Jamaica is one of the most beautiful countries in the Caribbean because of its nature, its people, and its food. One example is the Jerk Chicken, one of the most famous and delicious food you could taste in Jamaica. But, why it is the most famous? We will answer that question with 5 reasons why the world loves Jamaican Jerk Chicken.
1. It’s DELICIOUS!
Unlike American BBQ, Jamaican “Jerk” is tender, juicy chunks of smokey, spicy, goodness. It only takes one try to become converted, especially when accompanied with a very chilled Red Stripe beer.
2. It is an Authentic EXPERIENCE!
True Jerk chicken is smoked over fresh green wood from the Pimento tree, which is native to the Caribbean and is essential to getting that real flavor. Traditionally it can be found in very rustic, easy to access roadside bars and restaurants. If there are many local patrons you can be sure it is the real thing.
3. It’s SIMPLE to Prepare!
Jerk is a style of cooking native to Jamaica, in which meat is dry-rubbed or marinated with a hot spice mix that includes allspice berries (the fruit of the pimento tree) and Scotch bonnet peppers. It is placed on top of Pimento branches with lit coals underneath, which smokes and cooks the meat. The Jerk Chicken absorbs oils directly from the surface of the wood and gets imbued with the fragrant steam and smoke of the greenwood.
It takes approximately 2 hours for a butterflied chicken turned once to cook through, it is then stripped from the bone and chopped up. Make sure you add some additional fiery hot pepper sauce for added pleasure.
4. It’s HEALTHY!
Lean Jerk Chicken is a great choice for the health-conscious because smoke and spices add flavor without calories. Typical jerked chicken has 180 calories and a mere 2 grams of fat, making you able to indulge guilt-free.
5. It is Readily AVAILABLE at All Jamaica
Treat yourself to this true Jamaican delicacy in any part of Jamaica. We recommend you to taste it in Dolphin Cove and the Adventure Park of Yaaman.
Tell us. Do you have another reason why the world loves Jamaican Jerk Chicken?
