Allspice is an aromatic berry of a beautiful evergreen tropical pimento tree. The berries are picked fully grown, but still green, and dried in the sun for a week until they turn a dark reddish brown. Allspice is available in either whole berry or ground form. The whole form is better because it retains its flavor much longer than the ground form. Allspice has the characteristic flavour and aroma of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and black pepper hence it is called as allspice. They contain essential oils and other ingredients which have a strong seasoning action. Allspice is used in stews, tomato sauces for pasta, red sauces, and marinades for game, meats, and fish. Whole dried berry is an essential ingredient in pickling spices, spiced tea mixes, cakes, cookies, and pies and is often used in preparing meats and fish.