A First Introduction To Specialties That Grow Jamaica
Sunday, January 22nd, 2012Because of its situation in the tropics a huge range of fruit, vegetables and flowers grow Jamaica exceptionally well. Because of its highly favourable climate, commercial cultivation is an important aspect of the economy. Many products grown here find their way to supermarkets all over the world.
In the early days of discovery spices were brought from Asia to the Americas and they are now grown in abundance. The ease by which they are available to Jamaicans is the cause the spices feature so richly in many of the island recipes. Ginger beer is much loved here. Fruit juices of every variety are laced with cinnamon while porridges are regularly spiced up with nutmegs.
On this island as with the entire Caribbean and much of the tropics as a whole, bananas are a staple. They do best when cultivated in a truly tropical environment. There are a range of varieties available and each island has a banana variety that is unique to it. The cooking bananas are called plantain and these are boiled or fried for a delicious staple.
In the tropics one often finds large fruit that are fleshy and juicy. Jackfruit is such an example with its rough exterior and soft pulpy interior loaded with juice. It has small smooth seeds which are not eaten.
If one is talking about what grows in any Caribbean island one must mention sugar cane. This tough grass stalk is similar to bamboo in appearance and is equally as tough as many types of bamboo. This is the crop upon which the slave owning planters grew rich in the islands after many adopted it in favour of cotton and tobacco. It is still cultivated in Jamaica today.
If you are planning a garden and thinking about what can grow Jamaica, you may want to consult your local garden or agricultural centre. They will have seeds and seedlings of the various varieties that are known to do well here.
Learn more here: grow Jamaica
