Allspice died

[jerry]

One of our allspice trees (we have 5) died recently. It seemed to happen fairly rapidly. The tree was about 10 years old.

Are these short lived trees? Because they grow fairly fast as a commercial crop the trees are cut and allowed to regrow when they get too large to easily harvest. Should this be done to all of them as a matter of course?

Thanks for any help.

Jerry
Art and Orchids B&B
http://www.artandorchids.com

[Aki]

Jerry,

I don't know the answer to your question but I am interested to hear small plants others on this. We just planted two "starter" trees a couple of months ago - from a 2 gal pot. Can you explain the process you've used to harvest the allspice for use in cooking?

Thanks

[jerry]

Aki,

To harvest allspice wait untl the seeds are fully developed and green but not black. If you let them start to turn black they are no good.

Snip the little brances that hold the seeds. Dry the seeds. This is the tricky part, especially in Puna. During the drying process they will turn black.

I have found it easier to remove the seeds from the stems after drying, not before.

You can also use the leaves to make tea.

Jerry
Art and Orchids B&B
http://www.artandorchids.com