Jamaica Pimento (Pimenta Dioica)

Jamaica's only indigenous spice and the only spice native to the New World that is produced in commercial quantities. It was called pimienta by the Spaniards and international is known as Allspice, the name under which it is marketed. This latter name comes from the fact that the berry is said to combine the flavours of Cinnamon, Clove, and Nutmeg. Pimento grows in Mexico, Central America, Cuba and Hispaniola and was used by the TAINOS. It has been introduced elsewhere in the tropics, but Jamaican pimento is regarded as best, and up to recently had a virtual monopoly on world markets. Jamaica still supplies dried pimento berry, berry oil and leaf oil internationally to be used in the meat processing, confectionery, and pharmaceutical industries. Locally it is a vital ingredient in Jerk seasoning and is otherwise widely used in cooking.

The handsome tree of the myrtle family (closely related to the Bay tree) occurs throughout-the island up to 1,000m but is widespread on the LIMESTONE derived soil of central parishes, especially ST ANN, thriving at lower elevations. The tree grows 7-15 m in height and its characteristic light-coloured bark peels easily from the trunk. All parts of the tree - wood, flower, berry, and leaf - are aromatic. The spice is made from the immature berries that are about the size of black pepper grains but are green when harvested, turning dark brown when dried after reaping; each berry contains one or two small seeds. An aromatic oil is also extracted from the leaves.

It is only in recent times that the pimento has been cultivated. Since 1969, grafted pimento plants have been produced by the Ministry of Agriculture. Previously, the plants were grown from seeds. Earlier landowners depended on the movement of birds that feed on the ripe berries that will take root where they are excreted. As R.C. Dallas (1803) observed: 'This elegant child of nature, mocks the attempts of art to extend or improve its growth.'

The trees are dioecious, i.e. with male and female reproductive structures on separate trees. The Ministry of Agriculture recommends planting one male for every eight female trees in order to ensure successful pollination. Previously the male trees were thought to be useless for any purpose but propagation but they are now considered valuable in the production of pimento leaf oil. The berries are borne on the female trees and harvested while green. Pimento oil is distilled from unripe berries that are dried and crushed. The berries that ripen on the tree turn dark purple and are used 1'0 make Pimento Dram or liqueur. Dried berries steeped in rum are also used to produce a medicinal draught much used for stomach aches. Crushed pimento leaves are used as a fever remedy.

Pimento blossoms January to August and the berries are ready for picking August to September when the air is filled with their aroma. In the past they were reaped by the wasteful practice of breaking the berry-laden limbs from the tree and then picking off the individual berries into baskets; nowadays the small twigs that bear the berries are clipped from the tree. The small round berries are spread out on a flat paved surface called a BARBECUE to dry and are covered or taken up during rain and at nights and turned regularly for several days. When pimento is dry, the tiny seeds can be heard shaking inside the hull. The dried berries will be cleaned by fanning and hand picking to get rid of bits of stem, broken leaves, gravel, etc.

Dried Pimento
3 Ounces	4 Ounces	5 Ounces
$15.00	$20.00	$25.00
Price listed above include shipping to USA and Canada. Contact us for shipping cost to other parts of the World. we ship worldwide.
Ground Pimento
2 Ounces - 42.52 g Ground Pimento
$15.00
Price listed above include shipping to USA and Canada. Contact us for shipping cost to other parts of the World. we ship worldwide.
Pimento Leaves
Pimento Leaves will be ship with your pimento purchases free of cost if requested however please note this willslow shipping of your order a few days, as we will have to harvest the leaves and dry them.
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