Most fruits like bananas, oranges, pineapples, coconuts mangoes, pawpaw, and a host of other “tropical fruits” known in the Western world come from Africa or The Caribbean.
Coconut – a freshly picked coconut is full of liquid, nutritious and soothing
Vibrant colour fruits flourish in Africa and Caribbeans- example is Mango – is a brightly coloured fruit with a thick covering. This fruit is very sweet and often made into sauces, marinades, and sorbets. Green coloured mangoes are an important ingredient in different soups and chutneys.
Plantain – is a staple food throughout the region. Plantains must be properly cooked before eaten, but it is not required that plantains be ripe. Green plantains are frequently fried to be served with fritters. Thinly sliced and fried plantains are a crunchy treat similar to potato chips.
Salsas – are flavored sauces loaded with chili peppers, herbs, spices, and fruits. These tasty condiments are usually spicy and add great flavor to any meal.
Sorrel – is a flower that can be found throughout the Caribbean. Sorrel is often placed in a pan with ginger, orange zest, and cloves and boiled to create sauces, jams, and drinks. During Christmas, many people in the British Caribbean enjoy this sweet and tart drink.
Pawpaw – papaya
Some of the essential ingredients used in African and Caribbean cooking include all spice(pimento), scotch bonnet, fresh or dried thyme, nutmeg, garlic, clove ginger, spring onions, red /white onions, white and brown sugar, lime, cinnamon, turmeric
saffron and bay leaf.
