Allspice Helps Ease Transition into Fall

Allspice can help ease the body, mind and spirit from Summer to Fall

As many of us reluctantly put away the summer and gear up for fall, it's common to feel quiet, sluggish, anxious or even sad as we're all in a period of transition during September: going back to school, back to work, back to long sleeves and pants. And sometimes this transition is not an easy one. But the benefits of allspice can help.

What is Allspice?

No, it's not a mixture of spices, it's in fact the dried berry from a Jamaican pepper tree also known as the pimento tree. It has a flavor similar to cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg and is used in many traditional Carribean and Latin recipes. But the secret is that allspice also helps to improve digestion and regulate hunger in addition to balance and improve your moods, all key ideas in this season of change.

How to use allspice?

It can be found in full dried berries about the size of peppercorns which you can add to your pepper mill (1 part allspice berries to 3 parts peppercorns) to add depth to your dishes.

Powdered allspice can be added anywhere you'd normally use cinnamon or cloves: try it added to cider or spiced tea. Boil milk with allspice and sweeten for a soothing bedtime drink.

Or for a fall recipe try this spread which can be eaten on crackers or on toast, the best time is late afternoon between 3:00 and 6:00pm to stabilize mood. Each ingredient helps to regulate mood, improve digestion and ease the body mind and spirit into the coming months:

Apple Butter with Allspice Spread

Ingredients:

• 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
• 1 cored and peeled granny smith apple, chopped coursely
• 1/2 cup succanat
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• Pinch ginger
• Pinch cloves

Preparation:
In a saucepan, combine all ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 1 hour. Cool. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Yield: 2-1/2 cups