Many people are pleasantly surprised when they first  have a Caribbean Dish.   The tastes are brilliant.   Favourite meals such as Curry Goat, Rice & Peas, Plantain, Fried Chicken, Jerk Chicken,  Roti and Patties are welcome varieties to the  typical British dining table.   Even additions such as Coleslaw, Potato Salad, or Green Salad, are given special touches which make them rise above the supermarket varieties.    

Talk about extra with the seasonings - that's  Caribbean Cuisine.      The thought of just putting chicken to cook without any seasoning, or just using salt and pepper would send us stir crazy.    After washing the meat 5  times, then using vinegar or lemon to wash further,   then a long list of seasoning is added.   There was a news report last year, about an agency recommending that we do not wash meat before cooking it.   I can just imagine the looks of all the Caribbean mothers when they heard that.   It only takes a look......

The long list of seasonings used in Caribbean Cuisine can  include  any of the following (and more). Allspice (pimento), annatto seeds, bay leaves, black pepper, chives, chilies,  cilantro, cinnamon bark, coconut, cooking butter, curry powder, garlic, ginger, lemon, mace, nutmeg, onion, oregano,   scotch bonnet peppers, sugar, thyme, coconut, lime, orange, skellion,  tamarind, tomato paste, vanilla, white pepper,  

Caribbean Food  is not generally hot - though some dishes are.   Jerk seasoning is hot,  but if used sparingly, you can give the spicy flavour without the dish being too pepper.   Most  Caribbeans do cook moderately, then add hot pepper sauce to the table, so that adults can spice up the food even more.   Some have been known to take a bottle of hot pepper sauce with them when they are going out to eat.   Some use it like kids use tomato ketchup.   Ketchup on everything for some kids - the same for some adults.  Pepper on everything. 

A few dishes  are designed to be eaten as accompaniments - ie with something else, for they would be quite bland on their own.   Like eating a plate of white rice on its own.     Give someone a plate of sliced boiled yam, and they will wonder what the fuss is about.    Serve it with a well-seasoned fish or meat dish, then you have a meal.   

It can be safely assumed that you will like some Caribbean dishes  and others not.  There is something for everybody.    Who does not like fried plantains,  or a pattie, a crab  salad,  or guinness punch?     I can only encourage you to taste and see.   

Caribbean Foods which are widely available in supermarkets tend to be fruit and vegetables, such as mangoes, coconut, melons, pinapples, papaya, ginger and  sweet potatoes.   Various condiments such as hot pepper sauces and seasonings are also frequently seen on the supermarket shelves.    

The variety of Drinks available is well worth an afternoon tasting session, both the soft drinks and punches, in addition to the alcoholic offerings are delightful.  

We at Caribbean Food Emporium would like to encourage you to:

• Have more Caribbean Food and Drinks   

• Regularly support your local Caribbean Food Restaurant or Take Away.      

• Request it from your favourite establishments.    

• Tell your supermarket you want a good selection of Caribbean Food, in addition to Indian, Chinese, Italian, English, Jewish, Mexican.

(C)   D. Grant   February 2002