Allspice — Nutrients, Health Benefits, and Shopping Tips
Written by Listonic Team
Last update on September 4, 2024
Nutrients
Nutrition facts
Amount per 100 g
Calories
🔥 263 kcal
| Nutrients per: 100 g | Value | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Carbs | 72 g | 26.18% |
| Fiber | 22 g | 78.57% |
| Sugars | 0 g | - |
| Glycemic Index | 5 | - |
| Protein | 6 g | 12% |
| Sodium | 77 mg | 3.35% |
| Total Fat | 9 | 11.54% |
*The % of Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
22 g
✅ High Fiber Content
5
🟢 Low Glycemic Index
Key takeaways
Health benefits
- Rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from free radicals and reduce inflammation.
- Supports digestive health by promoting healthy digestion and reducing symptoms of indigestion and bloating.
- Contains antimicrobial properties, which can help fight off infections and boost the immune system.
- Provides essential nutrients such as vitamins A and C, which are important for overall health and well-being.
Health risks
- Potential allergic reactions as some individuals may be allergic to allspice, leading to symptoms such as itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
- Gastrointestinal discomfort when consumed in large amounts, which can cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Interactions with medications such as anticoagulants, as allspice can affect blood clotting and may enhance the effects of these medications.
- Skin irritation due to the essential oil of allspice, which can cause skin sensitivity or dermatitis in some people when applied topically.
How to choose allspice
Choose allspice berries that are round, heavy, and free of cracks or mold. A rich, brown color and a strong, spicy scent are indicators of good curing and freshness, making them ideal for robust flavors in cooking.
Avoid allspice with a dull color or a weak aroma, as these are signs of age and diminished flavor. Allspice berries that crumble easily when pressed are often too old and will not deliver the desired piquancy in dishes.
How to store allspice
For optimal freshness, keep allspice in an airtight container in a cool, dry, and dark place. A pantry or a spice cabinet away from the stove or any heat sources is ideal. This will help preserve its flavor and aroma for up to a year.
Exposure to moisture or direct sunlight can degrade its quality. Heat from the oven or other appliances can cause the spice to lose its potency. Keeping allspice in unsealed containers can allow air and humidity to diminish its flavor over time.
✅ Extra Tip
How long does it last?
Allspice can last for 3-4 years when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Ground allspice has a shorter shelf life of about 1-2 years due to its greater exposure to air and potential loss of potency. To maximize its freshness, it's essential to store allspice away from heat and moisture. Using it within these time frames ensures the best flavor in your dishes.
What to do with leftovers?
👨⚕️️ Medical disclaimer
How allspice supports specific health conditions
Allspice is rich in antioxidants, which may help support immune health by fighting free radicals. It contains eugenol, which can reduce inflammation and ease joint pain, making it useful for individuals with arthritis. Additionally, allspice promotes digestive health by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes, helping alleviate bloating and discomfort. Its natural compounds may also help regulate blood sugar levels, making it a useful spice for managing diabetes.
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Listonic Team
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Our editorial team checked this article to make sure it was accurate at the time of publishing it.
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