English blooms from South America, Central America, and India
Lena Bauer
2026-03-21
3 min. read
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"English blooms", also known as piment, do not originate, as the name implies, from England, but from South America, Central America, and India. They were brought to Europe in the 16th century during the voyages of Columbus, but it was not until a century later that the piment gained its popularity. "English blooms" have a round shape, a brown-black color, and are characterized by a strong spicy-sweet-hot fragrance, which makes them suitable for many sweet and savory dishes.
English herbs – nutrients and minerals in their composition
English herbs, like other spices, are rich in antioxidants that accumulate in small quantities in these plants. Research confirms that adding English herb to fried potatoes reduces the amount of harmful acrylamide produced during cooking. Clove pepper contains many essential oils and piperine, which exhibit strong antibacterial properties and extend food shelf life. These herbs support digestion, alleviate digestive disorders and bloating, while pepper has a warming and vasodilating effect that aids in post-exercise recovery. In traditional medicine, they are used to relieve joint and muscle pain. English herbs contain potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and manganese, but due to low consumption, these minerals are poorly absorbed. They also provide vitamins A, niacin, folic acid, and vitamin C.
Do calories from English herbs matter – what is the requirement?
A 100-gram serving of English herbs contains approximately 394 calories, with 72 grams of carbohydrates, 8.7 grams of fat, and 6.1 grams of protein. However, it is important to note that this is a seasoning herb typically consumed in small quantities.
Culinary Uses of English Herbs
Ancient Aztecs utilized English herbs as a natural flavoring for cocoa beverages, imparting a unique taste. Today, English herbs are a valued ingredient in various dishes, enhancing them with a robust, spicy aroma. They are incorporated into soups, sauces, meat marinades, and traditional bigos. Additionally, they are a component of herbal blends for preserving cucumbers and homemade preparations, as well as a flavor enhancer for compotes, particularly those made with pears. English herbs are also used for meat stuffings and fillings. During the preparation of homemade pastries, English herbs, along with other aromatic spices, accentuate their flavor profile. Although the seeds themselves are not consumed, they release essential oils and bioactive compounds during cooking, significantly improving the quality of dishes and desserts. Learn more about English herbs and their applications!
