Jamaican Cuisine a Rich Heritage that is Jamaica

The early settlers that arrived in Jamaica from South America was the Arawak Indians, around 650 AD, and named the island Xaymaca or “land of wood and water.” The Arawak Indians peacefully lived on the island and the sea’s bounty.

In 1494, Jamaica, the Caribbean's third largest island, Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the New World, landed on this island for a visit.

The History of Jamaica is told by the motto which is "Out of Many, One People" and it is a saying that could equally be applied to Jamaica's food, and it is a history of Jamaica that is told by the food Jamaicans consume.

In the Caribbean, Jamaican cuisine is possibly the most delicious and diverse of the foods in the islands, with over 30 different food types to enjoy.

Jamaica's national dish is Ackee with salt fish which is prepared with the indigenous fruit called Ackee. As an ornamental tree only a few of islands grow ackee, and as a tree that bears edible fruit Jamaican's are the only people that look at it as a food. Bright red in color ackee fruit when ripe will burst open and reveal a bright yellow flesh with large black seeds. As a Jamaican breakfast food the flesh is very popular, although if this fruit is eaten before it becomes mature is it poisonous, and never open an ackee pod, it will open by itself when it becomes safe to eat.

Jamaican cuisine has many influences around the world, although it is simple and addictive, and something that one cannot pass up, the food is a combination of the various ethnic and cultural backgrounds that make this food so very delicious.

Jamaican food is long on flavor and variety with a tendency to very hot like the Jerk Chicken and Pork that visitors would receive from the roadside Jerk huts. The term jerk from Jamaican Jerk History is said to come from the word charqui and jerk also derives from a blend of cultures that are part of Jamaica's unique history. The food is highly spiced and the main seasonings are allspice known as " pimento".  Although, Jamaican food is best known for its famous jerk seasoning.

The Indian and Chinese cultures influenced the food in Jamaica in many ways. The food of Jamaica is very healthy which includes food with plenty of natural and unprocessed food items, quite different, and understandably so, than what one might find in more northern countries

The Jamaican food, language, religion, their arts are influenced by the various nationalities that make up their culture, and this island has scenic beauty which inspires the Jamaican people.

The product of a rich heritage that is Jamaican cuisine. There have been many cultures influencing their food giving it a very unique taste, flavor and aroma which attracts many travelers to the country.  The food in Jamaica is one of the best reasons to visit the island, and is a wonderful discovery for most travelers, and is a true calling card for Jamaica.