17 Most Misunderstood Facts About Caribbean Cooking

Caribbean Cooking is popular, but it is often misunderstood. People assimilate it with other cuisines or many different foods or assume things that aren’t true. If you want to become a connoisseur of this cuisine or are just curious to learn more to cook it, these are the things that you need to know.

1. Caribbean cooking is a melting pot of influences from every culture that has visited the islands.
2. Caribbean food isn’t ALL spicy. They do like their seasonings and jerk is very popular, but there are plenty of sweets and savory dishes without spice, too.
3. Caribbean cuisine is actually really healthy because it’s rarely fried and uses little to no oil or butter.
4. Seafood is a popular choice for Caribbean residents, with conch being among the delicacies.
5. The secret to their healthy cooking and delicious flavor is the advance marinating process with a blend of herbs and spices.
6. Coconut milk is almost always the magic ingredient in several Caribbean dishes from grains, to sauces and desserts.
7. This cuisine includes tons of fruits and vegetables, as the islands are native to a wide variety of species.
8. Caribbean cuisine is most similar to African and Creole cuisine.
9. While bananas and plantains might look alike, their taste, texture, and uses in cooking are completely different.
10. Caribbeans use a variety of spices and seasonings to create variations in flavor.
11. Grilling is a popular way of cooking.
12. Spanish food also had a huge influence on Caribbean cuisine.
13. Chain restaurants serving “Caribbean cuisine” typically have very Americanized versions of the cuisine.
14. Caribbean cuisine also has a lot in common with many Southern cuisines.
15. Barbecue and roasting are the preferred cooking methods for most cuisine.
16. Despite the tropical climate, Caribbean cuisine includes a lot of soups and stews.
17. Papaya can be found everywhere, so it’s featured in a number of dishes.

Caribbean Cooking is easy! Here are a few Caribbean Dishes you may want to try today!

Black Mushroom Rice (Riz Djon-Djon)

Rice with Djon Djon is best enjoyed with Creole Chicken, Chicken with Cashews, a seafood dish or simple a roasted meat.

Ackee and Saltfish

Ackee and Saltfish, a delicious dish from Jamaica usually served as breakfast or dinner alongside breadfruit, hard dough bread,dumplings, fried plantain, or boiled green bananas.

Sweet Polenta

Sweet Polenta or Mais Douce is made with fine cornmeal, milk, spices and extract.

Sources:

https://www.globalchange.gov/browse/educators/wildlife-wildlands-toolkit/eco-regions/caribbean