Jamaica Recipes

The original native inhabitants of Jamaica were the Arawaks who were primarily farmers that grew potatoes, peppers, peanuts, corn, beans, corn, papayas and guava. Being surrounded by water, the fruit of land was combined with fish. They roasted seafood on grates hung from sticks over a fire. Many believe this was the origin of the American styles of barbecue.

Columbus and his Spaniards invaded this island in 1492 and introduced sugar cane, limes, lemons, coconuts, pigs, goats and cattle. Subsequently they brought African slaves to toil the fields and provide free labor. The slaves brought a tropical tree called "ackee" from which its fruit is the national fruit of Jamaica. They also brought okra, and peas. Later, East Indians migrated to the island and contributed the flavors of curry, other spices and rice.

During its history, the food of Jamaica became as diverse as its Native, European and Asian cultures. The evolution of cooking food, recipes and flavoring styles became unique to the Caribbean Island that eventually became known as Jamaica.

A popular Jamaican dish is Ackee Fruit mixed with Saltfish. Other Jamaican recipes include curried chicken and goat. And of course, the most renown recipes of Jamaica include "Jerky" spice rub and marinade which is comprised of allspice, nutmeg, thyme, Scotch bonnet chili peppers and varied individually preferred flavors to create a "sweet and fiery" mixture.

Jerk sauce is used as a rub or applied to chicken, goat, pork and fish which is barbecued and smoked over low heat to a well-charred appearance. Jamaicans typically prefer well done meat.

Try a popular Jamaican recipe.

Recipe For Jerk Sauce
Ackee With Salt Fish
Chicken Curry Jamaica
Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Jamaican Pea Rice
Jamaican Beef Patty