Jamaican Fruits Series: Pineapple

Posted on March 30, 2012 by Sheryl Teach Stark

Jamaican Pineapples (Ananas comosus)

  1. Indigenous to South American
  2. Brought over to Jamaica by the Taino Indians
  3. When consumed raw: Excellent source of manganese and vitamin C

 

 

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Photo of the Day: Sea Egg

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Sheryl Teach Stark

…at least that’s what the locals call it.

Posted in Beaches, Jamaica, Ocho Rios, Photos, Sea Life, St. Ann | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ochi Beach Vibe, the Jester

Posted on March 28, 2012 by Sheryl Teach Stark

I met him at the beach today.

We talked for a little,

because I observed him exercising

and wondered his age.

Therefore I asked.

He was a nice man,

he told me he was twenty years old.

A funny man.

I smiled and

took his picture.

Then he told me his true age.

shhhhhhhhh

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Ochi Beach Vibe, yeah man

Posted on March 28, 2012 by Sheryl Teach Stark

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The Jackfruit Catcher

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Sheryl Teach Stark

On one of my visits to ‘country’, Siloah, St. Elizabeth, I took this picture of my Dad as he caught a jackfruit just as it fell out of the tree. Man he was happy, as you can see. We were at my great aunt’s home, Aunt Una, and traditionally when Jamaicans who live inna town visit relatives inna country, there is always a whole heap a fruits fi eat. So in keeping with the tradition, Aunt Una offered us a jackfruit. Therefore by the time we left ‘country’, we were heading back with a ton of fruits and roots that are usually not grown where we live.

This picture; with the crude zinc shack in the background, the dried leaves on the dirt and grass, the tall towering trees casting shadows , the imperfections on the fruit, and the big grin on my Dad’s face, represents the true and real Jamaica. ‘Country’ is where we go to visit loved ones and eat til wi full.

Posted in Culture, Jamaica, Jamaican Fruits, St. Elizabeth | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Roadside Kitchen

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Sheryl Teach Stark

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Organic Gungo Pea Hummus with Scotch Bonnet Paste

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Sheryl Teach Stark

Organic Gungo Pea Hummus
Ingredients:
2 Cups gungo peas
5 Garlic cloves
1 Large scallion
8-10 Pimento berries
2 Pinches of salt
2 Pinches all-purpose seasoning
2 Tablespoons olive oil
¼ Cup water from cooked peas 
 
Preparation:
Add water, peas, garlic, scallion, pimento berries, salt, and seasoning in a pot and cook. Let cool, and then partially drain liquid leaving about a quarter cup; place into a blender, along with olive oil, and blend until creamy. Refrigerate. 

***Organic Scotch Bonnet Paste

Ingredients:
Green scotch bonnet peppers
Vinegar
Salt
Garlic
Key lime juice 
 
Preparation:
Place everything into a food processor and chop until it becomes a paste. 
 
Final Preparation:
Place Gungo Pea Hummus into a serving bowl, then add Scotch Bonnet Paste in the center. 

This is a healthy recipe and can be enjoyed with: carrots, celery, chips, and apple or as a spread on pita bread or crackers…just about anything your heart desires. Enjoy and make it a healthy one.

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Innocence

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Sheryl Teach Stark

These beautiful girls were dancers in a music shoot at Great Huts.

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Boston Jerk Centre

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Sheryl Teach Stark

Boston Jerk Centre in Portland.

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Great Huts:Rustic Bed and Breakfast

Posted on March 18, 2012 by Sheryl Teach Stark

After driving past Boston Jerk in Portland, down an old dirt road, we came upon a gate…well two gates. One was a cast iron gate; the other was round and made of bamboo. And on that gate hung a simple sign that read, ‘Great Huts-Paradise on the Edge…’, and off to the side of the gate there was a bell. Filled with curiosity and excitement…I did not know what to expect, nonetheless I wanted to ring the bell. I became even more curious when I looked up and saw a tree-house, built out of bamboo, peering through green leaves and tall trees.  So, the gate swung open and it was as if I stepped into another world. A world of tranquility, peace, and love, all bundled under the canopy of a rain forest. So cool!

Great Huts is known for its rustic, majestic, oceanfront eco-tourism style with African huts and tree-houses. Built on the cliff, overlooking Boston Bay, its’ unique design incorporates the surrounding elements and uses natural materials such as: limestone, bamboo, trees, and rocks. This keeps the natural look and protects the habitat. Huts and tree-houses are uniquely named and furnished accordingly, with African decor and art involving a lot of masks. I even got to see a small crab walking into our hut, which was spacious and cozy.

This secluded and seductive compound is home to various exotic birds, indigenous and exotic trees, as well as different folks from all walks of life. Due to the expansive view and its’ relaxing at-one-with-nature atmosphere, musicians record music videos, writers meditate and center themselves for writing, and actors come to Great Huts to restore their energy. Each guest is personally welcomed by the most gracious host, Dr. Paul, along with his courteous staff. With such a spiritual and peaceful vibe…we couldn’t help but staying an extra day. Therefore by the time we left we were talking with everyone and felt like we knew them forever.

Great Huts is one of the top best places to visit in Jamaica. I was always comfortable and well taken care of. I left feeling renewed and vibrant. Great Huts definitely gives new meaning to ‘vacationing in Jamaica’. Check it out for yourself…a must have experience!

Hakuna matata  

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