Do You Really Know All About Jamaican FOOD???

Tasty Jamaican Patty

Jamaican food is all about fusion, spice and fun. It’s about eating well and having a good time with people you care about. That’s the island tradition, and it’s just as alive today as it was throughout history when Jamaica’s unique food story was developing.

While Jamaican fare and Caribbean food in general has a reputation for being hot and spicy, it can be many things. Thoroughly seasoned, well cooked and displayed in a beautiful manor.

The cooking techniques, spices and influences of Jamaica’s people form the basis of Jamaican food, but British, Spanish, Indian, African and even Chinese inhabitants of the country have all left their mark on Jamaica’s tasty fare.

In fact, if you try to look up Jamaican food online, you’ll find many different kinds of offerings, depending on whose writing the recipe or offering the products. It’s no wonder that Caribbean food stores both online and off stock such a wide variety of Jamaican food products.

Even the new crops introduced onto the island from tropical lands in Southeast Asia play a role in defining today’s Jamaican food. The county’s own unique tropical fruits and plentiful seafood further identify Jamaican food and today’s Jamaican food products.

Getting to know Jamaican food gets you in touch with an amazingly diverse and interesting culture.

Expand your horizons by enjoying saltfish, fried dumplings or even fried plantains — which taste and look like their close cousins, the banana. Even steamed cabbage is a Caribbean food.

Simple and highly seasoned rice and peas is another Jamaican favorite. So are fruit juice drinks and yes, even Jamaican rum has a fan or two.

Have you tried curried goat?

You may not have, but it’s more likely you’ve had jerk chicken, another specialty from Jamaica.

If you look around at Jamaican food online sites, you’ll see lots of talk about Jamaican patties — hardy, full-meal meat turnovers that are somewhat like a differently seasoned Mexican empanada. Its fun to make your own, but you can also order them over the Internet and have them shipped overnight from Caribbean food shops.

When it’s time for dessert, try some potato pudding, a spiced-coconut gizzada tart, some grater cake, a banana fritter or a couple of coconut drops. They’re all traditional Jamaican sweets that are just as enjoyable as they sound.

Jamaican food has gained understanding and high regard around the globe, this is due to many Jamaican’s relocating to different parts of the world.

Considering how tasty Jamaican food, with its highly seasoned fare and worldwide influences is, it’s not surprising that this food has found its way around the world. It’s good food from good people.

Guest Editor: Janice howdidyoucookthat.com

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Win a Delicious Caribbean Hamper TODAY!!!

Want to win a delicious Caribbean hamper…YES…well then it’s SIMPLE “smiles”.

Tune into let’s talk with Sonia Brown on Playvybz.com today between 4.00pm-6.00pm.

 Simply text the show on 07934 540 302 or call in on 07866 100 766 and let Sonia know what YOU think, about transforming lives through the power of mentoring. You will automatically be in for a chance to win this tasty hamper…so what are you waiting for…tune into Playvbz.com TODAY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also be sure to catch inspiring interviews with leading business women Joy Nichols MBE, international success psychologists Kath Temple and Catapult Confederates founder Anneesh Elizabeth.

Psss: All these talented women on one station, and the chance to win a fab gift basket you’d be mad to miss this!

 

She Inspired Her Blog “Hearts” Tee’s Caribbean Recipe Kits!!!

BIG thank you to Crystal over at She Inspired Her for the great review of some our products (Sarsaparilla, Corn bread and Caribbean Luxury Gift Hamper ) it was truly an honor.

In case you did not see the review you can take a sneak peek below or visit sheinspiredher.com where you can read it in full, and get all the latest news regarding women in business, wealth, health and PR services.

“The site is extremely easy to use and understand and browsing and ordering couldn’t be easier” – Crystal Sheinspiredher.com

 

Why Caribbean food should be part of a heart-healthy diet

Image via Wikipedia

Enjoying the flavors of the Caribbean doesn’t require a trip to the islands, but it may be one of the smartest health choices you can make.  Caribbean recipes feature many items that are known to have nutritional and health benefits, and there is no shortage of flavors in this food!

Thanks to internet retailers, buying Caribbean groceries online makes it easy to recreate the delicious cultural mix that makes island food so delicious.

Some people may have heard of the DASH diet (dietary approaches to stop hypertension), which is full of beans, fish, vegetables, and fruit.  Fish is well known for it’s ability to protect against heart disease by providing a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids.  Many Caribbean recipes such as escovitch, fritters and soup feature fish, which is abundant in island nations.  Beans are another food with important health benefits- varieties such as gungo, kidney and blackeye have been shown to reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and even lower blood sugar in diabetics.  Caribbean recipes are also well known for the rich, spicy flavors that people love, but did you know that spicy food can actually improve your metabolism and suppress your appetite?  Do a quick search for Caribbean food online and you will see that many dishes are spicy and feature fish, vegetables, and fruit that all offer numerous health benefits.

When shopping for Caribbean  groceries, you will see that there are many places that offer fruits and vegetables in various forms that are made for use in Caribbean recipes.  West Indian groceries are full of health benefits- for example, a single guava fruit is lower in calories than an apple but is packed with vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.  Another fruit that you will run across when shopping for Caribbean groceries online is the mango.

Popular in a number of Caribbean recipes, mangoes provide vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

The history of Caribbean recipes is as diverse as the culture of these islands.  The original tribes that inhabited the islands, the Arawaks and Carib, ate diets rich in locally caught fish, native fruits, and vegetables.  When European travelers and slaves from West Africa reached the islands, they brought with them wheat, onions, garlic, beef, okra, callaloo, and mangoes, among other foods.  When you read about Caribbean food online, you will see that it is made with strong influences from all of these cultures.  The good thing for those hoping to try a Caribbean diet is that many West Indian groceries can now be purchased online from stores such as Tee’s Caribbean recipe kits.

When you buy Caribbean groceries online, spices and sauces are the most important things to look for.  You will want to look for curry powder, pimento, ginger, cinnamon, annatto, jerk sauce and flavorsome marinades.  You will also want to read about Caribbean cooking techniques, which are a mixture of cultural influences just like the food.

So now you know how healthy Caribbean food is, what tasty dishes will you be cooking in your kitchen???

Editor Rohan – West Indian groceries online

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Is There Really a Remedy to Avoid Crying Whilst Chopping Onions?

Chopping Onions…tears…me…NEVER!

I put a metal spoon (dipped side) on my tongue, and chop away (and I’ll let you in on a lil secret), till this day not one tear.

It’s quite amazing how a small innocent looking vegetable that is used to flavor so many dishes, can have such a powerful effect on our eyes (and nose for some).

Just one slice of an onion can send even the bravest of souls, running from the kitchen to the bathroom, to wash their hands and face because the Scent is just so strong.

So I guess my question is, is there really a remedy that prevents our eyes from watering when cutting onions?

Are all those remedies we hear about such as hold a wooden matchstick between your teeth,  use a sharp knife, hold a piece of bread in your mouth etc just plain ole wives tales?

What do you think…

 

Editor Sherene – West Indian groceries online

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A New Look for Tee’s Caribbean Recipe Kits?

For those of you who logged on to Tee’s Caribbean recipe kits and thought, “woooah” yes guys…we have given the store a bit of a new look.
You spoke and we listened you said you wanted more variety, information etc and we got to work on it (and them some).

Over the last few weeks we have been adding, adjusting, preening and the result… a new look store that we hope all our loyal and soon to be customers will love.

We have added more information to the site, so you can really indulge and find out about all things Caribbean. We have also added more social networking options, so if you see something in the store you or a friend might like, you can like it via facebook icons (located throughout the site).

We’ve also put our new arrival items on the home page of the store, so once you visit us you can see in an instant what products have just arrived!

And the piste de resistance….wait for it…..yes guys we have now added an entertainment area to the site!!!!!

So for those of you who want to feed your Classic reggae addictions (think Bob Marley, toots and the Maytals) or those of you who want more up to date stuff like Movado, Vybz Kartel, Beenie man we have a wide variety in store.

So be sure to browse the store regularly,as we will be constantly adding to this exciting new range.

“Phew” Now how’s that for a new look store… “Smiles”
 

 

 

 

 

Editor Sherene – Jamaican & Caribbean groceries online in the UK

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Why Ochi Rios, Montego Bay and Negril Are the the Top Three Resorts In Jamaica

Image via Wikipedia

If you’re looking for a beautiful island paradise, rugged and vibrant, where people of all nations speak with one tongue and the smell of Caribbean food wafts on the refreshing trade winds, travel to Jamaica.

The northern resorts of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, and the western resort of Negril enjoy a year round tropical climate, with the mountains providing protection from the worst of the wind and rain.

Montego Bay:
Affectionately tagged MoBay, Jamaica’s second largest city is the ideal way to settle into the Jamaican groove. Travel to Jamaica and join fellow travellers as they revel in the fun vibe at the ‘Hip Strip’ (Gloucester Avenue). You can eat, drink and dance the night away at Margaritaville, famous for its water slides, or soak up some live music at the Blue Beat jazz bar or down on Doctor’s Cave beach. Jamaica’s motto is ‘out of many, one people’, and nowhere is this more apparent than Montego Bay, where friendly locals and tourists get down and party side by side.

When the sun comes up, you can book the morning pirate cruise, if you dare, taking to the seas in a breathtaking 70 foot schooner as you learn about the exploits of infamous Calico Jack and his lady pirates. And no visit to Montego Bay would be complete without a trip back in time to the 19th Century splendour of Greenwood Great House.

You can order quality Jamaican food online but for the authentic Caribbean food experience, follow the giddying scent of pimento to one of the plentiful street-side jerk stands, where you can gorge yourself on aromatic jerk chicken or beef. Perhaps you would prefer to sample a home-made beef pattie, an ice-cold ‘Red Stripe‘ in your hand. Whatever your taste, local and international food is everywhere in Jamaica.

Negril:
Driving southwest from Montego Bay, you will pass the enchanting ruins of sugar estates, as you head towards the legendary seven-mile beach at Negril. Here, on the western tip of the island you can indulge yourself by staying in the luxurious resort hotels on the north side or booking a room in one of the smaller cliff hotels on the south side. Wherever you stay, a trip to the spectacular cliffs will certainly be on your agenda, perhaps to watch the exhilarating cliff-jumping displays, while listening to live reggae at Rick’s Cafe. At the end of the day you won’t want to miss one of the world’s great natural wonders – the legendary Negril sunset.

Ocho Rios:
From deep rocky gorges to crashing waterfalls, stunning Ocho Rios is definitely worth a visit. Let an experienced local guide take you up the impressive Dunn’s River falls, where crystal waters crash 600 feet below you, before exiting via the colour and bustle of a local market.

Whether it’s for the balmy climate, relaxed vibe, thumping reggae beat or mouth-watering Caribbean food, there are so many reasons to travel to Jamaica.

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On its way… treasures from JAMAICA!!!

 
Hope you enjoyed my thoughts and guide to Jamaica, I had to share as I just returned from a very exciting trip to the island.

Stay posted… over the next few days, I am going to be sharing some great slices of life In J.A (Jamaica).

Plus I’ll be showing you just how and where those juicy ackee’s, mangoes and banana’s are grown before they reach U.K shores!

Stay close you won’t want to miss this!!

 

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My Guide To Jamaica Jamaica!!!

Jamaica the land of wood,   water and gold medals “Smiles”

I know we all hear the negative reports, but the beauty, warmness of the people, culture and vybz makes Jamaica one of the top go to islands in the Caribbean.

As such I thought I’d indulge you with a little bit of history about this, greatly loved Carib island.    

Jamaica lies East of the Atlantic Ocean and is about 90 miles south of Cuba, and almost directly east of the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico.

Tourism is the largest segment in Jamaica’s economy, but the rest of the economy is surprisingly diverse too. There are many different types of light manufacturing, service industries and locally popular consumer products that are manufactured on the island some of which include rum, paper; food etc.

Jamaica is also the fifth largest producer of bauxite (the stuff aluminum comes from).

The climate in Jamaica is (as most people expect) hot and humid, but the island is fairly diverse, and there are some parts of the country (Inland regions and mountains) that are cooler than others.

One of Jamaica’s most well known exports to the world is reggae music!!
This stemmed from the musical contributions from reggae legend (who is now deceased) Bob Marley.

Although Bob Marley died many years ago, the music genre is as alive today as ever. Artists such as Vybz Kartel, Movado, Ioctane, Tarus Riley (To name a few) still keep people listening, buying and dancing to reggae music into the early hours of the morning all over the world.

Jamaica is an island that is made up of many different people. People from other cultures pass through or settle on the island, and this has had an undeniably positive effect on Jamaica’s cuisine.

A few popular Jamaican dishes include ackee and salt fish (the island’s national dish) Jerk Chicken, Curry Goat, Curried Mutton, Jamaican patties (made with beef, chicken, cheese, curry or vegetables), Brown Stew Chicken, Oxtail, Steamed Fish too name a few…

Delicious Jamaican cuisine is created using ingredients such as:
Allspice, black pepper, coconut, coconut milk, green bananas, ginger, pigeon peas, plantains, jerk spice, yams, garlic, salt beef, thyme, oxtail, passion fruit, ketchup, onion, browning sauce, green banana, kidney beans, tamarind, acerola, lima beans, jackfruit, pineapple, cho cho and scotch bonnet peppers. These are just a few of the ingredients that are used in Jamaican cooking….and most of these ingredients are grown locally.

For people who visit Jamaica, the food is often the most enjoyable part of the trip, as locally grown produce taste much fresher, sweeter and retains more nutrients.

Caribbean food is very colorful and Jamaican food is no exception. So it’s not surprising that wherever you find Jamaican communities (across the world), you also find Jamaican food stores. There are even online Jamaican food sites, that sell Jamaican foods, supplies and spices.

So there you have it Jamaica has it all sun, luscious beaches, reggae, good food (rum), and great people so when are you booking your Jamaican getaway???

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The flavors of the Island hit U.K SHORES!!!

One of my favorite time of year has to be spring/summer WHY (you may ask), the sheer amount of food festivals that take place J.

This year is no exception, as a Taste of London and the Caribbean food festival kick things off.

Taste of London
When: 16^th – 19^th June 2011 between 12pm-5.00pm

Where: Regents Park

Cost: Ticket prices range from £23.50 – £99.25

What you can expect: A fun pack day fuelled with food tasting, cooking demonstrations and nibblettes to take home from Islands such as  St Lucia, Jamaica, Barbados, St Kitts, St Vincent and the grenadines, the British virgin islands, Cayman islands and Trinidad and Tobago.  

For more information visit: http://www.tastefestivals.com/london/default.aspx

Caribbean Food Festival

When: 3^rd June 2011

Where:
Birmingham International Food Festival
Victoria Square
Birmingham
B1 1BD

Cost: FREE

What you can expect: Food tasting aplenty starting with blue mountain coffee, jerk chicken, salmon in mango, Caribbean lamb curry, peppery bean salad plus much much more.

There will also be an array of mouth watering dishes you can buy.

Entertainment will be provided by Caribbean folk singers, dancers and a live steel band, there will also be a performance from UK’s finest Beverly Knight.

For more information call: 07717 610511

Author Sherene – Jamaican food online

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