Jamaica is a sovereign nation that is located in the Caribbean islands. What was once
the home of the Taino natives has now become a melting pot of cultures. The combination, of
European, Native, Indian, Asian, And African culture all blend together to create the unique
cuisine of this country. The main staple of Jamaican is jerk chicken. This entree is prepared
using a unique spice rub comprised of a combination of spices and herbs that constantly
changes an time progresses in Jamaican culture. The main component is allspice. The allspice
is referred to as pimienta in Jamaica. The Chicken is marinated in this spice rub. The rub can
be wet or dry, it depends on the region it is being cooked in. The “jerking” technique is
actually derived from a smoking technique used by the West Africans for many years
beforehand.
A popular sauce used in Jamaican cuisine wold be the curry blend unique tho this
country. The curry sauce is derived from the Indian cultural influence brought on by
immigrants from India. Allspice was combined with cinnamon, cardamom, coriander, pepper,
salt and turmeric to create a fragrant, sauce that is used primarily for stewing goat meat.
Jamaican Cuisine is a melting pot of spices, herbs, and techniques. For example, curried
goat uses Indian spice blends and African stewing techniques. The allspice, or Jamaican
Pimento as it is called by locals, was discovered by Christopher Columbus. This was the first
encounter that the natives with outsiders in Jamaica. What Columbus found was that the
allspice was dried and then used in foods that the natives consumed
Jamaica actually provides most of the worlds supply of allspice. The name allspice is
derived from the fact that its flavor profile is that of a combination of cloves, cinnamon, and
nutmeg. The allspice corn is actually a dried berry referred to as the Jamaican pimienta. This
name came from the days of Christopher Columbus and his journey to the new world. He was
searching for pepper, because he had never seen real pepper himself before. Seeing the
allspice, he brought it back to Spain and deemed it with the name “pimienta” which is the
Spanish word for pepper.
Allspice has been found to be used as a medical remedy in certain parts of the world.
Allspice berries are 4 percent oil in composition. The oil is extracted from the berry and is then
bottled for sale. 3 drops on a tooth in pain can relieve toothache in humans. Ground allspice
can be made into a paste by mixing it with a small amount of water. When this paste is applied
to a sore part of the body, it can relieve muscle aches and pains also.
Introduction
I am 50 percent Jamaican by