Jamaican bread is a collective term used for breads eaten in Jamaica. The breads in Jamaica are made of different ingredients and are commonly eaten as breakfast food, snacks or relished with the main course. Jamaican breads are not only popular in this island nation but also in other Caribbean regions and many parts of the world.
Popular Jamaican Breads
-
Coco Bread- It is one of the most popular breads of Jamaica. Although the bread is known as coco bread, it does not contain any coconut. Coco, in fact is a popular Jamaican tuber, but the bread does not contain it either. Coco bread is known so, as the bread can be pulled apart in the same way coconuts are opened. This Jamaican bread is sweet and consists of a stuffing which makes the bread appear more like a sandwich. The stuffing of coco bread usually comprises meat or cheese. Eaten mostly during the lunch time, these breads are one of the Jamaican specialties that are served in New York City restaurant since 1970s.
-
Hard dough bread- Hard dough bread is a popular Jamaican bread which contains flour, water, yeast, salt and sugar. The bread is known as hard dough bread as its inner part is soft and mushy, but at the same time quite tough and spongy. Usually rectangular in shape, these breads are available both sliced and as a loaf. Hard dough bread is very much similar to the pain de mie and Pullman loaf. These breads are stored in a dry place as moisture can easily make it stale. Hard dough bread is usually relished with spreads such as jams, cheese or butter. This Jamaican bread is also eaten with stuffing of eggs and plantain.
-
Bammy- It is traditional deep-fried flat bread made from cassava. Cassava is typically used in the bread in the grated form along with root flour and salt. The mixture of these ingredients is fried in coconut oil and then soaked in water or coconut milk and then refried. This bread is relished in entire Caribbean. Bammy was introduced by Arawaka, the original settlers of Jamaica. The bread was a staple in Pre-Columbian times and was produced by rural communities of Jamaica. The consumption of Bammy was affected after the introduction of wheat breads from the west. In 1990s, the government of Jamaica, along with United Nations, created a program to revive the production, availability and consumption of bammy. Bammies, like white bread and tortilla, can be eaten as snack or at meal time.
-
Bulla Bread- Bulla bread or Bulla cakes are small round flat breads of Jamaica. These loaves are made using molasses and are flavored with ginger and nutmeg. Children are usually fond of eating this bread as it is not only tasty, but also low priced. Jamaican bread, bulla, is commonly eaten with butter, cheese or avocado.
Trivia- Jamaican Bread
Bulla cake has been used as emblem of Jamaica and represents the symbol of growth and development of this island nation.