Nutmeg vs. Allspice — What's the Difference?

Nutmeg can be overpowering if used excessively.

Allspice is made from the dried berries of the Pimenta dioica plant.

Nutmeg pairs well with dairy.

Allspice has a flavor reminiscent of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.

Nutmeg is a sweet, aromatic spice.

Allspice is versatile, used in both sweet and savory dishes.

Nutmeg is derived from the seed of the Myristica fragrans tree.

Allspice blends well with other spices.

Nutmeg is often used in sweet and savory dishes.

Allspice is a peppery spice with complex flavors.

Nutmeg is the seed or ground spice of several species of the genus Myristica. Myristica fragrans (fragrant nutmeg or true nutmeg) is a dark-leaved evergreen tree cultivated for two spices derived from its fruit: nutmeg, from its seed, and mace, from the seed covering.

Allspice, also known as Jamaica pepper, myrtle pepper, pimenta, or pimento, is the dried unripe berry of Pimenta dioica, a midcanopy tree native to the Greater Antilles, southern Mexico, and Central America, now cultivated in many warm parts of the world. The name "allspice" was coined as early as 1621 by the English, who valued it as a spice that combined the flavours of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.Several unrelated fragrant shrubs are called "Carolina allspice" (Calycanthus floridus), "Japanese allspice" (Chimonanthus praecox), or "wild allspice" (Lindera benzoin).

An evergreen tree (Myristica fragrans) native to the East Indies and cultivated for its aromatic seeds.

An evergreen tree (Pimenta dioica) native to the West Indies, Mexico, and Central America, having opposite, simple leaves and white flowers clustered in cymes.

The hard, aromatic seed of this tree, used as a spice when grated or ground.

The dried, nearly ripe berries of this plant, used as a spice. In both senses also called pimento.

A grayish to moderate brown.

(uncountable) A spice; the dried and ground unripe fruit of Pimenta dioica, thought to combine the flavours of several spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.

The act of kicking a soccer ball between the legs of a defender.

(countable) Pimenta dioica, an evergreen tree of tropical America with aromatic berries.

To kick a soccerball between the legs of (a defender).

The berry of the pimento (Eugenia pimenta), a tree of the West Indies; a spice of a mildly pungent taste, and agreeably aromatic; Jamaica pepper; pimento. It has been supposed to combine the flavor of cinnamon, nutmegs, and cloves; and hence the name. The name is also given to other aromatic shrubs; as, the Carolina allspice (Calycanthus floridus); wild allspice (Lindera benzoin), called also spicebush, spicewood, and feverbush.

An evergreen tree (Myristica fragrans) cultivated in the East Indies for its spicy seeds.

Aromatic West Indian tree that produces allspice berries

The aromatic seed of this tree, used as a spice.

Deciduous shrubs having aromatic bark; eastern China; southwestern and eastern United States

(uncountable) The powdered seed, ready for use.

Ground dried berrylike fruit of a West Indian allspice tree; suggesting combined flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg and cloves

(countable) A whole nutmeg seed.

A small moth, Hadula trifolii, feeding on plants and native to the Northern Hemisphere.

A grey-brown colour.

The playing of the ball between the legs of an opponent.

(transitive) To flavour with nutmeg.

To play the ball between the legs of (an opponent).

The kernel of the fruit of the nutmeg tree (Myristica fragrans), a native of the Molucca Islands, but cultivated elsewhere in the tropics.

East Indian tree widely cultivated in the tropics for its aromatic seed; source of two spices: nutmeg and mace

Hard aromatic seed of the nutmeg tree used as spice when grated or ground

Yes, Nutmeg can be used in savory dishes, often adding a unique, sweet warmth.

Nutmeg is primarily used as a spice to add flavor to both sweet and savory dishes.

No, Allspice is not a blend but a single spice made from the dried berries of the Pimenta dioica plant.

While they have different flavor profiles, in some recipes, Nutmeg can be used as a substitute for Allspice with caution due to the difference in flavor intensity.

Yes, grating Nutmeg fresh is common as it can enhance the flavor and aroma of the dishes.

While Allspice has a flavor profile resembling a mix of spices, it is a distinct, single spice.

Yes, due to its robust flavor, excessive Allspice can overwhelm a dish’s flavor balance.

Yes, Nutmeg is a popular spice in holiday dishes due to its warm, sweet flavor.

Allspice is derived from the dried berries of the Pimenta dioica plant.

Yes, Allspice is often used in beverages like mulled wine for its warm, complex flavor.

Yes, Allspice has a warm, peppery taste along with notes of cinnamon and cloves.

In some recipes, Allspice can be used as a substitute for Nutmeg but with consideration to differing flavor intensities.

Yes, Nutmeg is often used to flavor beverages like lattes and eggnogs.

Yes, while Nutmeg is sweet and aromatic, Allspice has a more complex, warm, and peppery flavor reminiscent of a blend of spices.

Yes, Nutmeg is the seed of the Myristica fragrans tree.