Our Herbs & Spices

Spices and herbs are essential in giving food more flavor and depth, but they also have cultural significance. In West Africa and the Caribbean, there are a number of native spices and herbs that are commonly used in the region's cuisine, adding to the unique cultural flavor of the area. These plants, while not all native to the region, have been incorporated into the food and drinks of the Caribbean through the cultural blending of the various groups of people who have traveled to the area throughout history, including the native, Dutch, English, Spanish, and African populations. If you are visiting a Caribbean resort, you may have the opportunity to try these bold flavors in your meals, or you can experience them through our authentic Afro-Caribbean dishes.

These are the herbs and spices of the Caribbean:

There are many herbs and spices commonly used in Caribbean cuisine, each adding its own unique flavor and aroma to dishes. Some examples include:

  1. Allspice: This spice, also known as pimento, has a sweet and slightly woody flavor that is often used in jerk seasoning and marinades.

  2. Bay leaves: These aromatic leaves are often used to add a subtle, woody flavor to stews and soups.

  3. Cinnamon: This spice, which is often used in sweet dishes, adds a warm, sweet flavor to Caribbean recipes.

  4. Cloves: These fragrant spices have a warm, sweet, and slightly bitter flavor that is often used in Caribbean marinades and sauces.

  5. Ginger: This spicy root adds a warm and slightly sweet flavor to Caribbean dishes, and is often used in marinades and sauces.

  6. Nutmeg: This spice has a warm and slightly sweet flavor that is often used in Caribbean desserts and drinks.

  7. Scotch bonnet peppers: These extremely spicy peppers are often used in Caribbean cuisine to add heat to dishes.

  8. Thyme: This aromatic herb is often used to add a savory and slightly minty flavor to Caribbean dishes.

These are the herbs and spices popularly used in Nigeria

There are many herbs and spices commonly used in West African cuisine, each adding its own unique flavor and aroma to dishes. Some examples include:

  1. Allium: This family of herbs includes garlic, onions, and shallots, which are commonly used in West African cooking to add flavor to dishes.

  2. Cumin: This spice has a warm and slightly bitter flavor that is often used in West African spice blends and rubs.

  3. Curry powder: This blend of spices, which often includes cumin, coriander, and turmeric, adds a warm and aromatic flavor to West African dishes.

  4. Fenugreek: This spice has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor that is often used in West African spice blends and rubs.

  5. Ginger: This spicy root adds a warm and slightly sweet flavor to West African dishes, and is often used in marinades and sauces.

  6. Habanero peppers: These extremely spicy peppers are often used in West African cuisine to add heat to dishes.

  7. Kolanut: This nut, which has a slightly bitter flavor, is often used in West African cooking as a flavor enhancer and to add richness to dishes.

  8. Nutmeg: This spice has a warm and slightly sweet flavor that is often used in West African desserts and drinks.

  9. Paprika: This spice has a sweet and slightly smoky flavor that is often used in West African spice blends and rubs.

  10. Turmeric: This spice has a warm and slightly bitter flavor that is often used in West African spice blends and rubs.