Often likened to the scent of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, this note is both sweet and dry, with a sensuality that is alluringly warm. Fiery notes of spicy pepper permeate—dousing the scent in an invigorating facet sure to inspire the senses.
Pimento essence derives from the fruit of a small tree that predominately grows across the West Indies, and, to a lesser extent, across Europe and the United States. Its fruit ripens between the months of March and September and is harvested once it reaches maturity, and then dried in the sun for about ten days. Its essence is obtained through steam distillation, and is often marketed under the name “allspice” for its distinctive notes of pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon and clove.
This spicy little berry has captivated us for millennia. The Aztecs are known to have delighted in the culinary possibilities of pimento berries as much as we do today, mixing them with chocolate to add a spicy kick. Christopher Columbus is credited with having brought the spice to Europe in the 16th century, and Napoleon’s troops are thought to have kept their feet warm during their retreat from Moscow by stuffing their boots with the spice.
Jamaica
