T
ASTY RADITIONS
OUT OF MENU,ONE PEOPLE
DANECKA MCKENZIE
DIG INTO THE JAMAICAN CULTURE
MENU Author’s Note ....................................................................................................................... 7 Foreword ............................................................................................................................. 9 Acknowledgements ...............................................................................................................11 Introduction .........................................................................................................................13 Chapter 1:
Never see? Come see! ‘corrie’...........................................................................14 Outdoor Cooking ......................................................................................... 18 Musical Scarecrows ........................................................................................20
Chapter 2:
One Stop Driva ............................................................................................. 22
Chapter 3:
Chef Say ........................................................................................................ 26
Chapter 4:
Once Upot A time ......................................................................................... 32 Taste Di History ............................................................................................ 34 Story Time with Miss Joy .............................................................................. 36
Chapter 5:
Nyamming and jamming ...............................................................................38 Hellshire Beach:yuh affi reach ....................................................................... 40
Chapter 6:
Did You Know .............................................................................................. 42
Conslusion ........................................................................................................................... 44 Bibliography .........................................................................................................................47
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AU T H O R ’ S
N OT E
This book was written to create a sense of national pride through exploring the authenticity of the Jamaican food culture. Jamaican food is something that goes beyond the tastebuds, it’s a way of life for many and so this book will take you on a journey through the ingrained food culture that exist. I believe that if you read this book you will definitely understand what it means to be Jamaican. It is my hope that readers will immerse themselves into experiencing the many food traditions that exist across the island. The chapters are intended to take the reader on a mental trip throughout the Jamaican culture and give insights on how the food and traditions are innately linked. Danecka Mckenzie April 2018
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FOREWORD The popular term Y.O.L.O which means ‘you only live once’ is one that is sung on the lips of many youth. However, you only live your true life when you have identified where you were then to your present location. “Food has to do with how we live and is not just an object that we ingest”-(Dholakia, 2013). We learn the traditions and practices of the past in order to appreciate and make sense of the present state of somewhere or something. This book was written in an effort to enhance and promote the traditional Jamaican food culture through the exploration of its authenticity and roots. The purpose of TASTY TRADITIONS is to develop Jamaica’s cultural brand- ‘Brand Jamaica Food’. This book is a guide to understanding the traditional food culture that existed years ago and aims at being used as a cultural preservation tool in showcasing the island’s ingrained food journey. TASTY TRADITIONS acts as a time machine as it teleports its readers to a Jamaica that has not yet experienced modernity or globalization. It takes you to the unravelling streets of Coronation Market and makes stops to the outdoor kitchens that are integral components of the Jamaican food culture. Readers get to meet Miss Joy who will take you down memory lane to growing up in Jamaica in the 1960’s. Keep an open mind and get ready to experience the TASTY TRADITIONS of Jamaica. Danecka Mckenzie April 2018
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT To my advisor Mr. Melville Cooke, who believed in my idea every step of the way; Thank you for the advice, the encouraging words and your overall guidance. To Monique Leslie, who was my driving force throughout the creation of this book, my proof reader, my encourager and my biggest supporter along the journey, I cannot thank you enough. To Kimberley Boyd, Ashley Jones and Johnnoy Powell: Thank you for your assistance in producing some of the photographs used in my book; contributed photographs were credited accordingly. To Kaneil Wisdom, who gave me many creative directions to take, Thank you for your assistance in the creative studio. To Mark Mcfarlane, who urgently provided his camera equipment at my request, thank you for being generous. To Chassidy Robertson, my friend who continuously gave me advice on the visual elements of my book, Thank you. To Aladden Love, who shared her book writing experience with me, proof read and urgently responded to my every request, Thank you for helping me along this journey. To Noel Cunningham, who was very cooperative; thank you for not only agreeing to be interviewed but also providing me with some pictures of your delectable cuisines.
Danecka Mckenzie April 2018
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INTRODUCTION
T
he Jamaican cuisine that exists is a representation of the island’s rich historical practices and happenings. The Island’s food boasts with its exquisite mixture of cultures. It has been influenced by the many inhabitants of the island thus the national motto “OUT OF MANY, ONE PEOPLE”.
It is posited by Price (2012), that the first set of people to occupy the Jamaican soil were
the Tainos, it is said that this group prepared food on charcoal. After the Tainos, were the Spaniards; this group brought with them a unique blend of seasons including vinegar and hot pepper. The British then came along and took with them sweet treats such as puddings and introduced ‘Pot Roast.’ The final set of people that came and added to the food culture were the Africans, they introduced famous one-pot meals and also utilized the practices of the previous people who came. To experience Jamaica is to experience the thrilling and unique characteristics that come along with brand Jamaica food. Jamaican food surpasses consuming the delectable meals; it speaks volumes and boldly reveals how Jamaicans live their daily lives. The culture of food that is linked to Jamaica fosters great excitement and continues to unite people from all over the world. Nevertheless, this traditional food culture is often times overlooked which can be threatening to the Island’s extensive culture. In an effort to preserve this vital ingredient of the rich tasting Jamaican culture, there needs to be vast educating and promoting of the brand.
‘BRAND JAMAICAN FOOD’ HASHTAG (#BJF)
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CHAPTER ONE
O
Never see? Come see ‘Corrie’
ver the years with the emergence of civilization, there are many aspects of the Jamaican food culture that have never been experienced or known by many persons. The title of this chapter is a well known cultural proverb that is pronounced “neva si, come si” and means to not have known or experienced
something.
Kingston is the capital city of Jamaica.Throughout the streets of Downtown, Kingston persons should expect a festival of Food decorated with red tomatoes and yellow yam swimming across the busy grounds of the area. The market has a variety of foods on display from fresh herbs to juicy watermelons, accentuated with the patois echoed throughout the area. The scene brings life to the Coronation Market, the largest and most visited food market island wide. The Coronation Market is known to be one of the largest markets in the English speaking Caribbean. This market is more than just an area where persons buy and sell produce; It is a community of cultural ripeness. The Coronation Market is a very popular market place where Jamaican food can be seen and explored in its entirety. This market represents the diversity of the Jamaican culture not only through the display of food produce but also through the different accents, dress codes and the variety of different ethnicities that flood the area daily.
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The Coronation Market highlights hardworking men and women who wear the pride of the nation from the sweat that washes their faces. The observed face pelting grin plastered on the faces of men as they unload trucks, the hastiness of the steps of the women balancing baskets of goods on their heads and the hustle and bustle of the ‘cartmen’ steering wooden make shift carts, this is something you will never see anywhere else. THIS IS CORRIE. Many would certainly explain that this market place is the backbone of the Jamaican food culture. The experience that one receives as they walk on the grounds scarred with grits from the busyness of the area, the vibrancies of ‘Corrie’ will certainly beat your ear drums with the loud outburst of the indigenous Patois language that covers the air. The tropical nature of the area cools you with heavy winds as it lifts the dirt
Ta sty Tr ad itions | 17 from the farmers produce taken from the island’s very own fertile soil. The noises from different vendors trying to get your attention as they popularly shout. “OVA YAH SUH PRETTY LADY” “COME TEK A LOOK” This simply means that you should take a look at what they are offering. Be on the look out for hand cart men who are always moving quickly and noisily through the crowded areas, your foot might just pay the price. The Coronation Market popularly called ‘CORRIE’ is more than just a place people go to shop. It is the backbone of the country and a replica of the Jamaican history. During the eighteen centuries persons would go to the market as a form of entertainment as this was where their livelihoods came from. “WEN YAH GUH DUNG TOWN, NUH BADA DRESS UP DRESS UP, LEFF DAT ABROAD”. This is a warning that locals will often give as no one dresses fancy while traversing the area, this is a prime example of the uncensored culture of “Corrie”. The market flamboyantly showcases the cultural realness and togetherness of Jamaica through its attire. Nevertheless, this is a great environment to get a true display of the island’s culture and with the warm welcome and help from the vendors and farmers, you will be quickly on your way out smiling.
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OUTDOOR COOKING During a recent visit to the Coronation Market it was observed that Ras Iyah lived in the market and went on carrying out his daily household activities such as cooking. It is believed that the Jamaican history of cooking is very diverse. People who were considered to be in the lower strata of society (poor people) would cook outside because they were unable to afford the luxury of a kitchen. In the early 50’s and 60’s outdoor cooking was a popular phenomenon that was practiced by many Jamaicans.
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With Ras Iyah Outdoor cooking involves using a charcoal stove or adding wood to fire in an open area. This cooking procedure is a very important aspect of the traditional Jamaican culture and was known for keeping many families together. This way everyone was exposed to the habit of cooking as it was done in an open area. This method is also utilized when cooking for a large group of friends, families or both. The Outdoor cooking that is practiced in Jamaica is also known as “Run a boat�. It is very important to note that even though this cooking technique was exposed to the elements of the environment, it was prepared very hygienically and was a delicious end result. This is what you call a tasty tradition.
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MUSICAL SCARECROWS
F
armers all over the world know that hungry birds have always been a problem for their crops. Scarecrows are objects that farmers use to protect their crops by scaring away birds that will attack their produce. Scarecrows can be found all over the world as it is a well-known ancient technique. It is believed that Farmers have been creating scarecrows for more than
3000 years. Therefore, this is a well-known technique that is also utilized by Jamaican farmers.
Ta sty Tr ad itions | 21 Nevertheless, farmers can customize them and create their own definition of a scarecrow. The scarecrow that is displayed above was created by a farmer in the small town of Bounty Hall, Trelawny. The farmer is known as Winston ‘Toots’ Patterson, he has been farming since 1979 and enjoys his job. Winston is popular for many of the crops found in the Falmouth market including bananas which are guarded 24 hours by his scarecrows. The scarecrow that is displayed above was created by Mr Patterson who takes pride in constructing his man-made field securities. Community members explain that Mr. Patterson has a large field and uses scarecrows not only to ward off birds but also to scare thieves. It is believed that one of the crows was named off the popular disc jockey, Bob Clarke. It is further said that he created these scarecrows to imitate popular Jamaican music artiste and also to display a reflection of the culture. The scarecrow with the handbag visibly poses with the famous Jamaican Red Stripe Light beer with her waist decorated with CD’s. This is definitely a scene you will find nowhere else hence the reason for “Toots” being popularly known across the parish both by locals and tourists.
“Tourist people always pass and take pictures of it man, a big ting” explained Dwayne who is a tour guide at Braco adventures in Trelawny. It is said that in 1999 Winston was also featured on the island’s popular show called “Hill and gully ride”. Winston started to create scarecrows in an effort to prevent the victimization of his crops from birds but these crows are also being used as active culture agents. Mr. Patterson’s scarecrows are one of a kind; they celebrate the island in so many ways hence the reason they serve as a tourist attraction as Dwayne articulated. The usage of the CD’s emphasizes the richness in music that Jamaica possesses. These crows are in the fields protecting crops but they are also used as a tool for celebrating the overall culture of the people through music, drinking, farming or the creativity of the people. These crows are protecting the Jamaican culture and are fighting to preserve the traditional Jamaican food culture.
“The scarecrow with the handbag visibly poses with the famous Jamaican Red Stripe Light beer with her waist decorated with CD’s.”
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CHAPTER TWO
O N E S T O P D R I V A
J
amaica is a beautiful island comprised of incredible and unique geographical features. Persons tend to travel island wide in an effort to explore, entertain and extensively understand the country’s culture. On the journey it is always important to take rest stops or in this case “food stops”. “ONE STOP DRIVA” is a popularly used phrase that signals to the person around the steering wheel that you wish to stop at a location or you have reached your desired destination. There are many creative infrastructures that are used by Jamaicans to signal that you need
to take a stop and indulge in what they have to offer. These can range from food shops, jerk stops, mobile food units and many others. These food delights can be found island wide in every “Nukk and Cranny” of this food filled island. A food stop is always a good choice; it offers authenticity, creativity and diversity. These stops are expected to leave you smiling from the vast amount of entertainment that often comes with the experience.
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‘To experience Jamaica is to experience Brand Jamaican Food’ Remember to hash tag your experience at any of these stop points
#BJF
Photo by: Ashley Saige Jones
The most popular ‘food stop’ menus are very tasty and often includes Jamaican style jerk chicken, Jerk pork, Red peas soup, Manish water and also the jelly stand. Over the years places such as Melrose Hill and Fates Pen have been identified as one of the “must stop” regions because of their extraordinary preparation of jerk items and other tasty meals. These jerk items will definitely jerk your appetite leaving you wanting more, the experience is one of a kind and it’s a great way to interact and enjoy the beautiful island. These ‘food stops’ can be found while travelling towards the north and central regions of the island. In addition to this, persons travelling along the highway routes will definitely miss out on these experiences. It is quite evident that with the recent development of the high way, Fates Pen is left to have faith in only those that travel along the traditional route and vendors on Melrose hill are have rose in prayer for the return of ‘yam hill’ as it is popularly called. The highway was constructed to get people to and from the north-south regions quickly however the traditions of Fates Pen might quickly fade away. COULD IT BE THAT MODERNITY IS CRIPPLING AUTHENTICITY?
Ta sty Tr ad itions | 24 Small carts like these can be seen all around Jamaica. Here you are able to grab on the go, You can also have a five to ten minute stop and enjoy the cool, fresh and vibrant outdoor weather. They often sell snacks, cold beverages and let’s not forget ‘JELLY’.
Photo by: Kimberley Boyd
During your visit or stay in Jamaica, if you do not see a coconut or what we call “jelly” being sold, you should definitely ask yourself the question “Am I in Jamaica?” Jelly is a popular form of coconut that is often sold room temperature or cold. It really depends on your temperature preference. The fruit consists of delicious tasting water inside that Jamaicans say can wash your heart of all impurities. “Drink some jelly water and wash off your heart” is the popularly used phrase when conversing about the “Jelly”. These jelly or coconut vendors can be found island wide, they are very friendly and safe despite the sharp big knife that they often sport. The knife also referred to as a “Cut-lass” is solely for the purpose of chopping your jelly. So next time, remember to say “ONE STOP DRIVA” and get some jerk chicken or a taste of the refreshing jelly water.
Ta sty Tr ad itions | 25 There are so many things that are unique to our island; these include the diversity that comes with the food display and its presentation. Throughout your travelling experience across Jamaica you will not only observe attractive and colorful shops, Persons can also keep an eye out for those decently decorated food carts that are usually built on four wheels and fully mobile.
G R A B A J E L LY, B E M E R RY
WA S H O F F Y U H H E A RT !
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CHAPTER THREE
CHEF SEH
“
The best part of being a Jamaican chef overseas is that I get the opportunity to share my culture with others and everyone is fascinated to learn about the Jamaican culture.
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�
Authentic Jamaican food is very important to its people as it is a part of our culture
Image showing Mango Cheesecake prepared by Chef Noel
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MEET CHEF NOEL CUNNINGHAM
unique and diverse our food is and confessed “CHOOSE A JOB YOU LOVE, AND YOU that it is what keeps him going when he misses WILL NEVER HAVE TO WORK A DAY IN home. YOUR LIFE” (CONFUCIUS, 1982). Noel was motivated to become a chef from Mr. Noel Cunningham is a twenty-seven watching food network and creative cooking, year old who did not just hear this speech but he explained that he wanted to become just like listened and is now living by it. Noel started the chefs he saw on the television. It is safe to cooking at the tender age of twelve with the say that he did not become a version of those help of his mom in the kitchen. He further chefs but was instead transformed to meet his went on to study Food and Nutrition in High purpose of spreading the taste of Jamaican school then matriculated to the Runaway Bay food in such a way that the culture becomes HEART Institute where he graduated at age delicious to his clients. twenty. He then began his career, better yet his passion of cooking and is happy that he is “MY PASSION IS MAKING MY CLIENTS doing something that he loves. HAPPY THROUGH FOOD”- CHEF Today, Mr. Cunningham is a popular Jamaican chef living in Winnipeg, Canada. He is a major influence to many youth on various social media platforms and takes pleasure in sharing the Jamaican culture through food. “The best part of being a Jamaican chef overseas is that I get the opportunity to share my culture with others and everyone is fascinated to learn about the Jamaican culture.” .” Noel went on to explain that he often sees himself more like an ambassador for his country and describes this feeling as being “an unequivocal great feeling”. Authentic Jamaican food is very important to its people, chef Noel believes that it is even more important to those Jamaicans living abroad; he believes that it is what keeps them closer to home. Noel commemorates how
NOEL CUNNINGHAM Mr. Cunningham went on to reveal that “the diversity of the Jamaican food is what sets us apart, this is what makes our culture rich and why tourist keep coming back year after year for our food”. He describes the flavors of the food and our culture as being BOLD.
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Image showing Escovitch Fish And Bammy by Chef Noel Cunningham
Let’s face it; food customarily carries out its function of being swallowed if not for the creative beings that add flavor and style to it. The people who prepare food creates an experience, they create a ‘vybe’. They build an atmosphere where food is chewed and swallowed with eyes closed leaving a feeling of tasty joy and happiness, they leave fingers and mouths in an intimate gesture as food lovers try to make their taste buds dance to the tune created by a chef. This being said we should always appreciate Our island’s chefs who through their skills and expertise have managed to produce mouthwatering cuisines that journeys through our mouths and have touched the hearts of many. It is very evident that Jamaican food is a brand to be reckoned with and therefore this vital component of our culture needs to be preserved. This is effectively done through the educating of youths about the importance and vitality of the Food culture that exist in Jamaica. Additionally, this is done through the parental nurturing that first takes place in the kitchen or in the backyard; this is followed by the assistance from social institutions in order to promote this notion.
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Chef Noel Cunningham was exposed to cooking at a young age; this was introduced to him by his mom in their family kitchen. This is an example of how our authentic food culture will reach the next generation, the popular term “each one, teach one” is a prime example of what we are encouraged to live by. CHEF is a very powerful career that is not only characterized by cooking but this career is somewhat a culture agent that will transport the lifestyle of a people through food. In Jamaica, young persons are socialized to become doctors, lawyers, nurses and teachers, these youthful creative minds are often not encouraged to become chefs. I therefore encourage all chefs across Jamaica and those living abroad to never forget the authenticity that comes with the island’s food. Always remember to promote “BRAND JAMAICA FOOD” #BJF Locally and Internationally Many Jamaican chefs continue to wave the Black, Green and Gold emblem. These individuals have devoted their lives to producing great food which also promotes Jamaica.
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C - reating food H- elping others learn about the culture E - nhances knowledge of food each day F - eature a practice or technique unique to the Jamaican food culture.
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CHAPTER FOUR
S
tory telling has an overall major influence on the Jamaican culture. Nevertheless, this technique is used to pass on the beliefs and practices of ancestors and foreparents as it relates to food preparation, production and market life. Over the years, the telling of stories have served not only as a form of entertainment but also a form of cultural preservation.
The present food culture is very different from that which existed Twenty-Five years ago. The current food culture has been influenced by the power of Globalization and therefore the need for the “Once Upon A Time” phenomenon needs reinforcing as it is an integral component of the Jamaican culture. It is very important to understand that jamaican “Story time” goes back to the days of slavery. it however became very popular with the famous culture icon Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley also known as Miss Lou who was an ambassador for the Jamaican culture. Through her stories, poems and folklores that were done in the native language of Patois, it created a level of
Ta sty Tr ad itions | 33 acceptance and promotion for the language. It instilled a level of cultural pride in Jamaicans locally and internationally. Jamaica is flooded with elders who are eager to share the stories of how life was during their time and there exist many young persons who have not gotten the opportunity of growing up with these persons and so the need for “Once U’pot a time” is needed in an effort to promote Jamaica’s cultural brand. Story telling is a very important feature of our culture; this was practiced by our ancestors as a form of entertainment and spreading knowledge. These stories often include “anancy stories and bar talks and suss”. There are also many untold food stories that have added to the sweet taste of culture that now exist. The market was a place of freedom for our ancestors and usually this would be the venue for story time. The usage of riddles was often very popular as well; these are a form of game that involves questions and answers, this was a fun guessing game. Many a times we can become so engulfed by the direction society steers us in that we would head in the direction of the modern Supermarkets and restaurants and neglect the route to our traditional market places and cook shops. “Once Upot a time” tells the food story of Jamaica through the eyes of a market veteran. There are many market veterans that have dedicated their lives to selling Jamaican produce and have been embracing the rustic food culture and market life. It has also been observed how detached the upcoming generation is from these important aspects of the Jamaican culture. Get to know more about the culture through storytelling, riddles and even songs also known as folklores.
RIGGL E M I DIS! RIGGL E M I D AT?
Step 1: (The opening line) “riggle mi dis, riggle me dat, guess me dis riggle an paraps not” Step 2: ( The Riddle) “Pretty Miss nancy a go market, She tear har yellow gown and not a tailor in a town fi men’ it Step 3: ( Answer) “Ripe plantain”
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TASTE DI HISTORY
THE SUGAR C A N E S TO RY
Ta sty Tr ad itions | 35 The sugar industry played an integral role in the history of Jamaica. The sugar cane industry started in the early 16th century when the Spanish was in control of the island. Around 1509 sugar cane was shipped from Haiti to Jamaica. The sugar industry was a large scale production business and so it required large amount of workers or laborers.
Image showing sugar cane field in Wakefield District,Trelawny that had been burned before harvesting.
Danny McLaren, A resident of the Wakefield district in St Thomas explained thoroughly that farmers in the area burn cane fields as seen in the image above in order to make it easier during harvest. He explained that farmers in the area do not have the necessary machinery to get the job done hence they establish creative ideas that work. Mr. McLaren further revealed that the fire reveals the stalk of the Sugar cane and eliminates the excess areas that are not needed at the time of harvesting. It is believed that this way farmers save more while doing less work.
The introduction of Sugar cultivation has scarred many Jamaicans as this was where slavery started. It is believed that slaves were taken from the coast of West Africa to work as slaves on the sugar plantations island wide. Jamaica was the main sugar producing island as its soil was rich and fertile. In the 17th and 18th centuries the British took control of the island, Under British rule Jamaica became the major producer and leading exporter of sugar in the world. Today sugar cane is still grown in Jamaica, however it is not as large scale as it was during the 17th and 18th centuries.
“My forebears refused to cut the sugar cane for plantation owners, I am recognisably a product of that backgroud� -Diane Abbott
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STORY TIME WITH MISS JOY
“After a hectic Friday work,we would sleep over in the market place. Our beds were the very stalls we used to sell the produce.” -Joy
Ta sty Tr ad itions | 37 My name is Rhoda McIntosh, in my younger years people referred to me as “Joy”, maybe because I use to laugh a lot. I grew up in the parish of St Thomas in a small rural town called Georgia district. The main form of employment at that time was farming. I lived with my four sisters and my mom Esmeline Gwendolyn Blanch Bentley *laughs*, yes ‘maam’ name is long. I had no brother. My mom is the most hardworking lady I’ve ever known; she was a Higgler by profession. For those of you who may not know who a Higgler is, a Higgler is somebody that buys and sells goods for a living, same person you call a vendor or market person. Once Upon a time, I was about twelve years old at the time in the year of 1965. I remember me and my four sisters would prepare our mother’s goods from Thursday in order to meet the market truck bright and early on a Friday morning. I had to get up as early as 4:00a.m and sit outside my house along with the other persons who were going to the Coronation market as well. As the truck slowly arrived in the morning dew, you would see men, women and children in the back covered in blankets. Some asleep, some willingly jumping off to help us in getting our goods onboard the truck. As I hopped in, I would briskly hold my seat in the nearest available corner and throw my blanket across me in order to catch up on some more sleep and to prepare for the hectic day ahead. We would arrive in Downtown Kingston by 8:00a.m. As soon as the Truck made its destination stop at the Coronation Market, we would get off and grab our goods. Here marked the start of the day. My mom sold sweet potato, dasheen, green banana, scallion and thyme, carrot, turnip, chocho, beet root and many other ground provisions. My sisters and I would also help our mom with selling; all the kids would help their parents selling. We did not play until it was time to go home. After a hectic Fridays work we would sleep over in the market place. Our beds were the very stalls we used to sell the produce. Saturdays were the most busy market days and this was one of the reasons we stayed overnight so we could get up and catch the early morning sales. We would not go back home until Saturday evening when all our goods were finished. When we were finished selling, my mom would shop for the house and us as well. Nevertheless I did not go to the market every Friday but whenever I stayed home I would get up the same time as if I was going to the market. My chores included going to the bush, looking for wood and feeding the cows and goats.
Today I’m happy for my “Corrie” experience; it taught me how to be determined and hardworking. I’m now 65 years old, past employee of the Jamaica Constabulary force where i served for twenty-one years. I am a Proud Jamaican and also a proud retired Police officer.
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CHAPTER FIVE
E
ntertainment is an integral contributing factor to the Jamaican culture. The way of life of Jamaicans is often characterized as being high-energy, Fun and what they would call “FULLA VYBZ”. It is extensively observed across the island that in the presence of entertainment, inevitably Food has to be at that venue. Therefore, over the years there has been the fusion of food in the Entertainment component of the Island’s Culture.
There are many “FULLA VYBZ” gatherings that Jamaicans part take in annually. These may include a party, a ‘set up’ for a deceased loved one or even just a simple friendly reunion. In modern Jamaica persons are exposed to many food events, these events can range from being a party or a festival on the beach eating ‘festivals’.
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NYAMMING AND JAMMING: A JAMAICAN TING
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HELLSHIRE BEACH “YUH AFFI REACH”
H
ellshire beach is one of the most frequented areas whenever persons are seeking to have a good time eating fish and sea food surrounded by the beautiful blue Caribbean Sea and entertainment.
and festivals are just a few of the delectable meals that are found onshore the vibrant beach. A white sandy beach engulfed with the sweet beat of Reggae music, this experience will definitely make your day thrilling. Nyamming and jamming to the rhythm of this beach ‘vybz’ will make everyone ‘irie’.
Hellshire Beach is also called ‘Hellshire’ and is usually a thirty minute drive from Kingston City. It is a public beach that is large The Hellshire beach can be visited if you are enough for everyone to have their very own seeking to ‘nyam&jam’ on a budget, families private space except for public holidays and and friends are welcomed every day of the weekends. week. The beach is flooded with activities, Y O U A R E A L S O I N V I T E D TO entertainment and how can one forget? Food! Peppered shrimp, Escovitch fish, raw oysters M A K E A S TO P !
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CHAPTER SIX
DID YO U K N OW ?
Ta sty Tr ad itions | 43 1. Plantain These can be eaten green or ripe and is often fried or boiled. Plantains are usually served as side dishes. They are usually eaten for breakfast and served as a side at dinner time. 2. Bammy Made from cassava bread, its the staple food of the Tainos, Jamaica’s original inhabitants.The bammy can be eaten as is or it can be soaked in milk then drained and fried in hot fat. 3. Curry Goat A rich stew of Goat’s flesh seasoned with curry and Jamaican spices. This is often served with green bananas or white rice. 4. Festival This is a cork shaped dumpling made from flour and cornmeal and fried. It is often served with fish. 5. Jerk A unique way of preserving and cooking food, which involves the method of rubbing meats with a spicy seasoning mix then cooking it over a slow wood fire.
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CONCLUSION
T
he Jamaican culture is very diverse, energetic and surrounded by a rich history. Over the years, food has been a contributing factor of the culture that now exists. It has joined many together and has played its part in building a unique brand for the country. There are many traditional
food practices and beliefs that have contributed significantly to the Jamaican culture. Over the years with the emergence of globalization and technology persons have neglected the traditional components of Jamaican food culture. The food culture that is present in Jamaica plays a great role in adding depth to the wider culture of the people. In Jamaica, food acts as a culture agent based on its diversity and uniqueness. The culture of food is observed from the preparation of the food on the farms, the transportation of them to the market places and is also visible in the preparation of the food. There exist many untold food stories, practices and creativity that complement the sweet taste of culture. The traditional aspect of the food culture in Jamaica is somehow deteriorating and therefore it needs to be promoted and preserved for the next generation.
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LICK YUH FINGA!
OUT OF MENU,ONE PEOPLE
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BIBLIOGRAPHY Dholakia, H. (2013).Food: A Universal Language that brings cultures together. Retrieved November 20, 2017, From https://the4forks.wordpress.com/2013/07/09/food-a-universallanguage-that-brings-cultures-together/ Higman, B. W. (2008). Jamaican Food: History, Biology, Culture. University of West Indies Press, volume 1:12-13, Pp 580. Montanari, M. (2006). Food is Culture. Retrieved November 23, 2017, From https://foodanthro.com/book-reviews/review-food-is-culture/ Price, B. (2012).Cultural Awareness.In H.Valrie(Ed.),Team Jamaica Handbook(pp.35-38). Kingston,jamaica:Tourism Product Developement Company Ltd. Rothman, L.(2010) Jamaica: Learning the Secrets of Authentic Jerk Chicken. Retrieved October 29, 2017, From http://www.foodbycountry.com/Germany-to-Japan/Jamaica.html#ixzz4uSy1jC4a Tropical Sun Foods. (2008, August 21). Dutch Pot [digital image]. Retrieved from https:// tropicalsunfoods.com/products/dutch-pot Vacation rest memories of a lifetime. (2012, March 07). country of reggae[digital image]. Retrieved from http://www.vacationrests.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/7.jpg Zili,X.(2017) The differences of Chinese and Western Food Cultures.Retrieved December 01, 2017, From http://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.cllc.20170201.12.pdf
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Tasty Traditions acts as a time machine as it teleports its readers to a Jamaica that has not yet experienced modernity or globalization. The Jamaican culture is very diverse and unique and this book aims at preserving the traditional food culture of Jamaica. BRAND JAMAICA FOOD #BJF
“Tasty Traditions is a must read, if you love Jamaican food and culture and want to experience Jamaica on a real cultural and uncensored level then this is definitely a go to.� - Shepoy Mckenzie