| The flavors of Jamaica are the product of the island's | | | | and domestic use. |
| history combined with a verdant, lush climate. The | | | | Few other cuisines mix such a range of spices and |
| Spanish, British, African and East Indian have all had | | | | tastes - sweet, hot and savory - as Jamaican |
| an influence over what is today a unique island cuisine | | | | cooking. Jamaican food wouldn't be the same without |
| made colorful by the many tropical fruits that thrive | | | | the spices, seasonings and colors from: Allspice, the |
| here. | | | | pimento berry. |
| The waters off Jamaica have always teemed with | | | | Among many of the spices grown in Jamaica are |
| fish and seafood is the primary protein source for | | | | nutmeg, ginger, thyme, scotch bonnet peppers, |
| islanders. Snapper, grouper, sea bass and other reef a | | | | which are integral distinct flavors of Jamaican cooking. |
| deep sea fish are caught daily by the many | | | | The pungent thyme grows rampantly on the island |
| fishermen whose boats line the beaches. Spiny | | | | and is found in the majority of Jamaican foods. |
| lobster, shrimp and freshwater crustaceans are | | | | Favourite Jamaican foods are those for coconut |
| readily available and cooked usually in a thick sauce. | | | | cake, rum punch & beef jerky recipies. |
| Chicken and goats are well suited to the small | | | | Real Jamaican food, when cooked with feeling, is a |
| mountainous island and are kept by many families but | | | | soul-satisfying experience. |
| cattle are rare and beef is not the predominant meat. | | | | For further tips and ideas for cooking great and |
| Many of Jamaica's fruits, including pineapple, mango, | | | | traditional food from around the world, visit Jamaican |
| banana and avocado were brought to the region by | | | | Recipes |
| slave traders and plantation owners experimenting | | | | This article was submitted by Jen Carter, owner of |
| with crops. What were once sugar cane fields are | | | | the World Recipes website. |
| now being used to grow fruits and ackee for export | | | | |