Mixed spice and allspice are terms that can be confusing due to their similar connotations. Many people think of a concoction consisting of various spices when they hear the word allspice, while mixed spice reminds some of a mixture of spices. This article explores the meaning of these two terms and highlights their differences.
Allspice
Allspice is not a combination of many spices, but rather a single spice derived from the fruit of the plant called Pimenta dioica. It is the unripe, green fruit of the plant which is dried and turns brown in color. The spice was named allspice because it contains the aromas of spices like cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Mixed Spice
Mixed spice, as its name suggests, is a mixture of spices that includes cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg, though it may contain other spices as well.
Key Takeaways
- Allspice is a single spice, while mixed spice is a blend of spices.
- Allspice is the dried fruit of a plant native to Mexico and other parts of North America and Central America, and it is also known as Jamaica Pepper.
- Mixed spice contains allspice as one of its ingredients and may have varying proportions of other spices, but it cannot be substituted for allspice.
