Title: Pimenta
Additional Names: Jamaica pepper
Literature References: Small, evergreen tree, Pimenta dioica L. (syn. P. officinalis Lindl.), Myrtaceae, bearing deep purple or glossy black berries. The dried unripe fruits resemble peppercorns and are known as allspice. Flavor similar to a combination of clove, cinnamon and nutmeg. Habit. West Indies, Central America, Mexico. Constit. Volatile oil (4%), quercetin glycosides, catechins, proanthocyanidins, protein, lipid, fixed oil, sugar, vitamins, minerals. Reviews: A. Y. Leung, S. Foster, Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients, (Wiley-Interscience, Hoboken, 2nd Ed., 2003) pp 20-22; B. Krishnamoorthy, J. Rema in Handbook of Herbs and Spices, Vol. 2, K. V. Peter, Ed., (CRC Press, Boca Raton, 2004) pp 117-139.
Derivative Type: Pimenta berry oil
CAS Registry Number: 8006-77-7
Additional Names: Oil of pimenta; pimento oil; allspice berry oil
Literature References: Volatile oil obtained by distillation of dried immature berries. Constit. Complex mixture of components, chiefly eugenol (60-80%), methyl eugenol, b-caryophyllene, humulene, terpinen-4-ol, 4,5-cineole, a-phellandrene, 1,8-cineole.
Properties: Yellow to brownish-yellow liquid with warm spicy sweet odor. d2525 1.018-1.048. nD20 1.527-1.540. Rotation between -4° and 0°. Sol in propylene glycol, most vegetable oils, in 2 vols 70% alcohol. Keep well closed, cool and protected from light.
Index of refraction: nD20 1.527-1.540
Density: d2525 1.018-1.048
Derivative Type: Pimenta leaf oil
Literature References: Volatile oil obtained by distillation of fresh or dried leaves. Constit. Eugenol (up to 96%) and other terpenes.
Properties: Brownish-yellow liquid becoming darker with age; woody, spicy aromatic odor. d2525 1.037-1.050. nD20 1.531-1.536. Rotation between -2° and +0.5°. Sol in propylene glycol, in most fixed oils with slight opalescence, in 2 vols 70% alcohol. Insol in glycerin, mineral oil. Keep well closed, cool and protected from light.
Index of refraction: nD20 1.531-1.536
Density: d2525 1.037-1.050
Use: Spice in cooking; component of Caribbean jerk seasoning. Fragrance component of cosmetics, perfumes, soaps.
Therap-Cat: Carminative. |