Caribbean and Jamaican Spices and Seasonings

Exuberant, dynamic, hot and colourful: all sum up the cuisine of the Caribbean Islands.

Each island’s cooking is distinct, shaped from the cuisines of the many countries that have fought over and influenced these tropical paradises.

Caribbean cooking tends to be quite spicy due to the use of native Scotch Bonnet chillies, which are also known as Caribbean red peppers. They are ever present in hot sauces, stews and curries, giving them their unique flavour.

However, the most internationally famous Caribbean spice is the legendary Jerk seasoning, which is used as a rub for meat or fish prior to barbecuing and in marinades. Jerk spice is often referred to as Jamaican Jerk seasoning, but is enjoyed throughout the Caribbean on jerked meat often cooked over hot coals in steel drums.

Different islands have developed different Caribbean spice blends, all with their own history. An example of this is Poudre de Colombo curry powder, which originated from the Sri Lankan workers in the sugar plantations of the French West Indies. To reflect these variations, Seasoned Pioneers offer a range of Caribbean spices and rubs, all ensuring an authentic result to your Caribbean cooking.

Jamaican spices include Allspice berries, also known as pimento, the dried berry of the Jamaican pepper tree or Pimento tree. Allspice berries have a peppery mix of flavours with notes of clove, nutmeg and cinnamon. Allspice berries are used as a condiment and with vegetables such as yams and plaintains. For a taste of Jamaican spices in the UK, try roasting sweet potatoes tossed in a little oil and sprinkled with crushed Allspice berries, salt and pepper.

As an aperitif to all this wonderful and sunny Caribbean cuisine, be sure to try the traditional Caribbean Christmas chilled punch drink, Caribbean Sorrel Rum, which can be enjoyed at any time of the year!
Should you need any further information about Caribbean cooking and Caribbean spices, do get in contact and we’ll do our best to help you!