Real Jamaican Pimento (Allspice) in Canada: The Nerpy's Guide

Pimento is the Jamaican name for allspice, and it's the heart of real Jamaican jerk. Nerpy's sells whole, authentic Jamaican pimento berries, sourced from Jamaica and shipped across Canada from Richmond Hill, Ontario.

What is pimento?

Pimento is the dried berry of the Pimenta dioica tree, native to Jamaica. The berries are picked green and dried in the sun until brown. It's called allspice because one berry tastes like clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and black pepper together. When Columbus reached the Caribbean, the tree was found only in Jamaica, and the island's pimento is still regulated by the Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority.

Why Jamaican pimento?

Jamaican pimento is prized as the world's finest allspice, with a deeper, warmer and more aromatic flavour than allspice grown elsewhere. Much of the allspice on Canadian grocery shelves isn't Jamaican and has often been ground and stored for months, losing its aroma. Whole Jamaican berries keep their oils until you crush them.

Pimento wood vs. pimento berries for jerk

In Jamaica, jerk is traditionally cooked over pimento wood, and many Canadian grillers go looking for it. Real Jamaican pimento wood is very hard to get here:

• Jamaica tightly regulates pimento. Exporters need a licence from JACRA, and exports of pimento wood have been restricted in recent years.
• Canada tightly controls imported wood and bark. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency generally requires import permits, phytosanitary certificates and treatment for wood, bark and smoking chips from outside the continental U.S.
• Much "pimento wood" sold online can't be verified as Jamaican.

The good news: the berries are where pimento's warm, clove-like aroma is most concentrated. Used the right way, they give you that jerk-pit flavour on your own grill.

How to smoke with pimento berries

1. Soak a handful of whole pimento berries in water for about 30 minutes.
2. Light your charcoal, or preheat a gas grill with a smoker box.
3. Scatter the soaked berries over the hot coals, or put them in the smoker box.
4. Add them with your usual hardwood, like oak, maple or apple. The wood gives steady heat and smoke; the berries bring the pimento aroma.
5. Add a fresh handful during long cooks.

For the deepest flavour, also crush berries into your jerk marinade so the pimento goes into the meat, not just onto the surface.

How to use pimento berries in the kitchen

• Jerk: crush or grind with Scotch bonnet, scallion and thyme. Short on time? Nerpy's Jamaican Jerk Seasoning already includes pimento and Scotch bonnet.
• Braises: add whole berries to oxtail, brown stew chicken, curry goat, soups and stews.
• Pickles: a key spice in escoveitch.
• Drinks: sorrel, rum punch, mulled wine and cider.
• Baking: grind fresh for spice cake, Jamaican bun and fruit bread.

Whole or ground?

Buy whole. Whole berries keep their aroma far longer than pre-ground allspice. Store them airtight, away from heat and light, and grind just before cooking.

Where to buy real Jamaican pimento in Canada

Order Real Authentic Jamaican Pimento Berries (42g) at nerpys.ca, shipped across Canada. Restaurants, retailers and caterers can contact us for wholesale and bulk quantities.

Frequently asked questions

Is pimento the same as allspice?

Yes. Pimento is the Jamaican name for allspice, the dried berry of Pimenta dioica.

Can I buy pimento wood in Canada?

It's very hard to find. Jamaica regulates pimento exports through JACRA and has restricted pimento wood exports, and the CFIA tightly controls imported wood and bark. Soaked pimento berries on your coals are an easy alternative.

Can I use pimento berries instead of pimento wood?

Yes. Soak them, add them to hot charcoal or a smoker box with your usual hardwood, and crush more into the marinade.

Where can I buy real Jamaican pimento berries in Canada?

At nerpys.ca, shipped across Canada. Wholesale is available.

See also: Scotch Bonnet Pepper Powder & Flakes in Canada: The Nerpy's Guide