History Of Jamaican Food
Jamaica is said to have over thirty different food types and they all reflects something from the arrival of the different people and their cultures on the island. The diversity of these dishes is reflected in the cuisine that you will enjoy when you sample any of the Jamaican food.
Some of these foods have an interesting history and it’s quite fascinating to learn about their heritage and there uses today.
The Breadfruit
This was introduced to the island by Captain Bligh in 1793, it was said to be about three hundred and fifty of these trees that was planted in Kingston and other parishes. This was intended to provide food for the slaves, but was mostly used to feed the pigs. Many years later it got popular and was used to make puddings, wines, drinks, chips, flour and in salads.
Most of the breadfruit tree can be utilized to make some things as the blossoms make some tasty preserves, wines and jams. Today, breadfruit can be used in place of rice, vegetable and pasta if there is a shortage. There are many ways to prepare it such as fried, baked, boiled, grilled, roasted or in beverages.
Ginger
This was introduced to Jamaica by the Spanish in the year 1527 and is said to be originally form the orient. The best gingers to be found in the world is said to come from this island. Ginger is a popular ingredient in puddings, sweets, sorrel drink and it makes the best ginger beer you will ever taste.
Scotch Bonnet Peppers
This can be found in Jamaica and most of the other Caribbean islands and is said to be apart of the chili pepper family; which is of the habaňero species. When you visit the island and taste the hot spicy flavor, this is from these same scotch bonnet peppers. It is said to be identical to the habaňero which can be used as a substitute, but the scotch bonnet flavor is very distinct.
When cooking with this pepper you have to be very careful not to get the seeds and the membrane as this is where the heat is located; but if you leave out this section it should be edible. You will find these peppers in a variety of colors when ripe such as red, orange, mahogany or yellow. Most of the popular sauces that you find in Jamaica has this pepper in the ingredient, for example the jerk seasonings. This will add the real spice to any cooking, hot and spicy!
Pimento
This is a popular ingredient in the Jamaican cuisine; it is also referred to as allspice. You will find this spice growing in the Western Hemisphere, but the best ones are said to be found on this island because the climate is just right for the berries that it produced. The Tainos that were on the island used it to preserve and cure their meats.
The popular cooking for the Tainos was to slow cook over fire and the wood that would be used was the pimento wood. Today, pimento is an ingredient for the jerk as the wood, leaves and the seeds add to the special flavor of the jerk and its seasonings. It is used in many other Jamaican dishes as most people add it to almost everything when cooking; it is also used in dessert, pickling, vegetables, sauces and meats.
Rum
The very popular spirit that is loved by many, rum is a by product of the sugar cane. It was said to be in the Caribbean from the 17th century, but was perfected on this island in the 18th century. There are many varieties that can be found in Jamaica than anywhere else in the world; it is used as an ingredient in many beverages as well as dessert. Rum is sometimes used for medicinal purpose and in some of the rituals, to appease the spirits.
Most of the Jamaican foods have a rich history behind it, but as with anything it is the variety and flavor that the people add which make it unique.