Jamaican Cookery

  For a long time in Jamaica, chicken back was the ultimate "budget" meat. It was the reliable protein that could stretch a pot of soup or a plate of brown stew for a whole family without breaking the bank. But prices are changing fast, and the way we buy it is changing too. What is Chicken Back? If you aren't from the Caribbean, you might be wondering exactly what this cut is. Chicken back is the bird's dorsal region—the part of the chicken that remains once the breasts, wings, and legs have been removed. It is a bony cut, but in Jamaican cuisine, it is prized for its high fat content and marrow, which creates a rich, silky gravy that you just can't get from a chicken breast. It is the secret ingredient for the best Jamaican pumpkin soup and "seasoned rice." The Rise of "Hand-Cut" A few years ago, the Best Dressed Chicken company changed the game with hand-cut chicken back . This isn't the machine-separated, tiny, s...

How to Make Gut Healthy Ginger Bug (Natural Soda Starter) Many of us in Jamaica grew up with homemade Ginger Beer. Today, I want to share something a little different: The Ginger Bug. While a Ginger Bug isn't a traditional part of our culture, it is a game-changer for anyone who loves fermented drinks. It is a natural starter made from wild yeast and "good" bacteria. Not only does it make your homemade sodas fizzy and sharp, but it’s also a powerful prebiotic that is amazing for your gut health! Why You Need a Ginger Bug Unlike commercial sodas, a drink made with a ginger bug is alive. It populates your gut with beneficial bacteria. Plus, it gives you total control over the sugar—I like mine "dry" (not too sweet), and this method is perfect for that. Ingredients Fresh Ginger: Use organic if possible. Granulated Sugar: To feed the yeast. Filtered Water: Very important! Chlorine in tap water can kill the wi...

This Jamaican-style Cockles Soup recipe is a coastal favorite, combining fresh seafood with hearty ground provisions and aromatic Caribbean spices. Often enjoyed for its rich flavor and energizing properties, this soup is a true taste of the island. Jamaican Cockles Soup Prep time: 30 mins | Cook time: 45 mins | Servings: 3-4 Ingredients Seafood: 2-3 lbs fresh cockles (in shell) Ground Provisions: 1 cup pumpkin (chopped), 1 large carrot (sliced), 2 Irish potatoes (cubed), 1 medium coco (chopped) Aromatics & Spices: 4 cloves garlic (crushed), 6-8 pimento seeds (allspice), 2 stalks scallion, 3 sprigs fresh thyme, 1 whole Scotch Bonnet pepper Soup Base: 1 packet spicy cock soup mix (e.g., Grace or Maggi) Dumplings (Spinners): 1 cup all-purpose flour, pinch of salt, approx. 1/3 cup water Instructions 1. Clean the Cockle...

  How to Identify the Real Jamaican Scotch Bonnet Pepper At the market, you have to be sharp. Many vendors will mix different peppers together in one heap and sell them all as Scotch Bonnet , tricking those who don't know the difference. If you want that authentic, fruity Jamaican flavor in your cooking, you have to know what to look for. The Real Scotch Bonnet The genuine Jamaican Scotch Bonnet has a very specific look: The Shape : It is squashed and compressed, with four distinct lobes. The Name : It gets its name because it looks like a "bonnet" or a traditional "tam" hat worn on a man’s head. The Bottom : The most important giveaway is the flat or slightly indented bottom . The Flavor : This deep, crinkled shape is where that unique, smoky, and fruity flavor hides. The Imposter: The Habanero Often, you will find Habaneros mixed into the pile. While they are also hot, they lack the true Scotch Bonnet flavor profile...

  Homemade Aloe Vera, Turmeric & Ginger Tonic, a natural blend for digestion, immunity, and energy This recipe is inspired by the traditional use of Jamaican "Sinkle Bible" (Aloe Vera), ginger, and turmeric to help soothe the body and boost the immune system. Important Disclaimer I am not a medical doctor. The information provided in this recipe is based on what was discussed in the video and my own personal research. Do not attempt to diagnose yourself; always seek professional medical advice from a qualified doctor before starting any new herbal remedy. Ingredients 2 oz Fresh Turmeric 1 oz Fresh Ginger 1 leaf Sinkle Bible (Aloe Vera) — approximately one small leaf’s worth of gel 1 cup Water (adjust based on the size of your ingredients) Instructions Prep the Roots: Wash the...

Real Jamaican Pepper Ginger: The Fiery Gold Standard of the Caribbean If you’ve ever walked through a Jamaican market, you’ve likely seen two types of ginger. One is large, smooth, and pretty usually imported. The other is smaller, rugged, and full of "toes." In Jamaica, we call this local variety Pepper Ginger , and for anyone who knows authentic Jamaican cooking, there is simply no substitute. Why We Call It "Pepper Ginger" We call it pepper ginger because of its fiery, natural spice. Unlike the mild, watery taste of foreign ginger, the Jamaican variety has a high concentration of gingerol. When you use it, it gives you that signature "burn" at the back of the throat. It isn’t just a flavor; it’s a heat that warms your whole system and acts as a natural tonic. Traditional Uses in the Jamaican Kitchen Growing up, ginger was a staple for more than just tea. While it’s popular globally now, traditionally in Jamaica, we primarily used...

JUMP TO RECIPE Traditional Jamaican Cherry Drink Prep: 15 mins Yields: 1 Jug No-Blender Method This authentic 90s-style recipe avoids the blender to keep the drink safe and traditional. The fiery "Pepper Ginger" provides that medicinal "burn" that perfectly balances the tart Barbados cherries. INGREDIENTS 2 lbs Barbados Cherries (West Indian Cherries) 1 Piece Jamaican "Pepper Ginger" (Authentic local variety) 4-6 Cups Filtered Water Granulated Sugar (to taste) Ice Fresh Barbados Cherries - $250/lb from the market VIDEO TUTORIAL INSTRUCTIONS Prepare the Cherries: Wash 2 lbs of cherries. Cover with 4–6 cups of water in a large bowl. The Traditional Crush: Squeeze the cherries by hand until the water is deep red. Do not blend —this prevents seed toxins from entering the drink. Add the "Pepper": Grate the J...

Traditional Jamaican Fried Parrot Fish (Good Friday Style) In Jamaica, Good Friday is traditionally a day for fish. While it is enjoyed throughout the entire Easter season, Good Friday specifically calls for fried fish often served for dinner with festivals, "chips" (fries), or even slices of Easter bun . During this time, popular dinner fish like Snapper, Jack, and Parrot reach peak demand, with prices often rising to $1,600 per pound in the market or $1,300 at the seaside. Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 20 mins | Yields: 2–4 servings Ingredients Fish: 2 lbs. "Sleepy" Parrot Fish (or Pink Parrot) Acid: Vinegar (for washing) Seasoning: Salt Black pepper All-purpose seasoning (optional, for ...