Country 3 - St. Vincent and the Grenadines


photo credit Tony Guyton / CC BY 2.0

Ahoy, mateys! Our next culinary adventure takes us to the stunning islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Did you know some scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean were filmed here? That means we’re basically following in the footsteps of Captain Jack Sparrow—minus the swashbuckling and sea battles. While we’re not hunting for treasure, uncovering the incredible food and culture of these islands feels like a prize worth savoring.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is made up of 32 islands, each with its own charm and history.  St. Vincent is the largest island and has about 90% of the population. Long before European colonizers arrived, the Ciboney, Arawak, and Carib peoples called these islands home. The Caribs fiercely resisted European control until the 18th century, making their story one of resilience and strength. Over time, European settlers and African enslaved peoples added layers of influence, creating a vibrant blend of cultures. This small nation carries a big, bold spirit.

Roasted breadfruit
Now, let’s dive into the food! The cuisine of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a delicious fusion of Creole, African, and European flavors. Cassava bread, callaloo soup, and stewed fish are staples, but the real star might just be breadfruit. Roasted, fried, or mashed, it’s a Vincentian favorite. I’m not entirely sure where to find breadfruit in our area, and I’ve heard it can be tricky to cook so we might skip that this time and try it when we visit the Carribean next time.

When Vincentian kids aren’t splashing on their gorgeous beaches, they’re busy playing games like cricket or “pitching marbles,” a timeless pastime with a Caribbean twist. My youngest already suggested we borrow marbles from our marble run to give it a try. Dominoes is another favorite, and I think it’s time to introduce that to our family game nights. 

This trip to St. Vincent and the Grenadines is already shaping up to be an adventure—and we haven’t even turned on the stove yet!

Kingstown from worldatlas.com


References:

  • https://definitivecaribbean.blogspot.com/2009/09/caribbean-dominos-game-of-slap-and.html
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Saint_Vincent_and_the_Grenadines
  • https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-is-the-capital-of-saint-vincent-and-the-grenadines.html

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