Jerk Seasoning: Authentic Caribbean Flavour

History

Jerk plays a crucial role in the culinary history of Jamaica. Studies show that when the Maroons escaped from the British to live in the mountains, they would use a variety of spices and herbs to season and cook wild game.

If you speak with a Jamaican about Jerk, he or she will highlight that various types of meat are coated in spices and slowly cooked over a fire consisting of pimento wood positioned over burning coals. The smoke emitting from the burning coal enhances flavour of the meats prepared such as chicken, beef, pork, goat, boar, seafood, and vegetables.

Ingredients

The necessary aspects of some of the ingredients that Jerk seasoning include are aromatics, sweet and savoury spices, heat, sugar, seasoning and herbs.

1. Aromatics involves the use of powered onion and garlic.

2. Heat- This term describes cayenne pepper and red chili flakes.

3. Sugar- Brown sugar is needed so that the seasoning is sweet.

4. Spices- Another ingredient is spice which consists of nutmeg, smoked paprika and cinnamon.

5. Herbs- Herbs in the form of dried parsley and thyme.

Advantages:

• Jerk seasoning contains minerals including iron, calcium and magnesium. Eugenol is an oil found in allspice (dried aromatic fruit of a Caribbean tree, used whole or ground as a culinary spice). It contains antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties.

• Capsaicin: The traditional pepper in Jerk seasoning is scotch bonnet and is the reason for the heat in Jerk seasoning.

• The thyme is a source of vitamin C and has smaller amounts of a few B vitamins such as B-2 and B-6. The allspice in Jerk seasoning provides vitamin C. Green onions are another staple ingredient in Jerk seasoning blends and are rich in vitamin A.

Simple Dishes to Add Jerk Seasoning

Now that you have understood the benefits and some ingredients found in Jerk sauce. You may add it to some simple dishes. Mix it with scrambled eggs and add toast. Additionally, you may mix the seasoning with mayonnaise when making a sandwich, or enhance your tuna sandwich with some Jerk-It-UP to add a little more flavour. Replace the traditional ketchup when mixing with fries and use Jerk seasoning instead.

Jerk seasoning was made from the innovative thinking of our ancestors. It has added value to our lives by switching our palate from the mundane and giving us culinary experiences that we cannot forget. Barbados Jack Jerk-It-UP is guaranteed to add that zest and flavour to your favourite dishes for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

For more information, visit our website at www.barbadosjack.com or call 888-235-1045.

Disclaimer: The information provided on our website is only for informational purposes.