What is Ackee? A Jamaican Delicacy
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Enjoyed by millions in the islands, ackee is the national fruit of Jamaica and typically served alongside saltfish and boiled food or fry dumpling. In this article, we’ll answer the question “what is ackee” for both Jamaicans and other curious nationals alike!
Despite ackee serving such an important role in Jamaican cuisine, most people don’t know where it even originates from (hint, its not Jamaica!)
As an ital vegan, I personally love to serve my ackee alone or with mashed chickpeas instead of salt fish. It tastes incredible the same way and is cruelty free!
The fruit also has a good amount of protein and can still be quite satisfying by itself.
One of my favorite non traditional ways to serve ackee is in ackee spring rolls. They’re extremely unique and one of the BEST appetizers to serve for guests!
Origin of ackee- What Is Ackee?
Although most popularly enjoyed in Jamaica as breakfast food, ackee is originally native to West Africa. Ackee was brought over to the Caribbean in the 1700s when West Africans were kidnapped and forced into enslavement.
Although ackee was brought over to Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean during a horrible time, it became a staple in the islands. Now, despite it originating oceans away, ackee is the national fruit of Jamaica.
What does Ackee Taste Like?
One of the most commonly asked questions I receive is exactly what ackee tastes like. In my onion, its taste cannot be compared to many things. Some may compare it to eggs but that is way off. Although they may look alike, their taste and texture greatly differ.
Ackee is soft, custardy, and has a melt in your mouth type feel- especially when cooked from a can. Eggs tend to be a bit more firm and slightly rubbery.
The taste of ackee has a slight sweet and nuttiness which makes it pair perfectly with savory food.
Health Benefits of Ackee- What Is Ackee?
Along with ackee tasting straight up DELICIOUS, it is also packed with health benefits! Loaded with antioxidants, ackee is extremely high in Vitamin C which may help to strengthen the body’s immunity.
Ackee is also anti-inflammatory and may help to improve digestion. The fruit contains a good amount of fiber which may also aid in healthy bowel movements. I could go on and on about health benefits of ackee- just know it tastes delicious and is so good for you too!
Where to buy ackee- What Is Ackee?
If you live in Jamaica or the Caribbean, nearly every and any market, big or small, will sell ackee! However, it can be a lot harder to purchase in the USA or Canada.
Ackee naturally grows in Southern Florida (like Miami). This is because they share similar weather than that in the Caribbean. The fruit is commonly sold canned in different Caribbean/West Indian markets.
If there is no Caribbean specific market near you, most Asian Farmers markets will sell canned ackee in the Jamaican section.
Ackee- the deadly delicacy
If you are picking ackee fresh from the tree or even purchasing from a market, listen up. Ackee can only be eaten if it opens up in its pod naturally and has completely ripened. If the ackee pod is forced open before ripe, it is extremely poisonous.
This is because ackee contains a compound called hypoglycin. This chemical may cause blood sugar to plummet, vomitting, and may even induce a coma. Scary right?! No worries, ackee is completely safe to consume and absolutely delicious when it is ripe!
If you’ve never tried ackee before, don’t be afraid. The fruit is perfectly safe to eat once it has ripened. Just be sure to clean and cook properly. It is said ackee can be eaten raw when it is ripened.
But…. most Jamaicans would call you mad if you tried to offer them raw ackee! When purchasing from a market, I personally always prefer to see the pod has sprung open itself.
How to Cook Ackee- What Is Ackee?
You may be wondering- Tiffany, all this info is great but how do I cook ackee? Don’t worry- I’ve got you friend!
If preparing fresh, take each ackee fruit out of the pod. Remove the black seed and clean the pink membrane inside. Rinse a few times. Now, prepare a pot to boil the cake for the next 20 minutes or so.
When raw, ackee will be hard and firm. However when cooked ackee turns delectable soft and custard like. When it is finished boiling, saute up some fresh herb and veg and cook together! Here are some of my favorite unique and non- traditional ackee recipes. ⬇️
Refreshing Jamaican Ackee Punch
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