Don’t leave the Caribbean without trying this dish.
Jerk Chicken
Jerk embodies the soul of Jamaica – a succulent, native seasoning that’s bursting with flavour and colour. We’ve shared our secret with the world, and now, jerk dishes can be found everywhere, bringing people across the globe the joy of an authentic Jamaican meal. Here, we explore the exciting history of jerk chicken and how it became a staple of Jamaican cuisine.
The early beginnings
The transatlantic slave trade brought hundreds of thousands of enslaved Africans to America to help support the expansion dreams of European empires. Enslaved people ensured that the Caribbean’s sugar trade could continue to operate and be profitable. Faced with abysmal work conditions and a life of chains, many brave Africans and their descendants would flee to the nearby Cockpit Country mountains to form their own settlements in secret and away from a life of forced labour.
This act earned them the name – Maroons, and it’s with them that the story of jerk begins. They and their settlements often mixed with local Arawak indigenous populations – these were native communities believed to have lived in Jamaica for over 2,500 years. Their African cooking methods passed down from generation to generation would be mixed with traditional Jamaican ingredients and spices, which saw the birth of the now famous Jamaican jerk seasoning over the years.
Therefore, jerk isn’t just part of the soul of Jamaica’s cuisine culture; it’s also the binding legacy left by two persecuted peoples at a time of great struggle. The Arawak were oppressed and close to extinction at the hands of Spanish colonists for a long time. At the same time, the Maroons had to escape Spanish and Portuguese slavery and later British persecution. Jerk represents their survival and bravery in the face of great adversity and is now celebrated worldwide by food lovers and connoisseurs.
The making of jerk chicken
The Maroons couldn’t risk being discovered by their oppressors. So, instead of cooking over open flames, they would cook in underground smokeless pits. Chicken would be rubbed with spices and left to marinade over time for tenderisation. The spices and ingredients included onions, black pepper, scotch bonnet peppers, cayenne pepper, and other natural ingredients found locally in Jamaica.
Today, there are still people providing authentic experiences in the region. You can try Jamaican Jerk chicken cooked traditionally in large pits. Like their ancestors, the Jamaican diaspora of the world continues to innovate and enjoy jerk chicken, each creating their own unique recipe and method of cooking. Jerk chicken is always accompanied by mouthwatering traditional foods, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. If you’re looking for authentic jerk chicken in Woking or the surrounding areas, You can try Jamaican Jerk. We’re a takeaway and catering service passionate about delivering authentic Jamaican food at affordable prices through our delivery partners – Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats or you can order for collection through our website. Our dishes are for everyone to enjoy, so we look forward to sharing the experience of the delicious flavours of the Caribbean.