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The Healing Power of Pimento (Allspice)
PIMENTO OR allspice (Pimenta dioica or P. officinalis) of the family Myrtaceae, is cultivated in the West Indies for its dried unripe berries. It is used medicinally and as a spice.
The pimento tree is indigenous to Caribbean islands. It was found growing in Jamaica by early Spanish explorers who were quite impressed with the taste and aroma of the berries and the leaves. Pimento trees have also been found in Mexico, but it is Jamaica that pimento has the longest history, having been in continuous production since the tree was identified in about the year 1509.
Ground pimento is obtained from the dried unripened berry of Pimenta dioica. Pimento is closely related to the Bay Tree and to Cloves. It is an evergreen tree, medium in size and in favourable locations will attain heights of 6 to 15 m. Primary branches are generally formed about 1-3 m above the ground. Whilst both male and female varieties will produce blossoms, it is believed that only the blossoms of the female mature to give berries.
Also known as allspice, ground pimento combines the characteristic flavour and aroma of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper, all combined in one spice, hence the name allspice; it is used chiefly in pickles and relishes. Pimento is a key ingredient in "Jerk" seasoning.
Pimento berries are used to flavour a wide range of foods. This spice, which is used in flavouring pickles, ketchup, sausages, gravies, fruit cakes, and pies, is obtained from dried, unripe fruits.
Steam distillation of the green, unripe berries or leaves yields an essential oil. Pimento essential oil is used in bakery, restaurant, food and drink industries as a flavouring agent, particularly in Benedectine and other liqueurs, and in the aromatherapy industry for circulation; muscles and joints (that is, arthritis, fatigue, muscle cramp, rheumatism, stiffness, and so on); the respiratory system (that is, chills, congested coughs, bronchitis); digestive system (that is, cramp, flatulence, indigestion, nausea); and nervous system (that is, depression, nervous exhaustion, neuralgia, tension and stress).
Pimento oil can be used as a pain reliever, is an antidepressant (counteracts melancholy), relieves tooth-ache, settles the digestive system and expels gas from the intestines, improves appetite, warms and increases blood flow and generally strengthens and improves bodily performance.
Here are some other conditions pimento berries and twigs are used to treat: flatulence, indigestion, cramps, intestinal problems, colds, rheumatism, muscular strains, depression, tonic, tranquiliser.
Pimento is the major spice produced in Jamaica. The quality of pimento is rated by the amount of oil it contains and the composition of the oil. Jamaican pimento contains about 4 per cent volatile oil and the eugenol content varies from 30-90 per cent. Jamaica remains the largest producer of pimento, although it is also grown in Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Brazil and the Leeward Islands. We also export pimento oil. This is just one example of what we can do with our medicinal plants, to aid our economy and at the same time increase our health.
Source:wwwchem.uwimona.edu.jm:1104/ lectures/pimento.html;
- Dr. Sylvia Mitchell, scientific officer, Biotechnology Centre, University of the West Indies, Mona, email: [email protected].
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