A Jamaica Coconut Festival? Why Not?

For now, the idea of a coconut festival is only that– an idea in my head, one placed there from a comment on my recent article about 10 must-visit food festivals in Jamaica. That comment left me wondering. If we have a Jamaica Rum Festival, A Jamaica Coffee Festival and possibly soon a Jamaica Chocolate Festival, what’s stopping us from having a Jamaica Coconut Festival too? After all, this would complete the list of food festivals to showcase Jamaica’s agriculture. Perhaps the only festivals we’d have room for after adding these 2 festivals to the line-up would be a banana and mango festival, ha. The possibilities are endless!

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Coconuts were introduced to Jamaica by Spanish settlers in the 16th century. Coconuts are mostly grown on Jamaica’s northeastern coast in the parishes of Portland and St. Mary, where they comprise a significant portion of Jamaica’s agriculture and GDP. In Jamaica, coconuts are used in multiple ways – both in their raw, natural state and for derivative products. The raw coconut produces coconut water on the inside, as well as a soft, inner layer known as “coconut jelly”. We like to consume the water and jelly as is for their health benefits. Coconuts are an excellent source of potassium which can lower blood pressure, and prevent heart disease… or as we say in Jamaica, coconut wata fi wash off di heart!

The jelly, or meat, of matured coconuts is used to make coconut milk, coconut oil and coconut based desserts which are on my list of must-try Jamaican foods. Coconut milk is used in cooking to make signature Jamaican dishes such as rice and peas, mackerel run down, bean stews, curries and gravies. Coconut oil is frequently used as an alternative to other cooking oils such as soybean. You’ll also find coconut milk and oils in many Jamaican hair and beauty products, and its fibres and leaves are used in weaving.

With that said, I think we use coconuts enough in Jamaica to make a whole festival dedicated to the crop. In fact, coconut festivals already exist in other places such as the Philippines, Hawaii, the Bahamas and the US Virgin Islands. Here are eight products I’d love to see at this imaginary Jamaican Coconut Festival:

1. Coconut Drops

Coconut drops are a traditional Jamaican confectionery made from finely chopped coconut, brown sugar and sometimes additional spices such as ginger, nutmeg, or vanilla extract. The ingredients are combined in a pot over low heat, and stirred continuously until the sugar melts and forms a sticky syrup that coats the coconut. Once the mixture has reached the desired consistency, it is spooned or dropped (hence the name drops) onto a banana leaf, baking sheet or tray. The tray of coconut drops is then left to cool and harden, allowing the syrup to set and bind the coconut together. Once completely cooled, the coconut drops become firm and chewy with a slightly caramelized taste from the brown sugar.

These sweet treats are easily found in Jamaican supermarkets or sold as street food. As coconut drops are a delightful representation of Jamaica’s culinary culture, these would have to be included in a Jamaica Coconut Festival.

2. Grater Cake

A misnomer of sorts, Jamaican grater cake is actually not a cake but rather a sweet made from grated coconut, sugar, spices and red food colouring. The main spices used in grater cake include vanilla, peppermint or ginger. Combine these ingredients with water in a saucepan and allow it to reduce until the mixture becomes sticky. Divide the mixture into 2/3 and 1/3. Add the food colouring to the smaller portion then layer it on top of the plain mixture in a tray. Once cooled, the mixture will harden and you can cut it into cubes then serve.

3. Gizzadas

Gizzadas, also called pinch-me-rounds, are another beloved Jamaican coconut treat. They are small pastries with a coconut and brown sugar filling. The pastry shell is made from a mixture of flour, butter or shortening, and a bit of water. The dough is rolled out and cut into small circles, then filled with a sweet mixture of freshly grated coconut, brown sugar, and spices such as nutmeg and vanilla. The edges of the pastry are pinched together to create a cup-like shape. Gizzadas are then baked until golden brown and have a crumbly texture complimented by the sweet coconut filling. It wouldn’t be a Jamaican Coconut Fest without some gizzadas! Similar to coconut drops and grater cakes, these are quite easy to find in any supermarket, pharmacy or as street food.

4. Busta Sweets

Busta sweets, also known as Stagga Back, Buss-Me-Jaw and Bustamante sweets, are named after Sir Alexander Bustamante, Jamaica’s first Prime Minister and a National Hero. These sweets are a type of hard candy made by boiling sugar, water and spices such as ginger until the mixture reaches a high temperature and forms a thick syrup. The syrup is poured into molds or onto a greased surface to cool and harden, creating the candy. Busta sweets are enjoyed for their intense flavor and long-lasting sweetness, but bear in mind– they are very hard to chew.

5. Coconut Macaroons

To this day, I still haven’t had French macarons because coconut macaroons have me in a chokehold. In fact, coconut macaroons are way easier to source than the French variety due to Jamaica’s abundance of coconuts. Coconut macaroons are popular sweet treats made primarily from shredded coconut, egg whites, sugar, and flavourings. They are typically baked until golden brown and have a chewy texture with a crisp exterior. You can find coconut macaroons in most Jamaican bakeries and supermarkets.

6. Coconut Ice Cream

Coconut ice cream is a creamy and refreshing frozen dessert that is made primarily from coconut milk or cream, sugar, and flavorings. It offers a rich and indulgent taste with the distinct flavor of coconut. Coconut ice cream is readily available at Devon House I Scream, the island’s most luxurious ice cream company and chain. There are also several gelatos, and vegan “nice creams” made with coconut milk as base. I’d love to try these artisan ice creams at Jamaica Coconut Festival.

7. Stews Made With Coconut Milk

Jamaicans add coconut milk to everything! Rice and peas, stew peas made with kidney beans, mackerel run down, coconut curry fish, chicken, lobster, you name it. Coconut milk adds bold flavour and richness to savoury dishes. These days, many persons (including myself) buy store-bought dehydrated coconut milk powder and add water to reconstitute it for these traditional dishes out of convenience. However, there are still many Jamaicans who prefer grating coconuts to extract their own coconut milk for a traditional dinner, especially on Sundays. I can certainly taste the difference. Nothing beats old-fashioned.

8. Beautiful Baskets

Now, not everything at my ideal Jamaica Coconut Festival could be edible right? There are lots of handmade coconut products in Jamaica which deserve the spotlight such as bowls, candles and soaps. However, perhaps the products I’d be most enamoured with would include basket weaving. For centuries, Jamaican traditional basket weaving utilized thatch palm but more ingenious weavers have incorporated dried coconut leaves into their art form. The coconut leaves are equally as sturdy and add a beautiful naturally dark contrast to the light coloured thatch. One such weaver is Stevos Weavos, and you can order beautiful coasters, handbags, baskets, mats and more from him. Feeling adventurous? Take one of his weaving classes to learn how to weave your own products.

Wrap Up

I’m afraid I’ve let my imagination run away with me in this one– writing about fictitious events, ha! The good news is, if this event ever becomes reality, you can say I covered it here first. Thanks for planting this idea in my head, Andrenne. Feel free to check out these non-fictional events and places:

• 3 Rum Tours You Can Take In Jamaica
• 10 Must-Visit Food Festivals in Jamaica
• 5 Best Rooftop Bars in Kingston

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