Allspice, Pimenta dioica (formerly Pimenta officinalis), comes from the family Myrtaceae (myrtle family) and is closely related to clove, eucalyptus, guava and the bay rum tree. Allspice is the only spice that is grown exclusively in the Western Hemisphere and is native to the West Indies, Southern Mexico and Central America.
Christopher Columbus discovered Allspice on the island of Jamaica during his second voyage to the New World. Dried Allspice berries look similar to large smooth brownish - black peppercorns, and because of this strong resemblance, Columbus called Allspice pimiento, which is what the Spanish called black peppercorns. Allspice was imported to Europe in 1601 as a substitute for cardamom.
Many food historians believe that it was the British in the early 1600’s who gave this berry the name Allspice because of the dried seed’s aroma which smells like a combination of spices; most notably cinnamon, cloves, ginger and nutmeg.
David Humphrey
Chef/Owner
In September of 2019 our Chef/Owner, David Humphrey, started A&H Provisions to help bring a local option for spices to the Atlanta, Georgia area. An option that will give local residents the ability to have a spice merchant help them make the right choices when purchasing their spices. We will source our product so as to provide you with freshest product possible.
Chef David has been in the culinary industry for over 25 years. His first job was at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois. After that he was hooked on the industry. He would continue to work with food whether it was in the back or front of house, in positions from entry level to managerial. In 2010, Chef David enrolled in culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Chicago and then graduated in March of 2012 with an Associates Degree in Culinary Arts. He then began working at fine dining restaurants in Chicago, amongst them were, Bistro Bordeaux, Fork and A10. In 2016, He moved to Lawrenceville, Georgia and began working at restaurants there, then eventually switched over to Private Chef work before starting A&H Provisions.
At A&H Provisions, we have the belief that making great food starts with a solid FOUNDATION. Our spices provide that foundation for ultimate FLAVOR, which will give you the greatest tasting FOOD for you and your family.