What is Jamaican sweet wood? Sweetwood refers to a specific tree that grows in Jamaica, but it also refers to several related trees. “There are many variations of sweetwood, each with its own essence,” King says, adding that some of the related trees known as sweetwood create a bitter smoke.
What is a sweet wood?
Definition of sweetwood 1 : a laurel (Laurus nobilis) 2 : any of various chiefly tropical American trees of the family Lauraceae: such as. a : a tree of the genus Ocotea — compare stinkwood. b : a tree of the genus Nectandra — compare bebeeru.
What wood is closest to pimento?
The best alternatives to pimento wood are often fruit woods, which are similarly mild but pungent. Apple wood chips are an easy option. They're affordable and readily available in most parts of the country.
How do you use pimento wood?
1:112:42Jerk Chicken Pimento Wood - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou get with low heat. And slow cooking the smoke is so powerful that it works well on any kind ofMoreYou get with low heat. And slow cooking the smoke is so powerful that it works well on any kind of grill. You can see it rolling here we're cooking on the sticks.
What is pimento wood?
Pimento Wood also known as Pimenta Diocia is used in Jamaica to make authentic jerk. The meat is placed directly on top of the green wood, as the chicken cooks, it absorbs oils directly from the surface of the wood, and also gets imbued with the fragrant steam and smoke produced by the green wood.
What is allspice wood?
Allspice, also known as Jamaica pepper, myrtle pepper, pimenta, or pimento, is the dried unripe berry of Pimenta dioica, a midcanopy tree native to the Greater Antilles, southern Mexico, and Central America, now cultivated in many warm parts of the world.
What can I use instead of pimento in jerk?
Just do what the Jamaicans do: when you can't find pimento, stick with bay. A combination of bay leaves and whole allspice berries soaked in water produced a steamy smoke that was very similar in aroma to the smoke produced by straight up pimento chips.
How do you smoke pimento wood?
Follow "How To" Cooking with Pimento Wood instructions:Marinate meat for 24 hours.Prepare your grill. ... Soak Chips in water for at least 20 min.Soak Leaves in water for 20 minutes.Soak Sticks in water for at least 20 min. ... Wrap Chips in foil.Poke small hole for smoke to escape.More items...•22-Jun-2013
What wood do they use in Jamaica for jerk chicken?
pimento treeHere's why: true jerk chicken is cooked not just over coals, but also over fresh green wood: most traditionally, wood from the pimento tree, which is native to the Caribbean and produces another very important jerk chicken ingredient—allspice berries, used in the marinade—or sometimes sweetwood, the Jamaican name for ...
What is allspice related to?
Allspice is the dried brown berry of the tropical Pimenta dioica tree, a clove relative native to the West Indies and Central America. It got its name in the 17th century, when allspice berries were first imported to Europe, since it's said to taste like a combination of clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg.05-Aug-2021
Why is jerk called jerk?
The cuisine had its origins with the Taino, who developed the jerk method and later taught it to African slaves, who in turn adapted it in creating jerk chicken. The word jerk reportedly stems from the Spanish charqui, meaning dried strips of meat similar to the modern-day jerky.
What are the benefits of pimento leaves?
Its eugenol content eases diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and even constipation. The antioxidants present in pimento also have anti-inflammatory qualities that may ease cramps and aid digestion. Pimento also has anesthetic and analgesic properties that helps to relieve pain and relax muscles.29-Dec-2021
Is Jamaican Jerk Chicken supposed to be dry?
No. Jamaican jerk chicken is supposed to be flavoursome and full of juices that's so succulent it melts in your mouth. ... If it is cooked very well, the meat should fall off the bone.04-Aug-2020
Why is Jamaican food so good?
This is a matter of personal preference, of course. But there are several reasons the island is becoming more popular with foodies and gourmet trav...
Is Jamaican food healthy?
Jamaican cuisine can be remarkably healthy, depending on what you choose to eat. However, fried items like beef patties should be eaten in moderati...
Is Jamaican food spicy?
Some traditional Jamaican foods are spicy, but not all of them. When people think of spicy Jamaican cuisine, they are likely thinking of jerk recip...
What is hard food in Jamaica?
Hard food is a dish made with ground provisions, including boiled green bananas, yams, plantains, potatoes, pumpkins, roots, and dumplings. The ite...
What is Jamaican Dogwood?
Jamaica dogwood, known as Piscidia piscipula, is a tropical tree that’s found in Florida, the West Indies, and throughout Central America.
Benefits Jamaican Dogwood
Jamaican dogwood has been reported to be effective in treating nerve pain, anxiety, and insomnia.
Jamaican Dogwood Safety
Jamaican Dogwood is a herb that should be used with great care. It should not be used by pregnant or nursing women.
History & Ethnobotany
Jamaica dogwood is native to Central America, Florida, and the West Indies, and can now also be found in Texas, Mexico, and the northern part of South America. The plant’s characteristic pods bear four projecting longitudinal wings.
In Closing
Jamaican Dogwood is a potentially very useful natural supplement for those struggling with pain, insomnia, and anxiety.
