If you’ve ever tasted Jamaican food, you know it’s unforgettable — bold, spicy, and packed with authentic island flavor. But what’s the secret behind these mouthwatering dishes? It all comes down to technique.
At Taste of Jamaica Farm, Herbal Garden and Food Tour in Ocho Rios, we don’t just serve you great food — we teach you how to make it. Our hands-on cooking class gives you the skills and insider knowledge to recreate traditional Jamaican dishes right in your own kitchen. Here’s a taste of what you’ll learn when you join us.
The Foundation of Jamaican Cooking
1. Marination — The Flavor Starts Here
Jamaican cooking is built on bold, layered flavors, and marination is key. Whether it’s jerk chicken, pork, or fish, we show you how to combine allspice (pimento), thyme, scallions, Scotch bonnet peppers, and other local herbs to create the signature Jamaican marinade. Let it soak in overnight — that’s where the magic happens.
2. Jerk Grilling — A Time-Honored Art
Jerk is more than a seasoning — it’s a technique. At our farm, we’ll guide you through traditional jerk grilling over pimento wood, which imparts a distinctive smoky flavor. You’ll learn temperature control, how to baste with flavor-rich sauces, and how to achieve that perfect balance of char and juiciness.
3. Slow Cooking — Building Deep Flavor
Many classic Jamaican dishes, like oxtail stew or curry goat, rely on low-and-slow cooking. We’ll show you how to layer flavors with herbs, spices, and fresh produce straight from our herbal garden. The result? Rich, hearty dishes that are as nourishing as they are delicious.
4. Rice & Peas — The Perfect Side
No Jamaican meal is complete without rice and peas. We teach you the right rice-to-liquid ratio, how to infuse coconut milk with garlic, thyme, and scallions, and how to cook your peas (kidney beans or gungo peas) to perfection.
5. Authentic Sauces and Sides
From tangy escovitch sauce to festival (sweet fried dough), you’ll master the essential sides and condiments that complete a Jamaican spread.
Why Learn With Us?
The Taste of Jamaica Farm, Herbal Garden and Food Tour is more than just a cooking class — it’s a full sensory experience. You’ll start with a guided tour of our herbal garden, where you’ll touch, smell, and taste the very herbs and spices you’ll use in your dishes. Learn about local farming practices and how we grow everything from callaloo to turmeric.
Then, step into our open-air kitchen. Our expert instructors — seasoned Jamaican cooks — will guide you step by step. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a passionate foodie, you’ll walk away with authentic recipes, new techniques, and the confidence to cook Jamaican classics at home.
A True Taste of Jamaica
Join us and bring the vibrant flavors of Jamaica into your life. Our cooking class is perfect for:
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Tourists seeking an immersive cultural experience
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Food lovers wanting to master new techniques
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Groups and families looking for a fun, hands-on activity
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Anyone curious about Jamaican culinary traditions
When you leave, it won’t just be with a full belly — you’ll take home the skills and memories of a truly authentic Jamaican experience.
Book your spot at the Taste of Jamaica Farm, Herbal Garden and Food Tour in Ocho Rios today — and start cooking like a true Jamaican!
