Grenada: The Spice Isle

The spices of Grenada

My husband and I have a tradition when we travel: we walk everywhere. It's our favorite way to truly get a feel for a place, to absorb its rhythm, to notice its sights, smells, and even taste. In Grenada, known as the "Spice Isle," this tradition proved incredibly rewarding.

After we deplaned in Grenada, the intoxicating aroma of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves enveloped us. During our visit, we visited both rum and chocolate factories. We toured the island with our dear friend, a native of Grenada, for an insider’s perspective. However, it was our beach strolls that left a lasting memory.

Early one morning, we found ourselves walking along a secluded stretch of pristine white sand, the calm morning waters gently lapping at our bare feet. As we walked, we fell into a deep and wide-ranging conversation, discussing everything from our travel adventures to our dreams for the future. The beauty and tranquility of Grenada provided the perfect backdrop for this moment of connection and reflection.

The spices of Grenda seemed perfectly in sync with our many adventures. Turmeric is bright yellow and used to flavor many curry dishes. We’ve seen that vibrant color in Grenadian oil down - a local specialty of breadfruit cooked in coconut milk. But we’ve also seen it when our family ventured to Thailand. And while we’ve never been to India, we are aware of the significant historical influence of India (and its spices) on the Caribbean. We still laugh about the surprise my Jamaican-born and raised husband expressed when he learned that curry was likely imported as a cuisine from India, rather than being native to the Caribbean.

The nutmeg and cinnamon reminded us of so many drinks, including Guinness punch. The ingredients for this punch include the spices, Guinness beer, milk, and condensed milk. I can feel those who have never tried this concoction shaking their heads, but it’s delightful. And since it’s occasionally sampled on a Sunday morning, it is the cause of several folks having a lovely (if drowsy) day at church.

My husband and I smile, remembering pimento and the cultural confusion the spice caused. When we first met, he asked me to find pimento at the store. My USA-brain immediately thought of the peppers used to stuff green olives. This is not what he meant. In Jamaica (and much of the Caribbean), the term means what we in the U.S. call allspice. Lesson learned!

Grenada is also known for ginger, and it’s a spice we use often at home. From tea, curries, soups, and stews, we use the knobby root all the time. One of our favorite uses for ginger is to make the classic cocktail, the Dark 'n Stormy. In our version, we use fresh ginger, candied ginger, mint, lime, ginger beer, and of course, either rum or bourbon. We joke that the drink is more of a health tonic than a cocktail since we use so many fresh herbs. 

And that’s the wonderful thing about extended walks in places away from home. It gives you time not just to soak in your new environment, but also to reflect on where you’ve been and the memories you’ve created. Ultimately, Grenada was more than just scenery to us; it provided an experience that helped us remember - through scent-filled walks - where we had been.