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Tropical evergreen tree (Pimenta dioica, formerly P. officinalis) of the myrtle family (Myrtaceae), native to the West Indies and Central America and valued for its berries, the source of a highly aromatic spice. Early Spanish explorers, mistaking it for a type of pepper, called it pimenta, hence its botanical name and such terms as pimento and Jamaica pepper. Allspice was so named because the flavor of the dried berry resembles a combination of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It is widely used in baking and is usually present in mincemeat and mixed pickling spice. The clove-like aroma of allspice can be found wafting through much of Caribbean cuisine, where allspice is popular as a meat stuffing. Jamaica's hot jerk pastes, used to marinate pork and chicken before barbecuing, feature allspice, along with various combinations of cinnamon, garlic, thyme, black pepper, vinegar, lime juice, orange juice, coriander, ginger, and nutmeg. Mexican mole sauces feature allspice, as do British stews and sauces, European sausages, pickles, Danish pastries, French quatre épices, and the Ethiopian spice mix berebere. Grieve's classic 'A Modern Herbal': 'The chief use of Pimento is as a spice and condiment: the berries are added to curry powder and also to mulled wine. It is popular as a warming cordial, of a sweet odour and grateful aromatic taste.' 'The oil inaction resembles that of cloves, and is occasionally used in medicine and is also employed in perfuming soaps.' 'It was formerly official in both the British and United States Pharmacopoeias. Both Pimento Oil and Pimento Water were official in the British Pharmacopoeia of 1898, but Oil of Pimento was deleted from the British Pharmacopceia of 1914, though the Water still has a place in the British Pharmacopceia Codex.' 'Pimento has also been dropped from the United States Pharmacopoeia, but admitted to the National Formulary IV. Pimento is one of the ingredients in the Compound Tincture of Guaic of the National Formulary IV.' 'Pimento is an aromatic stimulant and carminative to the gastro-intestinal tract, resembling cloves in its action. It is employed chiefly as an addition to tonics and purgatives and as a flavouring agent.' 'The Essential Oil, as well as the Spirit and the distilled Water of Pimento are useful for flatulent indigestion and for hysterical paroxysms. Two or three drops of the oil on sugar are given to correct flatulence. The oil is also given on sugar and in pills to correct the griping tendencies of purgatives: it was formerly added to Syrup of Buckthorn to prevent griping.' 'Pimento Water (Aqua Pimentae) is used as a vehicle for stomachic and purgative medicines. It is made by taking 5 parts of bruised Pimento to 200 parts of water and distilling down to 100, the dose being1 to 2 fluid ounces.' King's 1898 Dispensatory: 'Pimento is a hot, aromatic stimulant, and carminative, and may be used where such agents are indicated. It is seldom employed in medicine, but is u
Manufacturer: Frontier Natural Brands Spices SKU: 38887 Category: Spices-Bottled Spices
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