Monday 1 April 2013

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.


Allspice Substitute. Photo by **Tinkerbell**
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*



23 comments:

  1. this was fun and informative! looking forward to the rest of your spice list! :)

    here is my first post:
    26 days of books that changed my life
    http://smhasty.blogspot.com/2013/04/26-books-that-changed-my-life-1-amazing.html

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  2. I recently made hot cross buns and the recipe, in addition to some other spices called for allspice. I didn't have any so I just left it out, now I wish I had made the trip to the store for it. After reading your post I feel it would have added a lot to the buns. I also never new allspice would inhibit the action of yeast, good to know! I'm really looking forward to learning more about herbs, spices and seasonings of the coming month! I'll be back tomorrow to see what you have featured for the letter "B"!
    Monica, Older Mommy Still Yummy

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    1. Thanks Monica,but knowing how you cook, I doubt that it would have made that much difference.

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  3. allspice has such a unique aroma and flavor--it's a favorite around here. i didn't know those medicinal benefits!

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    1. Me neither, Grace, so this is a learning experience for me in a lot of areas. Thanks for your comment.

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  4. I am loving the focus of the blog. I will be hopping over here a good bit to find out what's on the shelf next. Thanks for a very informative blog series. This is my first time doing the A-Z Challenge (though mine is Romance Righter), and I am enjoying the wide range of topics.

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    1. Thanks for your comment, Angelica. It is only my second time around so it will be a learning experience for both of us. I plan of visiting your blog soon and will be a "follower"!

      Patricia, Sugar & Spice & All Things ? Nice

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  5. Ooh, I love me some spice lore. I really enjoyed reading about this and look forward to what the rest of the month has in store.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by. I will drop by your blog soon. Enjoy the challenge.
      Patricia, Sugar & Spice & All Things ? Nice

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  6. I have never once used allspice! I think I'm going to now becasue I love to cook. Now I just need to find a place to fit it in my spice cabinet...

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    1. LOL, I know what you mean,I try to "contain" my spices in a drawer or shelf, but never seems to be enough space!
      Thanks for stopping by.

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  7. wow--this is a great subject---i know i will learn so much---so much i did not know already--!!

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    1. Thanks for you kind comment, Lynn. I too am learning.... from research for this blog and by visiting others as well. Off to your place, now!!

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  8. Wow, I didn't know about the medicinal properties to allspice. Good to know those spices made you feel good in more ways than just the taste. Looking forward to seeing more of your posts, for sure.
    Kathy at Oak Lawn Images

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    1. Thanks, Kathy. I did not know these things either, but am having fun researching it.

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  9. It is fascinating reading and researching for spices. I have long been interested in the healing properties as I love reading some of the old books in which they are used instead of modern day medicines. I will look forward to the rest of your posts.

    JO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE

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    1. I agree,Jo, but I have discovered that one has to be very careful when taking any of these herbal remedies. I would probably check with my physician first.

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  10. Very informing read! I look forward to learning more!

    My Life With a Boy

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  11. Enjoyed this post. I hope I'll learn a lot more about herbs and spices - wondering what your X will be.

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    1. Holy Moly, you have found the chink in my armor!! That is the only letter I don't have anything for......yet. Would appreciate any ideas??!!

      Patricia, Sugar & Spice & All Things ? Nice

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  12. What a fabulous idea, spices! See you again on your A-Z journey!

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