Allspice was named by early European visitors because the warm flavour seemed to combine the flavours of cumin, cloves and nutmeg. It is used in Caribbean regional cooking, as an ingredient in pickling vinegar and as an essential ingredient in the mix of spices for mulling wine and ale.

This spice has a strong thyme taste and should be used sparingly. Use in speciality Asian dishes. In particular, it goes well in dahls, breads, vegetable dishes and chutneys.

Cumin seeds have a full aromatic lemon flavour and are often used ground (see Cumin Ground). To prepare the seed yourself, first roast in a hot, dry, frying pan for a few minutes and then grind using a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder. Cumin is an important ingredient in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking and is also used a s a topping for bread.