Category: Caribbean

According to a 2017 survey, nearly 10% of the Jamaican population self-identified as vegetarian, a figure heavily influenced by the Rastafarian 'Ital' diet.

For generations, seamoss has been a nutritional and traditional staple in Jamaica, but it is known locally by a different name. The name most commonly used by Jamaicans is 'Irish Moss,' a title with surprising historical roots. This moniker is not merely a regionalism but a testament to the island's long history of cultural exchange and adaptation, transforming a cold-water algae's name into a Caribbean household term.

The popular STR8 VYBZ Rum collection by Vybz Kartel includes an overproof variant, 'Fever,' which contains a potent 63% alcohol by volume (ABV), while other expressions like 'Electric' and 'Unstoppable' are bottled at a standard 40%. This variety in alcohol content is a key feature of what is often casually referred to as 'street vibes rum'.

According to the FAO, in 2023, 58.8% of the Caribbean population was moderately or severely food-insecure, highlighting the region's significant vulnerability. Understanding the specific factors affecting food security in the Caribbean is critical for developing effective, long-term solutions.

While rum is derived from sugar cane, pure distilled rum contains virtually no sugar. The question of how much sugar is in Caribbean rum is complex, as it varies drastically based on the distiller's methods, ranging from zero grams to over 50 grams per liter.

According to the country's strict Geographical Indication (GI), Jamaican rum does not have sugar added to it after distillation. Its distinctive, funky, and often perceived sweet flavor comes entirely from natural fermentation of molasses and aging.

Red Stripe Lager, Jamaica's most famous brew, has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4.7%. This figure is a great starting point for understanding how much alcohol is in Jamaican beer, though other popular brews offer different strengths and flavors.