Allspice is native to the Caribbean, and is extensively grown in Jamaica. They begin producing fruit when they are three years old. An evergreen tree that sprouts clusters of flowers that are small and white in color between June and August. Small green berries also grow on the up to 40 foot tall tree and they turn brown when mature. However, the berries are usually harvested before maturity because the more it matures, the less volatile oil it contains.

When the berries are harvested, they are dried and exported to different corners of the world for processing.

The spice pairs well with beef, chicken (especially dark meat), apples, pumpkin, summer squash, carrots, beans and tomato-based dishes.