Jamaican Cookery

Before Hurricane Melissa In Jamaica, green bananas have always been an affordable and essential staple. Before Hurricane Melissa hit on October 28, 2025, prices were very reasonable. In many markets, green bananas started at $200 per dozen . Sometimes it was even cheaper to buy a small bunch instead of a dozen, especially for large families. A small bunch with about three hands of bananas could cost around $500 , usually giving more than a dozen bananas. Many Jamaicans preferred buying them this way because it stretched the food budget further. After the Hurricane Since the hurricane, prices have risen sharply. The hand of bananas shown in the photo above is more than a dozen and costs $1000 . Even though more bananas are returning to markets, many higglers are still reluctant to lower the price. Green Banana in Jamaican Cuisine Green bananas are not just fruit in Jamaica, they are a true staple in Jamaican cooking . One of the most famous breakfast dishes is boiled ...

  The finished product: perfectly moist and ready to serve with rice or in a wrap Jamaican-Style Shredded Chicken (Recipe Card) Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes Servings: 4 Ingredients For simmering the chicken 2 lb. chicken, cut into 4 pieces 2 scallions, chopped 1 small onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, crushed 2 sprigs thyme 1 hot pepper ½ tsp salt Water (enough to cover chicken) For frying the shredded chicken ½ onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 sweet pepper, chopped 1 hot pepper, chopped (optional) ½ tsp Maggi All Purpose seasoning ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning ¼ tsp black pepper 1–2 tbsp ketchup 1 tbsp cooking oil Instructions Add chicken to a pot with scallion, onion, garlic, thyme, hot pepper, salt, and enough water to cover the chicken. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Do not boil hard. Simmer for about 50 minutes , or until the chicken is tender. ...