Pimento Berries: What They Are, How They Taste, and How to Use Them
Quick Answer Pimento Berries are the dried berries of the allspice tree, a spice native to the Caribbean and Central America. They have a warm, aromatic flavor that combines notes of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Whole pimento berries are especially useful in Jamaican-style cooking, marinades, stews, rice dishes, sauces, and spice blends. What Are Pimento Berries? Pimento Berries are whole dried berries from the Pimenta dioica tree. They are also commonly known as allspice berries , although they are not a mixture of several spices. The name "allspice" comes from the berry's distinctive flavor, which can remind people of several familiar warm spices at once. When used whole, the berries release their aroma gradually during cooking, making them particularly useful in dishes that simmer or marinate for longer periods. Pimento berries have a strong connection with Caribbean cuisine, especially Jamaican cooking. They are an important ingredient in traditional spice blends ...