| Jamaica is a Carribean island nation. It lies in the | | | | Jamaican jerk spice (which is actually a mix of several |
| Greater Antilles, about 90 miles (145 kilometers) to the | | | | spices). The jerk spice is rubbed into the meat, and the |
| south of Cuba, and about 120 miles to the west of the | | | | meat is then cooked, preferably over a charcoal grill. |
| island of Hispaniola (which contains the countries of the | | | | This results in a fiery and tasty dish. In Jamaica itself, |
| Dominican Republic and Haiti). The island has a | | | | the jerk style of cooking is traditionally used for pork or |
| population of approximately 2.6 million people, making it | | | | goat meat, but it can also be used for other meats |
| the most populous anglophone nation in the Carribean, | | | | (jerk chicken is nowadays very popular), fish or even |
| and the third most populous in the Americas (after the | | | | tofu. |
| United States and Canada). | | | | * Saltfish and Ackee - This is a traditional Jamaican |
| In world terms of course, Jamaica's population is | | | | breakfast dish, and is sometimes consider the national |
| relatively small. The island has however made | | | | dish. It is made used salted cod together with ackee, |
| contributions to literature, culture, music and cuisine, | | | | which is actually a type of fruit. If making this dish, you |
| quite out of proportion to its size. Most people are for | | | | should be aware that ackee must be correctly |
| example are aware of the rastafarian movement, | | | | prepared, as if it does not done, it can be poisonous. |
| reggae and ska movement, and many non-Jamaican | | | | * Rice and peas - This is rice prepared with coconut |
| nowadays enjoy Jamaican food. | | | | milk, and cooked together with legumes. Different |
| There are many different Jamaican recipes. Some of | | | | types of peas or beans may be used, but kidney |
| the most popular Jamaican dishes include: | | | | beans are a popular choice. |
| * Jerk dishes - These are meat dishes flavored with | | | | |