Ultinate Spice Guide: Caribbean

Last time, we discovered the basic spices of Mexican cuisine. Now, we continue our spice journey by discussing the basic spices of Caribbean cuisine. Aside from it's pristine beaches and well-diversed cultures, Caribbean cuisine is a must try for every hungry traveler. With the aid of this visual aid powered by Cooksmarts.com, discover the essential spices of Caribbean cuisine.

Let's get to know the spices up close:

• Allspice - also called Jamaican pepper, Turkish Yenibahar, and Pimenta, this aromatic smells like a combination of spices, especially cinnamon, cloves, ginger and nutmeg. It can be harvested in Mexico and Central America, but the finest allspice comes from Jamaica.
• Nutmeg - known for its warm, spicy sweet flavor, this spice is indigenous to the Banda Islands of Indonesia but is also grown in the Caribbean, especially in Grenada. This is usually prepared freshly ground for stronger flavor and aroma.
• Garlic Powder -  a common component of spice mix usually made from dehydrated garlic granulated to a desired size. 
• Cloves - dried flower buds of an evergreen tree native to eastern Indonesia. It provides that unique warm, sweet, and aromatic taste of gingerbread and pumpkin pie.
• Cinnamon - the only spice in the list that is being used on both sweet and savory dish. Obtained from the inner bark, this sweet and fragrant spice is also used in traditional medicine due to its anti-clotting and anti-microbial properties.
• Ginger - one of the most common spice all over the world aside from garlic and onion. This pungent and spicy aromatic is perfect not only for Asian stir-fry but also with sweet dishes and fruit concoctions. It is also known for its medicinal properties particularly aids in gastrointestinal health.

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