Allspice (Pimenta dioica) You would be forgiven for thinking allspice was a mixture of spices, but it’s the unripe berry of an evergreen tropical shrub. The name allspice was given to it by English explorers because its flavour resembles mixed spice. Native to the Caribbean and Central America, Allspice is a key ingredient of Jamaican cooking, such as jerk seasoning, as well as Arab and European recipes. Most of the world’s allspice is still grown in Jamaica. Green unripe fruit are briefly fermented then dried gently to preserve the fragrance. The main aromatic chemical in allspice is eugenol, which is also found in cloves.

Try this allspice Christmas decorations activity to fill your home with a lovely festive scent this Christmas.