Pimento, << puh MEHN toh, >> is a small evergreen tree that is the source of a spice known as allspice, Jamaica pepper, or pimento. This spice is most commonly used for making pickles and baked goods, and for preserving meat products. The red fleshy pimento used to stuff green olives does not come from the pimento tree. That condiment, which is also known as red pepper or capsicum, is the fruit of a plant called capsicum.
The name of the pimento tree comes from pimienta, the Spanish word for peppercorns. The tree is native to the Caribbean region and Central America. Most commercial pimento spice comes from Jamaica.
Most pimento trees grow to a height of 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters). The slender, upright trunk of the pimento is covered with smooth gray bark. The shiny, oval leaves have a pleasant odor when fresh. The fruit is a small berry about the size of a blueberry. It is dark brown or black, glossy, sweet, and juicy when ripe. The dried, green unripe berry is used for the commercial spice.
