Daily Botanical: Ackee Tree
Ackee is a lychee-like fruit that is poisonous when raw and must be put through a series of processes to make it edible. Ackee and saltfish is Jamaica’s national meal. It is popular in many other parts of the Caribbean but seems to be overlooked in Dominica. On the other hand, saltish seasoned with hot peppers and onion is very popular in Dominica and often eaten with breakfast.
I had never seen an ackee tree up close and didn’t realize how high on my list of experiences it was until I spotted this one in the Kalinago Territory on Dominica’s East Coast. Beautiful, don’t you think?
March 8th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
awesome! have you eaten ackee?
March 8th, 2010 at 2:00 pm
I’ve eaten it myself. It’s lovely. And the tree is beautiful as well. As for saltfish…that’s one of favourite things in the whole world. Miss it alot!
March 8th, 2010 at 2:20 pm
I planted a tree in my yard in florida and i eat the fruit with codfish in my country of jamaica its the national dish.
March 9th, 2010 at 9:11 am
In Trinidad, we call the dish we make from saltfish “buljol.” Next time you’re in Texas, I’ll make it for you. Not to toot my own horn, but I’m sort of known for it. ;)
K.
March 9th, 2010 at 3:29 pm
Ackee and saltfish is delicious, anytime of day!
March 10th, 2010 at 9:16 am
Reminds me of that old song.. “ackee rice saltfish is nice and the rum is fine any time of the day” Something about leaving a girl in Jamaica town - anyone know?
March 17th, 2010 at 6:12 pm
what a beautiful shot.
March 17th, 2010 at 6:31 pm
i’ve just returned from my 2nd visit to jamaica; ackee & saltfish is an awesome breakfast! (ackee is sort of a lot like eggs) for anyone who loves plants, jamaica is a mecca… most of my vacay pics are of the remarkable & stunning jamaican flora :)
salvation jane: that would be “kingston town”, by the fantabulous harry belafonte :)