Traditional dishes in Jamaica are the representation of their history and culture. Through the dynamic and innovative minds of Jamaican people, they learn to adopt and mimic ideas from other foreign culture. Hence, Jamaican tend to combine food elements and techniques which make their food interesting and exciting to eat.
Having a strong influence of people that colonized Jamaica, their food preference has become extraordinary to taste with. Jamaican spices have been the most sought out seasonings that modifies the cuisine into more outstanding taste and style. These spices and seasonings are usually added in breakfast, lunch, and dinner food. Common spices used in Jamaican cuisine are the following:
- Allspice (also called Jamaica pepper or pimiento leaves)
- Breadfruit
- Ackee
- Callaloo
- Nutmeg
- Sorrel or Roselle Plant
- Scotch Bonnet Pepper
- Tamarind
- Escallion
- Ginger
- Turmeric
- Thyme
- Bayleaf
- Annatto
- Garlic
- Coconut
- Coconut milk
- Onion
- Jackfruit
- Vinegar, Ketchup
- Sugar cane
- Jamaican Jerk Spice
These spices are grown in Jamaica, and they provide a distinct flavor to every Jamaican dishes. On the other hand, aside from having a unique blend of Jamaican spices, Jamaican foods have a special define dishes that can only be found in the island. Jamaica served spectacular meals with different styles and tastes. The typical traditional dishes and desserts in Jamaica becomes their trademark of having such an incomparable taste among all the islands in Caribbean.
- Ackee and Saltfish (Jamaican's national dish)
- Jamaican Jerk Chicken
- Curry goat and Curried Mutton
- Jamaican patties (beef, chicken, vegetarian, cheese, curry)
- Brown Stew Chicken, Brown Stew Beef
- Oxtail
- Saltfish with cabbage or Callaloo
- Steamed Fish
- Jamaican Spiced Bun
Traditional Desserts are:
- Fresh Mango
- Soursop Ice Cream
- Coconut Drops
- Banana Fritters
- Gizzada
- Sweet Potato Pudding
Above examples, only shows that the foods and spices in Jamaica are fresh and healthy to eat with. Even other countries and Caribbean islands were enticed with the uniqueness that the island could offer. People have always been tempted by the delicious and nutritious Jamaican dishes. Most people travel in Jamaica not only for the breathtaking beaches, and festivals they also visit the island because of food. It has been known that the Jamaican culture is very endearing and promising to others which give them lots of acknowledgment. Jamaican people have excelled in terms of festival, music, people, art, tradition, and most especially in terms of food and with this it is an achievement that everyone should be proud of.
