Caribbean Queen is my California take on the flavors of a jerk spice blend, which originated on the island of Jamaica and is deeply rooted in that island's rich cultural heritage and culinary traditions. Jerk seasoning is believed to have been developed by the Maroons, descendants of enslaved Africans who escaped into the rugged Jamaican mountains during the era of colonialism. Seeking to preserve their African culinary traditions, the Maroons combined locally available ingredients such as allspice berries, scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, garlic, and various aromatic spices to create the unique and fiery jerk spice blend. Traditionally used to marinate and season meat, particularly pork and chicken, jerk seasoning is famous for its distinctive smoky, spicy, and aromatic flavors.
 
Available June through August.
 
Ingredients: Onion, Thyme, Allspice, Black Pepper, Ceylon Cinnamon, Cayenne, Garlic and Kosher Salt
 
Read more about Carribean Queen in my Meet the Spice Blend series here.