The amazing history of Jamaican jerk seasoning
Jamaican jerk seasoning is a wonderfully unique spice that is guaranteed to change the way you cook. It’s packed with beautiful flavours and is regularly used on meat, seafood, and vegetables to give a sweet but spicy taste. While every mix is slightly different, the usual ingredients consist of allspice, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, garlic, nutmeg, paprika, parsley, and thyme. The spice mix itself has a remarkable history and many creative ways in which it can be used.
The history of jerk seasoning
In 1655 the Spanish left Jamaica as the British invaded. A large number of Coromantee Africans (previously slaves to the Spanish) were left behind, and they used this as their opportunity to escape to the mountains and integrate with the Taíno people. It is believed that the ex-slaves learned the practice of jerked meat from the Taíno and in turn developed the style of Jamaican jerk seasoning.
They used to make meals together and would slow cook wild pigs over wood, utilising the marinade with spices and herbs in the same way we do today. Though the practice has been modified over the years, the taste and flavours still remain. Now, jerk seasoning and the style of cooking can be seen all over the world in some of the most popular restaurants.
What is Jamaican jerk seasoning good for?
This delicious blend of herbs and spices is extremely versatile. No matter what you choose to use it on your cooking will improve and the flavours will burst from the plate.
- Jerk chicken
- Prawns
- Jerk seasoning chicken lettuce wraps
- Fish
- Pork chops
- Air fryer chicken wings. Toss in jerk seasoning after it’s done cooking.
- Cauliflower – cover it with olive oil and rub this jerk seasoning over. Bake in the oven for perfection.