Ep 10. Jamaica- The Market Basket

In A Taste of History season 3 episode 10, titled Jamaica- The Market Basket, the host Walter Staib travels to Jamaica to unravel the rich history behind the island's cuisine. The episode takes viewers on a journey through the streets and markets of Jamaica while exploring the local culinary traditions and practices.

The episode starts with Walter visiting the bustling Coronation Market, one of the largest open-air markets in the Caribbean. Here he meets several vendors who showcase their fresh produce and fruits that represent the diverse range of flavors available in Jamaica. From coconuts, sugarcane, and yams to cassava, breadfruit, and mangoes, the market is a melting pot of flavors and textures.

Walter then heads to the nearby Mavis Bank Coffee Factory, which is renowned for producing the world's best coffee. Here, he learns about the coffee-making process and how the volcanic soil and high elevation contribute to the unique flavor of the coffee. He also samples some of the different types of coffee available, including Blue Mountain coffee, which is specially grown in the region.

The episode then takes viewers to Falmouth, where Walter visits the historic Good Hope Estate. Here, he shows the viewers how rum is produced and the important role it has played in Jamaican cuisine. He also visits the onsite sugar mill and learns about the sugar cane industry in Jamaica.

Next, Walter meets with local chef Colin Hylton, who demonstrates how to prepare some of Jamaica's signature dishes. Walter and Colin prepare a traditional jerk chicken, using a blend of spices, including Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice berries, thyme, and garlic. They also make a savory fish dish called escoveitch, which is infused with spicy pickled vegetables.

In the final segment of the episode, Walter visits an organic farm and meets with farmer Elizabeth Stair, who shares her insights on sustainable farming practices and how they preserve the unique flavors of Jamaican produce. Walter also showcases several unique fruits and vegetables that are found exclusively in Jamaica, including the ackee fruit, which is used to make Jamaica's national dish, ackee and saltfish.

Overall, A Taste of History season 3 episode 10 takes viewers on a culinary journey through the rich history and traditions of Jamaican cuisine. From the colorful markets to the spice blends and rum distilleries, the episode showcases the vibrant spectrum of flavors available in Jamaica. Viewers are sure to be inspired to try their hand at some of the mouth-watering recipes featured in the episode and to explore the rich history behind Jamaican cuisine.