Top 10 Foods in the Caribbean: A Culinary Journey

The Caribbean is renowned for its vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and, most notably, its diverse and flavorful cuisine. Each island boasts its unique culinary traditions, but there are some dishes that have become synonymous with Caribbean food culture. At the heart of many of these dishes is the use of freshly blended green seasonings, which bring a burst of flavour and aroma, making Caribbean food truly irresistible. Here, we explore the top 10 foods in the Caribbean and highlight the role of these green seasonings.

1. Jerk Chicken

Originating from Jamaica, jerk chicken is a fiery dish marinated in a mixture of spices and herbs, including allspice, scotch bonnet peppers, and green seasonings. The green seasonings, typically made from chives, garlic, thyme, and cilantro, infuse the chicken with a fresh, aromatic flavour that complements its smoky, spicy character.

2. Curry Goat

A staple in many Caribbean islands, curry goat is a rich, hearty dish. The goat meat is marinated in a blend of curry powder and green seasonings before being slow-cooked to tender perfection. The fresh herbs and spices enhance the depth of flavour, making this dish a favourite for special occasions.

3. Roti

Roti is a popular flatbread often served with curried meats and vegetables. The key to its deliciousness lies in the accompanying fillings, which are often seasoned with a blend of green seasonings, adding a fresh, herby taste to the rich curries.

4. Ackee and Saltfish

Jamaica’s national dish, ackee and saltfish, combines the buttery texture of ackee fruit with salted cod. The dish is sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and green seasonings, which add a fresh, vibrant flavour to the hearty breakfast staple.

5. Pelau

Pelau is a one-pot dish from Trinidad and Tobago made with rice, pigeon peas, meat (usually chicken), and vegetables. Green seasonings are integral to the dish, infusing the rice and meat with a rich, aromatic taste that is both comforting and satisfying.

6. Conch Fritters

A popular Bahamian snack, conch fritters are made from conch meat mixed with a batter of flour, peppers, and green seasonings. These fritters are deep-fried to golden perfection, with the green seasonings adding a burst of fresh flavour to the crispy exterior.

7. Callaloo

Callaloo is a leafy green vegetable dish, often compared to spinach. It’s cooked with okra, coconut milk, and green seasonings, which enhance its natural flavour and add a refreshing, herbal note to the dish.

8. Escovitch Fish

Escovitch fish is a popular Jamaican dish where fish is marinated and fried, then topped with a spicy vinegar-based dressing made from onions, carrots, peppers, and green seasonings. This combination creates a tangy, fresh taste that complements the crispy fish.

9. Pepperpot

Originating from Guyana, pepperpot is a slow-cooked stew made with meat, cassareep (a special sauce made from cassava), and green seasonings. The fresh herbs and spices meld with the rich sauce, creating a complex and deeply satisfying flavour.

10. Rice and Peas

A ubiquitous side dish in the Caribbean, rice and peas is made with rice, pigeon peas (or kidney beans), coconut milk, and green seasonings. The fresh herbs and spices elevate this simple dish, making it a perfect accompaniment to many Caribbean main courses.

Freshly Blended Green Seasonings

In Caribbean cuisine, freshly blended green seasonings are the unsung heroes. These seasonings, typically made from a combination of fresh chive, garlic, thyme, pimento, ginger, celery, and cilantro, are used to marinate meats, season stews, and add a burst of flavour to almost every dish. The fresh ingredients ensure that the seasonings are vibrant and aromatic, providing the distinctive taste that makes Caribbean food so beloved around the world.

Cooking Tips

Seasoning in layers by adding salt and seasonings at different stages in cooking process
Incorporating fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or parsley at the end of cooking adds a burst of freshness and brightens up the entire dish.
A splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon or lime can balance and enhance the natural flavours of a dish.
Toasting spices and nuts in a dry pan before adding them to your recipes can intensify their flavors and add a new dimension of taste.
Allowing ingredients like onions, meat, and even vegetables to brown in the pan creates a rich, complex flavor foundation

Flavour Quote

Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.

This quote, though its exact origin is debated, is often used to emphasize the importance of eating well and using natural ingredients, like herbs, to promote health. It reflects the ancient belief in the healing powers of food and the idea that what we eat can have a profound impact on our health and well-being.