Pimento tree

The pimento tree is indigenous to the 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 were later discovered in Cuba and were presumed to have been taken there by migratory birds which had eaten the berries. They have also been found in Mexico, but it is Jamaica that has the longest history, having been in continuous production since the tree was identified in about the year 1509.

The name Pimento originated from the Spanish word 'pimienta' (pepper or peppercorn). To most English speaking people the tree is called 'pimento' and the berries 'allspice'. The name allspice originated from the popular notion that the pimento berry contains the characteristic flavour and aroma of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper, all combined in one spice.

The pimento tree, Pimenta dioica, formerly officinalis, Lindl, belongs to the family Myrtaceae and 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 from 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.

Pimento is the major spice produced in Jamaica, and Jamaica is still one of its' chief producers. The quality of pimento is rated by the amount of oil it contains and the composition of the oil. Jamaican pimento contains about four percent volatile oil and the eugenol content varies from thirty to ninety per cent. Eugenol is used not only in perfumes and mouthwashes, but also as an insect attractant and a dental analgesic. It can be oxidised to form vanillin, which has a vanilla scent.

Uses

Pimento is one of the most important ingredients of Caribbean cuisine. It is used in Jamaican Jerk seasoning (the wood used to be used to smoke jerk in Jamaica giving the end product a rich aroma that all appreciate, although the spice itself is a good substitute), in mole sauces, and in picking; it is also an ingredient in commercial sausage preparations and curry powders. This spice is also used in Great Britain and appears in many dishes, including cakes. Even in countries, where pimento is not very popular in the household, such as Germany, it is used in large amounts by commercial sausage makers. Pimento is also a main flavour used in barbeque sauces.

Cultivation

Pimento is a small shrubby tree that can be grown outdoors in the tropics with normal garden soil and watering. It adapts well to container culture and can be kept as a household plant or in a greenhouse. The plant is dioecious, hence male and female plants must be kept in proximity in order to allow fruits to develop.

Answer of the week

Jamaica is located in the tropics and this is a good reason to embrace the use of solar energy. It is cheaper and readily available. Although there are solar-powered cars - 'sun raycer', as a country we are not ready to deal with such technology. Perhaps as a country we could invest in some kind of a solar centre where we build solar bulbs and as consumers we could buy them and then we could institute a system for them to be recharged.

We also need to find ways to trap this energy to last for a long time. Like times when we have weeks of rain. Presently there are a few homes in Jamaica that I have heard of which are partially powered by solar energy.

This technology is in use abroad and it would be nice for us to tap into this resource.

There is a great potential for solar energy to gradually reduce our dependence on oil and non-renewable energy.

I am,etc.,

Val Mac