Jamaican Cuisine

The Caribbean is an abundant source of fresh fruit, vegetables and fish. Tourists going to these islands are in for a treat and Jamaican cuisine, whether home cooked or in restaurants, prides itself on fresh ingredients and tasty flavors. The national dish is Ackee and saltfish, a meal of ackee, which is a local fruit and dried codfish with tomatoes and onions.

Other popular dishes include Bammy, which is a flat cassava pancake, usually eaten at breakfast time. Meat dishes are very often jerk varieties, the most popular being Jerk Chicken, Jerk Pork or Jerk Conch. The jerk seasoning is spread on the meat whilst grilling, giving a spicy flavor. Curries are also a favorite in Jamaican cuisine, using mainly goat and chicken.

Many Jamaicans like to chew on pieces of sugar cane like eating sweets. Coconut is a common ingredient in confectionary and desserts, such as Gizzada, a coconut tart. Grater Cake also uses coconut, which is grated and mixed with sugar.

There is a kind of cooking, referred to as 'ital' that is wholly vegetarian and popular with Rastafarians. Locally grown fruit and vegetables are plentiful and cheap. Some fruit will be unfamiliar to visitors and some items are unique to the island. Vegetable stew is a favorite amongst the vegetarians.

Many a meal begins with a tasty soup, such as Cowcod Soup. This is available at roadside stands and contains bananas, white rum and peppers. Other soups in Jamaican cuisine include Cream of Pumpkin with boiled pumpkin, milk, sugar and onions. Fish Soup uses a type of small fish, escallion, potatoes, peppers and green bananas.

Seasonal tradition involves food on the island, such as Easter Bun, made with raisins, mixed peel, mixed spice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Traditional recipes for Christmas Cake contain dried fruit, cinnamon, prunes, brandy, and lime and lemon rind. Sorrel Drink is another yuletide custom and contains sorrel, ginger and pimento grains. Wine can also be added.

Local drinks on the island include varieties of soda called Ting. Ginger beer is also popular. Visitors may be more familiar with Red Stripe, a locally produced lager that is exported to other countries. Another popular local alcoholic drink is Jamaican Rum, made from sugar cane. This is very strong and should be taken in moderation! Jamaicans like to party and there is plenty opportunity to sample the local produce of Jamaican cuisine at festivals and celebrations.