Being third of the largest island in the Caribbean in terms of size, there is actually a lot of great things to discover about the country of Jamaica--from its boasted scenic tourist destinations, wonderful people, and even up to its diverse natural resources, a single day will never be complete to talk about all the bunch of things that describes this island country. In fact, we will dedicate this whole article to one single aspect of Jamaica that deserves our attention as well. We will delve deeper on the country's culture and history by learning more about its tastebud delights: let's taste the goodness of Jamaican cuisine served first-hand.
To give you a quick trivia about the country's cuisine, do you know that western barbecue that suddenly turned out to be everybody's favorite originated from Jamaica? The country's first inhabitants, the Arawaks are the first people to roast meat and seafood using suspended forked sticks on a fire. The Arawaks call it 'barbacoa', right where the word 'barbecue' got its present name. Even the name of Jamaica itself is traced to its food history. As the Spaniards invaded the area, they call it 'Xaymaca' meaning the land of food and water. A huge part of Jamaica's gourmet at the present is a result of Spanish invasion, who brought considerable number of crops and animals that are now used as major elements of their cooking.
In general, Jamaican cuisine is both flavorful and healthy. It's because the herbs that are considered and proven to be medicinal are also the ones they use as basic seasonings to all their dishes. Examples of these spices we talk of are hot peppers, garlic, and ginger. Seafoods are also common elements for cooking since Jamaica is sorrounded by the rich waters of the Caribbean. If you're preparing your list of your preferred things to do in Jamaica, make sure you're not missing out in trying the following delicacies that are considered as Jamaica's best:
1. Jerk Chicken
Aside from being Jamaica's national dish, jerk chicken is also the best example of this country's dish incorporating various spices. These spices, composed of Scotch bonnet peppers, pimento, nutmeg, and cinnamon are mixed to form the flavoring that is then rubbed to the chicken or sometimes, pork. The flavored meat is then roasted over burning pimento wood for hours. Voila! The sweet and spicy taste of Jerk chicken is now ready to conquer your tastebuds. For best results, try it with bread.
2. Callaloo
Callaloo is a healthy leafy vegetable often served with almost everything in Jamican cuisine. You can see it in dishes served in breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and even in soups! In fact, the Jamaican pepper pot soup is regarded as the best way to serve callaloo. It is also often compared to the American spinach, but mind you, it is more nutritious and less bitter.
3. Ackee and Saltfish
Just like how fried eggs dominate much of our breakfast meals, Ackee and Saltfish reigns as the 'supreme' Jamaican style of breakfast. This recipe is composed of a salty codfish compensated by the sweetness of the Ackee fruit added with a spice of onions and peppers. Taken together, this breakfast dish will certainly boost your mornings.
4. Escoviche
Escoviche is a seafood dish prepared using a variety of edible sea creatures like kingfish and snapper. The seafoods are then marinated in vinegar and spices to bring out the freshest taste of the main elements in the platter. The longer the time of marination, the better the taste that you'll get.
