Jamaica's Savory Sauces
Jamaica’s known for its fiery jerk seasoning and rubs, but the island also has home-grown sauces, pickles and spreads that’ll transform whatever you’re eating from ho-hum to hot-diggity without searing your tastebuds. Drizzle on some of these and enjoy some island flavor minus the fire.
Sorrel Chutney
Made from the blossoms of the sorrel plant (a relative of the hibiscus, traditionally used to make a Christmas punch), this is a popular Jamaican preserve year-round.
Tastes Like: A spiced, berry-based marmalade
Use It As: A topping for cheese; a substitute for cranberry jelly on baked turkey or ham
Buy It: firstworldimports.com
Pickapeppa Sauce
Made with tamarind, tomato, onion and mango, this “Jamaican ketchup” has been around since the 1920s.
Tastes Like: A fruitier version of A1 steak sauce
Use It As: A table or steak sauce, or as an all-purpose marinade
Buy It: pickapeppa.com
Solomon Gundy
This salty herring paste is reportedly based on a centuries-old English recipe.
Tastes Like: WAY better than it smells! Distinctly fish and salty.
Use It As: a spread on crackers or substitute for anchovy paste.
Buy It: firstworldimports.com