pimenta

Pimenta refers to the spice produced from the dried berries of Pimenta dioica, an evergreen tree in the myrtle family (Myrtaceae). The genus Pimenta includes this principal species, and the spice is commonly known as allspice or Jamaica pepper.

The tree is native to the Caribbean and southern Central America and is cultivated in tropical regions. It bears small berries that are green when unripe and turn brown when dried. Dried unripe berries are ground to produce allspice.

Allspice is widely used in Caribbean and Central American cuisine, in both savory and sweet dishes. It is a key component of jerk seasoning and is used in baking, pickling, and sausage preparation.

Flavor and aroma are warm and aromatic, reminiscent of cinnamon, clove and nutmeg, hence the name allspice. It is sold as whole berries or ground.

In culinary contexts, pimenta can also refer to black pepper (Piper nigrum) in several languages, though they are botanically distinct. Pimenta dioica is not related to peppercorns.

Cultivation occurs in tropical climates with well-drained soil; berries are harvested when unripe and dried. The spice relies on essential oils that develop during processing, contributing to its characteristic fragrance and flavor.