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History of the Pardner system in Jamaica

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  When you think of Jamaican culture , vibrant reggae music, Usain Bolt's sprinting prowess, and the rhythmic beat of dancehall often come to mind. While these elements are undeniably central and rooted deeply in the island's African heritage, Jamaica's cultural tapestry is far more complex and richly woven than many realize. It's a true global mosaic, shaped by centuries of diverse influences. Today, we're diving into a fascinating, often overlooked, chapter: the significant legacy of Indian immigrants. The Arrival: Indian Indentured Labourers in Jamaica (1845) The year 1845 marked a pivotal moment in Jamaica's demographic and cultural evolution. With the abolition of slavery creating a labour shortage, a new wave of immigrants began arriving on the island – indentured servants from India. These individuals, often fleeing poverty and famine in their homeland, embarked on a arduous journey seeking new opportunities in the Caribbean. They arrived with their hopes...

Jamaican June Plum & Carrot Juice

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 This June plum and carrot juice is a match made in heaven! June plums are known for their tart, slightly sweet taste, and when combined with the earthy sweetness of carrots, they create a wonderfully balanced and refreshing beverage. This recipe is perfect for a hot day or as a unique drink to share with friends and family. I've found that using four June plums to twelve carrots gives a perfect balance where the June plum flavour doesn't overpower the carrot, allowing both to shine. Ready to make your own? Let's get to it! Ingredients 12 medium carrots , washed and peeled 4 June plums , washed and scraped 1-inch piece of ginger , washed and diced Juice of 1 small lime Granulated sugar , to taste Water Instructions Step 1: Prep Your Fruits and Veggies Wash the June plums. You can either peel them or just scrape the skin, whichever you prefer. Carefully cut the flesh from the seed. Next, wash and peel the carrots and dice them into smaller pieces. Do the same for the ginge...

How to Roast Breadfruit on the Stove Top: A True Taste of Jamaica

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  How to Roast Breadfruit on the Stove Top: A True Taste of Jamaica Breadfruit is more than just a staple in Jamaican cuisine—it’s a taste of tradition, culture, and comfort all rolled into one. While many people enjoy it boiled, roasting breadfruit brings out a wonderfully nutty, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with ackee and saltfish, curried chicken, or simply a sprinkle of salt. Today, I’ll take you step by step through roasting yellow-flesh breadfruit on the stove top, the Jamaican way.  Choosing the Perfect Breadfruit In Jamaica, breadfruit, also called bresha , comes in two main varieties: White-flesh: Soft and ideal for boiling. Yellow-flesh: Slightly firmer and perfect for roasting. For this guide, I used a Portland Parish yellow-flesh breadfruit. Its sweet aroma and firm texture make it ideal for roasting, giving it a golden, tender interior and slightly caramelized crust. Preparing the Breadfruit Start by removing the stem and placing the breadfru...