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The Magic of Caribbean Spices: Essential Ingredients in Our Dishes

The Magic of Caribbean Spices: Essential Ingredients in Our Dishes

MARCH 14,

2025



We have talked on other occasions about how the Caribbean is a true melting pot of cultures. This means that its culture, population and landscapes are not the only things that surprise visitors, but that this is also achieved through a vibrant gastronomy, full of history and flavor.


One of the great secrets that makes this possible has to do with the magic of the spices that are so important in Caribbean cuisine. Spices have become essential ingredients that have been passed down from generation to generation and have found their way into Caribbean dishes through the different cultures that have populated the region. That is why, today, they are the true heart of this immense culinary tradition. 

Fusion of flavors: Spices as a pillar of Caribbean gastronomy.

As mentioned above, Caribbean cuisine is undoubtedly the result of a fascinating mixture of European, indigenous and African influences, and spices are one of the greatest expressions of this historical diversity. Although it is true that many spices and herbs that today are considered native to the region were not originally so, their use and adoption over time have turned them into true signs of identity. 

Among the most emblematic spices used today are allspice, which is a dried and ground berry essential in various dishes; ginger, which, although not native, thrives in the tropical climate of the Caribbean and has also become a key ingredient in various sweet and savory dishes, while also being frequently used in drinks and beverages. 

Another frequent spice is paprika in its various varieties, contributing flavor to a very wide range of recipes and, undoubtedly, we must mention garlic, which is practically omnipresent in world gastronomy, with Caribbean dishes being no exception to this. For example, the combination of garlic with seafood is very common. 

In addition to the aforementioned spices, we should also mention cloves, with their intense aroma, which are found in different ham preparations and in Caribbean spice blends; as well as cinnamon and nutmeg, which are widely cultivated and used in the Caribbean, enriching both main dishes and desserts.
 


 

Spices in Morgan's Mango dishes 

Exploring Morgan's Mango's varied and creative menu, it is possible to identify a wide diversity of spices that give life to its preparations. For example, we can mention the Catch of the day, which can be served with a variety of sauces, including a ginger-lemon-soy or mango-rum sauce. We can also highlight the Coconut panko encrusted fresh grouper, which is described as sautéed in coconut oil and served with a reduction of coconut, white wine and lemon verbena. 

The Grilled mahi mahi is also another of Morgan's Mango's standout dishes, which is served with a Cruzan rum & mango sauce, highlighting the use of local ingredients. In addition, the Ginger & sugarcane rub pork tenderloin features the prominent presence of ginger in its marinade, while being enhanced with a coconut curry sauce. Another dish in which typical Caribbean spices are present is the Poppas pickapeppa rib eye steak, which is marinated in Pickapeppa sauce, a Jamaican condiment known for its slightly spicy and sweet and sour flavor and containing various spices. 

These are just a few examples of the careful and creative use of spices in Morgan's Mango's menu, visit us and enrich your palate with new experiences!




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