7 staple foods you need to keep in your Caribbean pantry

A well-stocked pantry is like a treasure chest. We store our favorites snacks, cookies, chocolate, cooking sauces, gourmet oils, etc. We keep staple foods that help us prepare nutritious meals for ourselves and our family. 

What is the definition of staple food?

Staple foods are foods that we consider invaluable in our kitchen. These types of foods have multiples uses and are seldom bought in bulk because of their low prices. Staple foods such as rice and beans help us create several recipes that are invaluable in the kitchen.

The difference between kitchen pantries around the world

Staple food’s definition is simple and is the same everywhere. These foods can be stored easily throughout the year, are nutritious, and are easy to find.

There isn’t much difference between kitchen pantries around the world. The difference may be, for example, the type of rice or the type of beans as well as in the way the food is prepared.

Foods you need to keep in your Caribbean pantry

A pantry concept is to store food supplies and essential ingredients you need to prepare your homemade food.

Here’s a list of the most common foods found in a Caribbean pantry.

Rice is the most widely consumed staple food for a large part of the world’s human population. There are many rice varieties, and the recipes vary from sweet, salty, and savory dishes.

Beans are high in protein, carbohydrates, folate, and iron. and can be cooked in many different ways.

Bulgur Wheat is a minimally processed grain, a good source of manganese, magnesium, iron, and fiber. Cracked Bulgur Wheat is an excellent substitute for rice dishes.

Cornmeal is made from ground yellow corn, contains a good amount of carbohydrates and iron. It is sold in different textures, fine, coarse, and flour forms.

Flour is a powder ground made from grains. It is an excellent protein, vitamins, fiber, carbohydrates, and low fat and cholesterol.

Oatmeal is a coarse flour made of hulled oat grains (groats) that have either been milled (ground) or steel-cut—a great source of essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.

Olive Oil is the natural oil extracted from olives, the fruit of the olive tree. Olive Oil contains a large number of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

One important we need to remember is that not all Caribbean pantries are the same. You will find most of the common food above on a shopping list.

Recipes Ideas to try

• Wild Rice Pilaf with Snap Peas and Almonds
• Easy 16 Beans and Ham Soup Recipe
• Easy Bulgur Wheat Ground Turkey Meatballs with Mango Sauce
• Cornmeal and Langoustines Spoon Appetizers
• Easy Skillet Flatbreads
• Haitian Oatmeal

The Caribbean Pantry is somewhat similar to many other cultures’ pantries. You will find the essentials, the regulars, and the use-as-needed basis ingredients. The recipes and flavors of the Caribbean are unmistakable. Fresh herbs and spices are common ingredients used in recipes. The main goal is to create a budget and budgeting goals to keep your grocery cost manageable.