The world’s most famous rums are distinctly Caribbean. There are some historical facts that lead us to believe that the sugar cane juice was been fermented into an alcoholic beverage in China and India many centuries ago. According to the great explorer Marco Polo, during the 14th century a very good tasting wine made from sugar known as “brum" was offered to him in the country that is now known as Iran .

However, we have came a long way since then and getting to the smooth great tasting liquor that is enjoyed throughout the world was first made in Barbados. This is supported by recorded data dated back to 1651 when rum was known as rumbullion. It was also described as kill-devil, a hot, hellish terrible liquor.

Although Barbados was the first Caribbean country to produce this product, Jamaica was the first to do so commercially. The production methods and end products were quite primitive compare to what we have now. Jamaica and Barbados are not the only islands that produce this wonderful product commercially. It has spread its tentacles throughout the Caribbean , Central and South America , Australia , Fiji , the Philippines , India and among others.

Just as how all the Caribbean islands have their own culture which is unique and diverse so does the rums that are produce here. The diverse ranges of rums all do have distinct characters. Each island employs its own distillery, blending and aging techniques. While others are characterized by their own local conditions such as climate, terrain, and the variety of sugar cane. However, one factor that is common throughout is the never ending commitment and passion to their craft of creating quality rums.

The Appleton rum factory in Jamaica has been doing a great job in the area of aging. They do have some product on the market aged for 21 years in oak barrels. Another product is the blend of aged rum that is as old as 30 years. Cuba also offers aged rum up to 15 years. The next time you are in the Caribbean why not experience the smooth taste of authentic Caribbean rums?

Music and Cuisine have things in common.

The Jamaican cuisine and reggae music have quite a bit in common. Just as how one needs to play the instruments harmoniously with the others likewise spices and ingredients are infused in accordance with each other. Cooking the Jamaican way requires a great sense of timing, because most often different foods or spices with different textures are often combined to make a sumptuous dish.

Every country uses extensively the food types that are available locally or close to its borders. Jamaica is no different, using the many fruits, vegetables and ground staples available. Boasting a society which is comprised of diverse cultures, the Jamaican cuisine is a mirror image of its culture. The East Indians, Africans, Europeans, Chinese and Mediterranean cultures all played a significant role in shaping what we now enjoy as Jamaican foods.

The Mediterranean and Indian spices complimented by tropical flavors is surely exotic. Caribbean spices are used to enhance the Indian style cooking while the Indian spices are used to enhance the Caribbean cooking. These combinations created numerous exotic dishes, these ingredients together will always result in something uniquely Jamaican.

The Jamaican cuisine is emphasized by browning of meats and fish. This browning or maillard reactions, occur when the meat is heated to temperature of 310°F or higher causing it to become brown. The process creates a crust on the outer surface of the meat which improves its appearance and flavor. It locks in the natural juices inside the meat which surely enhances its taste.

The next time you visit Jamaica give some thought to the dishes. Food and spices react differently in how they are being used. Example, the curry flavor is inferior when cooked in a water first, on the contrary when oil is used first it brings out all the aromas. Just as playing musical instruments require good timing, so does some spices. Some are better when added close to the end while others must be added at the beginning. Some are mild in flavor while others are overpowering. Whatever the situation is, the Jamaican cuisine has grown immensely spreading all over the world.

Stevert Mckenzie, Travel Enthusiast. Jamaican Cuisine