We spoke about the spice trade all-stars: cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg. Now I introduce to you its cousins. Allspice is a contributor to many dishes in our family's spice rack. Anise, our mother's guilty pleasure, is delicious in anise biscotti, Blackjack gum, and her all-time favorite — black licorice. Peppercorns are unique in flavor and come in a variety of beautiful colors.
We begin with Allspice. This verdant evergreen tree with budding berries hails from the beautiful island of Jamaica, yes, Mon! Grown in tropical climates like the West Indies, natives refer to this tree's underripe berries as Jamaican pepper. Allspice's dried berries give off the flavor combination of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg, giving many Jamaican and Caribbean dishes a sweet finish — think Jamaican Jerk Chicken. On a side note: it's a staple in many Middle Eastern dishes, like baba ghanoush. Over time, Allspice spun its way into other cuisines with its versatility. Today, it's become a favorite go-to for home cooks and international chefs.
Next in our line-up is Anise or Star Anise, known for its deliciously sweet licorice flavor. Anise is a tiny seed inside a seed pod picked from the evergreen plant that grows in southwest China. Star Anise is a seed that rests inside a star-shaped pod. Anise is spicier than the milder star anise. Italy uses it in its desserts like cookies, before- and after-dinner drinks (Amari), and infused syrups (some Torani syrups). One favorite Italian flavor combination is almonds, and oranges, with Anise.
Peppercorn, our final spice, is a secret weapon that finishes dishes! White, black, and green peppercorns are berries from a climbing vine native to India. Peppercorns' travels reach as far as China and the Middle East during the onset of the spice trade, according to records. What's the difference between them? Green peppercorns are unripe black peppercorns. Black peppercorns are cooked dried green peppercorns. White peppercorns live inside black peppercorns and are released once ground in a peppermill. I find peppercorns give off a tail. If you blend spices and feel something is missing, that's where peppercorns step in. It gives your dish a finish.
I will discuss these flavorful spices in detail in my following entries. Explore them with me!