As a key ingredient in many cultural dishes, including the marinade for Jerk chicken and other marinades, pimento is most pungent when ground just before use. It can be used whole in recipes for pickling, brining, soups and stews. Ground pimento is used for desserts like pumpkin pie, cake, or gingerbread.

Its flavour is similar to a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and pepper. Its versatility can really be the key secret to delicious recipes. It is the essence of Jamaican cooking.