Ep 13. Best of Jamaica
- December 20, 2018
- 24 min
In season 9 episode 13 of A Taste of History, titled "Best of Jamaica," viewers are taken on a culinary journey through Jamaica's rich history. The episode is hosted by chef Walter Staib, who travels to the island to learn about the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Jamaican cuisine.
The episode begins with chef Staib visiting a local farm to discover the ingredients and flavors that are essential to Jamaican cuisine. He learns about the island's many fruits and vegetables, such as ackee, breadfruit, and plantains, and tries his hand at cooking a traditional Jamaican dish using these ingredients.
Next, the show takes viewers on a tour of Jamaica's historical landmarks, including the Rose Hall Great House and the Spanish Town Square. Through these visits, viewers learn about the island's colonial past and the impact that different cultures have had on Jamaica's food.
One of the most fascinating parts of the episode is when chef Staib visits a Rastafarian community to learn about their unique approach to food. Rastafarianism is a religion and way of life that originated in Jamaica in the 1930s. Rastafarians emphasize a natural and organic diet, and they often refrain from eating meat and processed foods. Chef Staib tries several vegetarian and vegan dishes prepared by the community, including tofu and vegetable stir-fry and a flavorful lentil stew.
The episode also explores Jamaica's famous jerk seasoning, which is a spicy blend of herbs and spices that is commonly used to season meat. Chef Staib visits a local jerk pit to learn how jerk seasoning is made and to sample some of the most famous jerk chicken in the country.
Throughout the episode, chef Staib meets many locals who share their love of Jamaican food and culture. He also works with several chefs to create unique and flavorful dishes that showcase Jamaica's diverse culinary traditions.
Overall, "Best of Jamaica" is a fascinating episode that celebrates the rich history and unique flavors of Jamaican cuisine. Viewers will be inspired to try new ingredients and dishes as they explore the island's vibrant food culture.
