The History of Jerk in Jamaica with Alyssa Sperry Bertrand

Many foods come to mind when people think of Jamaica, and one most often associated with Jamaican cuisine is jerk chicken. In this episode Hema is joined by Alyssa Sperry Bertrand, a retired pastry chef turned academic and historian, to discuss the evolution of jerk, from traditional methods to modern interpretations. They explore the origins as a food preservation method, the influence of the Taino people, Maroons and African cultures, and pimento wood, the one must have for authentic jerk. Listen as we dive into the history and cultural significance of jerk in Jamaican cuisine, the must-have spices in its modern flavour profile, and the global influence of the dish. Episodes Referenced Caribbean Foodways with Dr. Candice Goucher The connection between salt and spirituality with Alyssa Bertrand (Sperry) Exploring Caribbean Heritage through food with Marie Mitchell Belly Full Cookbook, Caribbean Food & Ingredients with Lesley Enston Caribbean Culinary History with Keshia Sakarah Resources and Links Friends of Jamaica https://servejamaica.org/ Eating Jamaica: How Food is Used as a Tool to Create and Reinforce Cultural Identity What is moreish? | more·​ish ˈmōrish | informal, of food, causing a desire for more Join us onTikTok,Instagram andYouTube to continue the conversation. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!)https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/jerk-sauce Alyssa Bertrand (Sperry) is a leading expert on salt, and its relationship to Jamaican culture(s). As a former chef, and historical ethnographer she provides insight into the role salt played in the development of culture and identities among the Maroons and Rastafarians by understanding salt’s role during the Atlantic Slave Trade and how it shaped the cultural identities of the past and present. Alyssa received her master’s degree at the Department of Global Studies at the University of Oregon and her bachelor’s degree at Washington State University in Anthropology and History. Alyssa has received numerous awards and grants for her research including the Oregon International Research Grant, Folger Shakespeare Library Scholarship, and Library Research Excellence Award at Washington State University.