Allspice, Pimenta dioica (formerly Pimenta officinalis), 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. It is native to the Caribbean (Jamaica), Mexico, Central America (Belize, Guatemala, Honduras) and South America (Brazil, Leeward Isle).
Allspice has 1.5%-5% essential oil that is mostly composed of phenols. This essential oil is colorless to a reddish yellow color, depending on where and how the allspice is grown.
Allspice has many different names due to its long history. It is so common in English baking it has been called English Spice and in the early days of exploration it was named Pimento Berries because it was confused with black pepper. Even though its name suggests a mixture of spices, allspice is a single berry from the Jamaican bayberry tree. Its complex sweetness lends allspice a great deal of versatility. Whole, it is used in poached fish stock, vegetable and fruit pickles, and for wild game. Ground, it is found in spice cakes, puddings, cookies, gravies, bbq sauce and is a key ingredient in Caribbean jerk dishes and German sausages.
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.