The Country Food Similarity Index groups the countries of Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Bahamas, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua & Barbuda, St. Vincent, and Grenada into the Caribbean Island food region. Interestingly enough, Mauritius, Fiji, and Seychelles are also included despite being quite distant geographically. Like the other countries in the region they were colonized by the British. In addition, food in Guyana, Suriname, and Belize also has many attributes in common with this food region. It is one of the 23 world food sub-regions identified by the Index.
The cuisines of the Caribbean islands reflect culinary influences from Europe, Africa, India, and other parts of the world. Many of these countries were once British colonies, so their cuisines share influences from British culinary traditions, including meat pies, puddings, and baked goods. The British colonial influence is also evident in the use of curry in dishes, showcasing the Indian influence. Desserts in this region often feature tropical fruits, coconut, and sweet treats made with local ingredients.
Caribbean Island’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Grains & Starchy Roots: 1) Wheat, 2) Rice, 3) Potato
Fruits & Vegetables: 1) Banana, 2) Onion, 3) Coconut
Meat & Animal Products: 1) Chicken, 2) Saltwater Fish, 3) Pork
Why these ingredients are common in this region
Wheat is not native to the Caribbean, so its cultivation and consumption in the region can be traced back to British colonization. The availability of wheat products, like bread, pasta, and flour, is due to international trade with North America and Europe. Caribbean countries tend to have access to a variety of food products from around the world.
Chicken is the most widely consumed protein in the Caribbean. It is often more economically accessible than other types of meat. Chickens are well-suited for environments with limited space like islands and do not require large grazing areas. As a result, chicken has become deeply embedded in this food region’s unique culinary traditions.
The cultivation and consumption of bananas plays a prominent role on Caribbean islands. Bananas thrive in warm temperatures, high humidity, and regular rainfall, making the tropical climate an ideal environment for their growth. They can be consumed in various forms, including fresh, fried, or as ingredients in local dishes and desserts.
Caribbean Island’s Most Unique Food Ingredients
(foods consumed significantly more than the world average)
- Wheat
- Chicken
- Saltwater Fish
- Banana
- Coconut
- Soybean Oil
- Margarine
- Cheese
- Oat
- Grapefruit
Caribbean Island Food Region’s Most Representative Country
While each country in the region has its own unique culinary traditions, according to the Index, Barbados has the most representative food. This is not surprising since it is located in the middle of the West Indies. Despite being on an island, many countries with similar food are not distant from it.