Allspice powder is a mixture of more than five spices ground into powder. It is often used to apply on chicken and duck before frying or deep-frying. It can also be mixed with fine salt as a dipping sauce. It is widely used in spicy dishes of oriental cuisine, especially suitable for seasoning baked or stir-fried meat, stewed, braised, simmered, steamed and boiled dishes. Its name comes from the Chinese culture's requirement for a balance of the five flavors of sour, sweet, bitter, spicy and salty.