Why Allspice Is the Only Secret Ingredient You Need This Holiday Season 

The approach of the holiday season means one thing: it’s time to start daydreaming (and drooling!) over the feasts that await. And whether you’re the one planning and preparing every meal or you’ve got to wow your gathering with one single perfect dish, allspice is the secret ingredient you need to elevate every holiday recipe.

What is Allspice?

Despite what the name often implies, allspice isn’t a robust blend of spices—it’s a single spice made from the dried, unripe berries harvested from allspice trees. But it’s not a total misnomer, either, since allspice tastes as if it’s a mix of warming, inviting spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Its tingly sweetness can enhance a wide variety of recipes. 

How do you use allspice? 

Thanks to its aromatic complexity, you can use allspice in both sweet and savory dishes. It’s the spice that gives Jamaican Jerk seasoning its warm zestiness, and it’s a staple for baked goods like spiced cakes, gingerbread, or pumpkin pie. A sprinkle of it can elevate simple jams or applesauce, or bring out the flavors of gamey meats like lamb. 

No matter how you use it, you’ll want to make sure you’re using a pure version of the dried allspice berries to ensure you’re getting the most authentic flavor. That’s why Spice Islands doesn’t add any added sugar, fillers, or other ingredients to our Ground Allspice and Whole Allspice products. 

What can you do with allspice this holiday season – allspice recipe ideas!

The short answer: anything! Allspice is one of the most versatile spices out there and is beloved in the kitchen thanks to its versatility.

Want to start a holiday morning off right? Use allspice to create your own version of a pumpkin spice latte, or whip up a batch of carrot cake donuts that come alive thanks to Spice Islands Ground Allspice. 

Keep guests happy before the main meal with mixed nuts roasted in allspice, honey, and a fresh herb like thyme or rosemary. Later in the day, you can glaze a ham with ground allspice, brown sugar, and mustard for a taste so great no one will know how easy it was.

Gingerbread or molasses cookies are the perfect holiday treat to close out the day—or whip up a rum cocktail or mocktail with allspice for a nightcap that tastes as warm and cozy as a fireplace.

Ready to prep for your holiday cooking? Stock up on Spice Islands Ground or Whole Allspice right now – it’s the little berry than Can! Use our easy Where to Buy Tool to find Spice Islands Allspice nearest to you.