Caribbean Autumn Smith, Carolyn Dickson, Gracie Light, and Tiffany Kronmiller
Feb 24, 2016
Caribbean
Autumn Smith, Carolyn Dickson, Gracie Light, and Tiffany Kronmiller
Climate: Tropical, Moderate
-Wet Season from May –
December
-Dry for rest of year
Geography: Varying
-Some islands have flat, non-volcanic terrain
-Others have large mountain ranges
Array of fruits
• Right off tree as snack• Used in variety of
sweet/savory dishes
Fig
Papaya
Mango
Many fruits are unfamiliar to people who have not traveled to the Caribbean.
Breadfruit
Tamarind
Ugli
Naseberry
Soursop
Cherimoya
Monstera
Array of veggies
& legumes
OkraYam
Yuca
Callaloo
Chayote
Red Beans
Pigeon Peas Black Beans
Poultry: popular, most economical meat
Beef & Pork: common
Goat & Lamb: some use
SeafoodSea Urchin
Conch
-cakes, dumplings, bread & rice puddings, flan, souffle, mousse, sherbets
-use fresh & dried fruits, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, avocado
Sugarcane
• Caribbean Imports • Most imports come from the United States• Over 800 million dollars worth • US Agricultural exports
• Poultry • Red Meats • Snack Foods • Dairy Products
• Competition for incoming imports from Europe, Canada and South & Central America is beginning to intensify.
Caribbean Exports • Due to the fact that most of the caribbeans economy is
driven by tourism there are not as many resources exported as imported• Spiny Lobster (Bahamas)• Rum (Barbados)• Palm Oil (Belize) • Tobacco (Cuba)• Peanuts (Dominican Republic)• Tilapia, Hot Pepper, Bell Peppers, and Butternut Squash
(Guyana)• Coffee (Jamaica)• Bananas (St. Vincent)
Traditional Spices and HerbsMany influences in Caribbean cooking due to many different islands and the cultures inhabiting them– Thyme– Marjorjam
• Woodsy can be used in place of thyme– Basil– Chadon Beni
• More popularly known as cultantro (cilantro) • Mostly used in Trinidad and Tobago where there is Spanish influence
– Green Onions• Must have in Caribbean kitchen
– Nutmeg, Cloves, Allspice (used extensively in Jamaican cooking)– Chili Peppers- traditionally used widely by Native American tribes – Arrowroot-used extensively throughout all Caribbean islands as a
thickening agent
History of Food and Cooking
• Caribbean food orgins date back to 650AD when the Arawak, Taino, and Carib indians arrived.
• The Taino started cooking fish and meat in large clay pots.
• The Arawaks were among the first to barbeque.• The Spanish brought fruit trees and vegetables.• The height of the slave trade brought many African
customs to the Caribbean cuisine. • The Coromantee Tribe of West Africa introduced “Jerk”.
Food Wheel
• Staples.• Dark Green, Leafy, and Yellow Vegetables.• Fruits.• Food from Animals.• Legumes.• Fats and Oils.