Among some of the most versatile spices that are a must-have in your spice cabinet are garam masala and allspice. While the two spices are interchangeable, despite being different from each other, each has found its place in specific cuisines around the globe. Let’s look at some of the incredible facts on allspice vs garam masala.
Allspice vs Garam Masala
From varying ingredients and different flavors to use in a range of global cuisines, one is a popular Indian spice blend, while the other is just a single spice, often mistaken for a blend of spices.
Read on to know the differences, similarities, and more about garam masala vs allspice.
What is Allspice?
Allspice is only one spice, but it tastes as if four flavors had been packed in a single jar. The allspice flavor is equivalent to a blend of cinnamon, clove, black pepper, and nutmeg.
Allspice is the dried unripe berry of the allspice tree. It is also known as English spice, Jamaica pepper, Myrtle pepper, or clove pepper. Here’s a video about “The World’s Most Misunderstood Spice: Allspice”, produced by the American Chemical Society:
What is Garam Masala?
A warming and aromatic spice blend, garam masala is widely used in Indian cuisine, from lentil dishes to curries and even soups. Typically, a garam masala blend includes cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, cloves, cumin, fennel seeds, nutmeg, black peppercorn, and allspice, among others.
History
Thought to have originated in Northern India, garam masala has traces of its first use dating back to the 13th century Mongol Empire.
Although the Mayans used allspice to flavor chocolate and as an embalming agent, it was only in 1621 that the berry was named allspice by the British, owing to its aromatic blend of flavors.
Taste and Smell
The smell and taste of warm-tasting allspice are of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, juniper, pepper, and ginger. However, it is not a blend and is nothing like these spices.
Garam masala has hints of cinnamon, cloves, or peppercorns. It adds warmth, sweetness, floral notes, and a touch of heat from black pepper. Being a flavorful spice, it has a strong fragrance and smells almost like curry, yet, it isn’t too spicy.
Did you know that garam masala speeds up your metabolism and can help raise your body temperature?
Popularity
The popularity of allspice vs garam masala is evident from the widespread use of these spices in various cuisines.
Garam masala is primarily an Indian spice blend and is a common ingredient in most North-Indian dishes. It’s also used in other countries of the Asian subcontinent for curries, pilafs, and savory dishes.
Allspice is popularly used in Jamaican cuisine and also in the Middle East and North Africa. It is used for both sweet and savory dishes. It is essential to several combinations of spices, including garam masala, berbere, and Ras el-hanout.
You’ll probably be interested in garam masala vs tikka masala and biryani masala vs garam masala as well.
Nutrition
Since both spices are used in less amounts while preparing any dish, their nutritional values are extremely minimal. A 1.5 grams of garam masala provides about 4.6 calories, while 1.9 grams of allspice provides about 5 calories.
Health Benefits
Both these warming spices have multiple health benefits.
According to Healthline, allspice is “packed full of nutrients and will spice up your health with anti-inflammatory benefits, potential brain health, pain-relieving properties, and more”.
On the other hand, garam masala has several benefits, including helping with digestion, regulating blood pressure, improving heart health, reducing inflammation, and defending against diabetes.
About the Recipes
While allspice is a single spice, the blends for garam masala often vary. At times, it ends up being a blend of as many as 30 spices.
Ingredients
| Allspice | Garam Masala | |
| Number of ingredients | 1 | 10 – 30 |
| Main Ingredients | Pimento berries (else ground cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg as alternatives) | Coriander seeds, cumin seeds, green cardamom, cloves, black peppercorns, cinnamon, fennel seeds, nutmeg, star anise, black cardamom, mace, dried bay leaves |
Methods of Preparation
Allspice
For a homemade allspice substitute of the actual spice, just mix the following ingredients and store in an airtight container:
- 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Garam Masala
While there are different variety blends of garam masala, here’s a video showing how to make a good flavorful garam masala.
Texture
Both these spices generally have a smooth-blend texture, better suited for most recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Garam masala is typically used for curries, soups, and other spicy, savory dishes. It is added at the end of the cooking process and in lesser quantity as it can otherwise lend a robust, over-powering taste.
Allspice is used for cooking and baking, and especially for seasoning the Jamaican jerk. The main uses are for sweet and savory dishes.
Preservation Techniques
Garam masala can be stored for 6 months in an airtight container.
Whole or ground allspice, when stored in airtight containers, away from direct sunlight, can last for years. However, ground spices do tend to lose their flavor and aroma soon.
How to Make Garam Masala with Allspice?
The traditional way of making garam masala includes toasting whole seeds and spices, and crushing them. For lack of time to roast and crush, it’s easier to use already ground spices.
To make garam masala with allspice, mix the following ingredients:
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
Is Allspice Garam Masala?
While allspice isn’t garam masala, mixing 1/4 part allspice with 1 part cumin makes a great garam masala substitute.
Can I Use Garam Masala Instead of Allspice?
Most garam masala blends are suitable allspice substitutes; however, the ones with cloves are ideal. While you could use garam masala instead of allspice, it will give the dish a different flavor profile.
What are good alternatives for Garam Masala?
Several spices can be used as a garam masala substitute allspice included.
- Curry Powders (Madras curry powder vs garam masala)
- A mix of cumin, coriander, and cardamom
- Allspice with cumin
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Chaat masala (chaat masala vs garam masala)
- Ras el hanout (garam masala vs ras el hanout)
Conclusion
Here’s a summary of allspice vs garam masala:
- Allspice is a single spice, not a blend of spices.
- Garam masala is a warm, aromatic spice blend commonly used in Indian dishes.
- While allspice was named by the British in 1621, garam masala’s origin lies in North India, dating back to the 13th century.
- Both spices have a warm aroma and taste. Allspice combines the aromas and flavor of cinnamon, cloves, ginger, pepper, juniper, and nutmeg. Garam masala is a mix of warm, sweet, floral, and peppery heat.
- Garam masala is popular within the Indian subcontinent, while allspice is popular in Jamaica, the Middle East, and North Africa.
- The minimal use of both spices in any dish makes them possess negligible nutritional values.
- Both spices have an abundance of health benefits with regular use.
- While allspice is a single ingredient, garam masala has differing blends, ranging from 10 – 30 ingredients.
- Both spices can be prepared by using whole spices that are ground or mixing already-ground spices.
- Garam masala and allspice have a smooth texture.
- Allspice is used for sweet and savory dishes. Garam masala is used for curries, soups, and spicy, savory dishes, usually added in minimal amounts at the end of the cooking process.
- While storing in airtight containers preserves these spices well, the flavor and aroma of ground spices tend to wean over time.
- Allspice can be used to make garam masala.
- Allspice isn’t garam masala but can be mixed with cumin to make a good garam masala substitute.
- Garam masala blends with cloves are an ideal substitute for allspice.
- The best alternatives for garam masala include curry powders, allspice with cumin, pumpkin pie spice, chaat, masala, and ras el hanout.
