A-Z Blogging Challenge ---"A"

                                                     
                                                   
 Well, Hello there!!! I am so pleased that you stopped by  to visit!
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    For the past many years I have had an interest...no, make that a fascination with herbs, spices and seasonings. - About how they were used by our ancestors centuries ago for a variety of ailments, and how they are used today to enhance your favorite recipe.

With this in mind I am attempting to present a different herb, spice or seasoning  for each day of the  A-Z Challenge. Please drop by often and perhaps we both will learn something new.

Learn more about these terms.

And..... we're off!!

           "A" is for Allspice

Take time for herbs and spices.

                                                                               Allspice                                                          

Allspice is the dried berry of the Jamaican pepper tree also known as pimento tree.Early Spanish explorers confused it for a peppercorn as they are similar in appearance. The allspice berries have a combined flavor of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves with a hint of juniper and peppercorn.

photo by *tinkebell*

Tips:
• When using allspice in yeast breads, limit the amount to 1/4 teaspoon per cup of flour.

• The allspice can inhibit the activity of the yeast in large amounts.

• 6 whole allspice berries = 1/4 to 1/2 tsp ground allspice.
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice = 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon plus 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves.

Typical uses:
Probably most important spice in Caribbean cuisine and predominately used to flavor hot and fiery marinades.

Allspice is also used in seasonings, sauces, sausages, ketchup, jams, pumpkin, gravies, roasts and baked goods.

While checking out recipes for Allspice I came across this flavorful fish dish. , thanks to
Allrecipes.com Canada. I suspect one could substitute for the type of fish available in your local supermarkets.



Medicinal Uses
Allspice is a plant. The unripe berries of the plant are used to make medicine.
Medicinal uses  of allspice  are for  indigestion, intestinal gas, heavy menstrual periods, vomiting  diarrhea, high blood pressure and obesity.
Allspice contains a chemical called *eugenol which might explain some of its traditional uses for toothache,  muscle pain and as a germ killer.




* a member of the phenylpropanoids family and is a natural analgesic (pain killer) and antiseptic.





Sources: WebMD, Allrecipes.com

Disclaimer

The material provided on this site is designed for information and educational purposes only. The materials are not intended to be a self diagnostic and/or self treatment tool. I encourage you to use this information as a tool for discussing your condition with your health practitioner.    *The medicinal usages are for informational and educational purposes only*