Why Jerk Chicken is Healthy

The health benefits of Jamaica’s famous Jerk Chicken. 

Enjoy the Flavors of Jerk Chicken

Eating Jamaican jerk food might be a healthier option than grilled or barbecued meat. Research shows grilling meat high heat increases the risk of cancer. But marinating meat for at least 30 minutes with garlic, rosemary and sage can reduce that risk. One of the best ways is grilling low heat and Jamaican jerk cooking does that. Traditional jerk is slow cooking meat, marinated overnight and not over exposed to heat so it doesn’t char but still flavorful.

Jamaica’s jerk tradition which is rooted in the Tainos way of life is all about marinating meat and grilling low to avoid burning. This low heat method is what the experts recommend to minimize health risk and still get bold flavor.

If you’re in Jamaica don’t miss out on this flavor – slow cooked jerk meats, reggae music, island rum and sun kissed beaches is a perfect combination.

Jerk chicken is one of Jamaica’s most popular dishes and is known for its rich, smoky and spicy flavour. The word “jerk” refers to a way of seasoning and cooking that has its roots in the island’s history particularly with the Maroons – descendants of enslaved Africans who escaped to the mountains of Jamaica. They developed this method by using a blend of spices and slow cooking the meat over pimento wood which gives it a unique flavour.

The marinade for jerk chicken usually includes ingredients like Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, garlic, ginger and scallions. This hot combination gives the dish its heat and complexity. The chicken is traditionally grilled or smoked so the spices can penetrate deep into the meat and give a balance of smoky, spicy and savoury notes.

You can find jerk chicken all over the island but there are many jerk centres where you can get the real deal. Among them Scotchies is one of the most well known by name. With locations in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Kingston Scotchies is a must visit for locals and tourists alike. The rustic open air setting and their perfectly grilled jerk chicken cooked over pimento wood makes it the top choice for those looking for the real jerk experience.