Unique properties of allspice peas, for which they love it
Allspice is one of the most popular spices. Did you know that this is not pepper at all, but dried berries? They are part of the world famous condiments curry and are actively used in cooking and traditional medicine. From this article, you will learn how these burning berries look in nature, with what to combine them in the preparation of various dishes, what are the benefits and harms of allspice.
The content of the article
What is allspice and where does it grow
Allspice is the fruit of the evergreen tropical pimenta officinalis tree, which belongs to the myrtle family. Essentially, peas are dried berries. Initially, they are dark blue, and after drying they are brown. Their surface becomes rough. The berries are harvested not yet ripe. The size of a pea of allspice is 2-3 times larger than black.
The photo clearly shows their special rough texture.
Interesting! These fruits also have other names: Jamaican pepper, English pepper, pimento, pimento, ormush, clove pepper, quadruple, kabbachini.
The homeland of the plant is the islands of the Caribbean. Now it is actively grown in Central and South America, India, Jamaica and Cuba.
How is it grown
Getting your own pimento berries takes a lot of work. Growing is possible only in a greenhouse or in the south. In no case should the temperature drop below 10 degrees - this is a southern plant.
Already dried peas are not quite suitable for planting - they are much more difficult to germinate. It is best to purchase seeds from a specialty store. They are planted at a temperature of at least 20 degrees, pre-soaked in 35-40-degree water.
Pimenta begins to bear fruit in the second year of life.
Features of the variety
Dried berries of pimento officinalis have an interesting taste and aroma. They are slightly pointed. Like all spices, allspice can do both good and bad.
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 pimento essential oil. It contains tannins, resins, fatty oils, as well as eugenol, fellandrene, cineole and caryophyllene.
Vitamins that make up pepper: A, C, B vitamins. It also contains many minerals such as potassium, calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, sodium and phosphorus. They all play an important role in the life of the body.
Harm and contraindications
Pepper will harm a healthy person only with excessive use of the product. But people with health problems need to be careful, allspice has many contraindications.
Jamaican pepper is not recommended for people:
- allergy-prone;
- preparing for a surgical operation;
- patients with epilepsy;
- with duodenal ulcer, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, and reflux disease;
- with oncological diseases;
- with a blood clotting disorder.
Pregnant and lactating women should limit their intake to minimal doses.
Read also:
What is Jalapeno pepper, how is it grown and used.
Where is allspice used?
Spice has been used since ancient times to improve the taste of a dish and as a medicine. Let's look at it in more detail.
Medicine
Sweet peas have many beneficial properties:
- gives strength and energy;
- has 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 to enhance memory.
Inhalation of allspice oil is useful for depression. This procedure reduces stress and nervous exhaustion. A massage with this oil on the necessary area on the body increases blood flow, relieves pain and swelling.
Jamaican allspice is also considered a strong aphrodisiac.
reference... Jamaican pepper essential oil is widely used in the manufacture of toothpastes and deodorants for the oral cavity, as well as in perfumery and insecticidal preparations. The Aztecs and Mayans added ground pepper to cocoa and watered the warriors with the mixture before battle.
Cooking
Jamaican pepper is hot and very aromatic to the taste. The main notes are cloves, ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon.
Most often, the spice is used in the preparation of dishes from chicken, game, pork or beef. It is also great for marinades, various sauces and ketchups.
Sometimes allspice is also added to confectionery: cookies, gingerbread cookies, muffins and puddings. It gives desserts a special taste and aroma, makes them really original. But you need to carefully experiment with such spicy-burning desserts. Better to start with a tried and tested recipe. It is common to add pepper to pumpkin honey pies to add a spicy flavor to baked goods.
Other spices go well with marjoram, caraway seeds, black and red peppers, cumin, chili and oregano. In baked goods - 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 its flavor components: cloves, ginger, nutmeg or cinnamon.
Conclusion
Allspice peas are used not only as a delicious addition to a large number of dishes, but also in medicine. However, despite all the taste and useful properties, excessive or incorrect use can harm the body.
Healthy people, in turn, can safely add this spice to food, massage with essential oil or freshen their breath.