Ground fragrant is added to the dough for making cakes, pies, muffins. A pinch of spice adds flavor to the jam and jam. In winter, pepper is added to warming teas with honey, cardamom, orange zest and cloves.
Useful properties of the spice make it possible to use it in traditional medicine recipes.... A few peas will help improve conditions for poisoning, indigestion, and bloating.
To prepare an ointment for rheumatic pains, the spice is first boiled, then dried and ground into powder. Ghee is used as the basis for the medicine. Regular use of pepper allows you to get rid of age spots, vitiligo, freckles. To eliminate attacks of suffocating cough or get rid of worms, ground pepper is taken before meals 1 g three times a day.
In cosmetology, spice is used as part of masks to stimulate hair growth, 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 flavor of the food. Peas are used for making 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 for the improvement of perfume compositions.