Jamaican food is all about seasoning. Get the pantry right and stew chicken, curry goat, escovitch fish and jerk come together easily. This guide explains the essential Jamaican seasonings and spices, what each one does, and the local brands you can order online for delivery in Jamaica.
The core fresh seasonings
- Scallion and thyme — the base of almost every Jamaican pot.
- Garlic, onion and ginger — for depth and warmth.
- Scotch bonnet pepper — heat and fruity aroma; add whole for flavour without too much fire.
Get fresh produce in Fresh Produce & Vegetables.
Dried spices every Jamaican kitchen needs
Pimento (allspice)
Jamaica's signature spice, whole or ground. Essential for jerk, escovitch, soups and sorrel. Island Spice whole pimento is a pantry staple.
Curry powder
Jamaican curry is turmeric-forward with pimento. Used for curry goat, chicken and shrimp. Toast it in oil first ("burn the curry") for the best flavour.
Black pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon
For porridge, puddings, cakes and drinks.
Sauces and blends
Browning
Caramelised sugar for colour in stew chicken, oxtail, brown stew fish and Christmas cake. Grace, Lasco and others are all good.
Jerk seasoning
Wet jerk paste combines scotch bonnet, pimento, scallion and thyme. Marinate overnight for best results.
Scotch bonnet pepper sauce
Walkerswood, Grace and Island Spice make table sauces for every heat level.
Pickapeppa
Jamaica's sweet-tangy brown sauce — great on cream cheese, steak and patties.
All-purpose seasoning and soup mixes
Quick flavour for chicken, rice and soups.
Starter pantry: what to buy first
- Whole pimento
- Curry powder
- Browning
- Jerk seasoning
- Scotch bonnet sauce
- All-purpose seasoning
- Pickapeppa sauce
Shop the full range in Seasonings & Spices. Prices include GCT and delivery is islandwide in Jamaica — see our delivery page.
Cooking for Sunday or Christmas?
Pair this with our Sunday dinner checklist and the Jamaican Christmas grocery list.
