Jamaicans are a unique people with unique tastes. They won't eat certain animals and it's hard for them to try new stuff. Here are some facts about Jamaicans eating habits:
- Jamaicans eat eel but will not eat a snake
- Jamaicans will never eat alligator meat (unless they have lived off the island for a while)
- They do not eat snails
- They do not eat frogs
- They do not eat their meat rear
- Only Jamaicans from a certain class or back ground will eat raw sushi.
We like our meats dark and a bit overcooked. Red meats should be stewed or roasted until well done and very tender. No rear or medium rear meats. Jamaicans love a lot of spice and flavourings on their meats to mask the meaty taste, you know how some people love a steak with just salt and pepper, you would never get a real Jamaican to eat that unless they have lived abroad for a while.
Here is a list of Jamaican herbs and spices that are used every day:
- onion
- scallion
- thyme
- scotch bonnet pepper
- pimento
- garlic
- French thyme
- Nutmeg
- Ginger root
- Chillies (bird pepper. They are the mini version of the chilli pepper and very hot)
- Bay Leaves
- Pepper elder
- Cinnamon
- Rosemary
In recent years other herbs have been added to the list but these were brought into the Island by other people not indigenous to the Island.
- Basil
- Leek
- Chives
- Coriander leaves
- Parsley
- Dill
- Coriander seeds
- Cumin
- Cloves
