Hatian Spices

Hatian Spices Used in Cooking

There are many spices that the Haitians use in cooking. Many of the spices impart a unique flavor to the foods they are added to. From Jamaican jerk recipes to riz cole avec pois, these varied savory and spicy herbs are sure to please any palate. Some of the most popular and familiar spices include the following:

• Allspice
• Anise
• Absinthe
• Cayenne Pepper
• Chili Pepper
• Nutmeg
• Scallion
• Ginger
• Cinnamon
• Coriander Seeds
• Sassafras
• Bay Leaves
• Marjoram Leaves
• Thyme
• Curry Powder
• Garlic
• Oregano
• Basil
• Cloves

Lesser known spices (that may be difficult to find in the United States) that are used for cooking include:

• Scotch Bonnet
• Annatto
• Comino

Marinades and Rubs

Hatian spices used for cooking are often used in combination with other ingredients to produce great tasting marinades and rubs for meat. The herbs are mixed together with other ingredients:

• Black Pepper
• Brown Sugar
• Salt
• Garlic Powder
• Ground Cloves

Herbs as Preservatives

It is important to note that certain herbs have properties that can help to preserve meat before it is cooked. This would be helpful in countries like Haiti where the weather is always warm.

• Peppers--contain capsaicin, an antimicrobial
• Ginger--contains gingerol, an antimicrobial
• Cinnamon--contains eugenol, an antimicrobial and preservative
• Garlic--contains allicin and eugenol
• Cloves--contains eugenol
• Basil--contains eugenol

Medicinal Spices

Hatian spices are grown for medicinal purposes as well. Many individuals who reside in Haiti treat themselves for minor ailments. The number of doctors who practice medicine in Haiti are fewer than 1,000. Those who live there and treat people with herbs and Hatian spices are known as leaf healers.

The following are just a few of the plants grown for medicinal purposes

• Aloe Vera--the leaves of the plant are used to treat cuts, burns and sunburn
• Catnip or Catmint--a tea is made from the leaves of the plant and used to cleanse the blood, calm colic in babies and to stop convulsions
• Cinnamon--the ground up bark is used to treat diarrhea and vomiting
• Eucalyptus--an extract from the leaves is used to treat coughs and the flu
• Peppermint, Spearmint, Lemonmint and Horsemint--used to calm a queasy stomach and to aid in digestion
• Quassia or Bitterroot--the bark of the tree is used to create a tonic to rid people of worms
• Red Sage--used to increase menstrual flow
• Sasparilla--a tea made from the sasparilla root is used to purify blood; it is also believed to clean the liver, kidney and bowels
• Senna--a tea is made of the plant and used as a laxative
• Thyme–-this Hatian spice is used in a tea to treat a nervous breakdown
• Verbena--used as a pain killer during child birth

Spice of Life

If it is true that variety is the spice of life, than people who live in Haiti can expect to live a long one. Unfortunately, many herbs and spices that can be grown in Haiti have not been produced in a sufficient amount to be exported to other countries. In 2004, tropical storm Jeanne devastated the agricultural areas of Haiti and they have not sufficiently recovered to begin production again. The spices are grown in smaller amounts on individual farms and primarily used by the locals. It is hoped that they will once again flourish and be exported to countries that truly enjoy what Hatian spices have to offer.