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What is Jerk Seasoning?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Jerk seasoning is a seasoning which has been traditionally used in the curing process of chicken and beef in Jamaica. In addition to being used to make dried meats, it is also a popular dry rub or marinade for barbecue, and it may be used on other meats such as pork as well as vegetarian options like tofu. Pre-packaged jerk seasoning can be found in some markets, and it is also possible to make it at home, for people who want to adjust the flavor and spiciness to their tastes.

The “jerk” in jerk seasoning comes from charqui, the Quecha root word for “jerky,” meaning “dried meat.” After Spanish explorers were introduced to Native American dried meats, they brought them to Europe and also made them in their colonies. Caribbean colonies made a lot of preserved meats because jerky was the only effective way to cure meat in the heat of the islands. Over time, people developed their own unique cures for the various meats that they made, and jerk seasoning was born.

Nutmeg is a common addition to jerk seasoning blends.
Nutmeg is a common addition to jerk seasoning blends.

Many different forms of jerk seasoning exist throughout the Caribbean, but most people think specifically of Jamaican jerk when they think about this seasoning. Jamaican jerk is characterized by the use of allspice and thyme, as well as an abundance of peppers. The heat of the peppers helped to preserve the meat while it cured, ensuring that it would be safe to eat, and many people also acquired a taste for hot food as a result.

Jerk seasoning can be used on vegetarian options, such as tofu.
Jerk seasoning can be used on vegetarian options, such as tofu.

Traditional Jamaican jerk is a dry rub which is used to cure a meat for several days before the process of slow smoking and wind drying begins. At the end of the curing and drying process, spicy jerky is left behind; this meat can be stored for extended periods of time, and used in a variety of recipes. Many modern cooks like to use Jamaican jerk for freshly served barbecued meats, in which case it is sometimes turned into a marinade or paste with the addition of liquids.

Jerk seasoning is commonly used with chicken.
Jerk seasoning is commonly used with chicken.

To make a more traditional dry rub Jamaican jerk, blend three teaspoons each of salt and ground allspice. Add two teaspoons each of thyme, sugar, and cracked black pepper, along with one teaspoon each ground red pepper, garlic powder, and dried onion. Add one half teaspoon each of cinnamon and nutmeg to the blend, and follow with a crushed Scotch Bonnet pepper. Deseed the pepper if you want your jerk seasoning less spicy, and wear gloves while you handle it. For a marinade, use fresh rather than dried ingredients, and add a hint of rum to make a paste which can be rubbed onto the meat.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Fiorite

A meal of jerk is not complete until you serve it with salad, and rice and Gungu peas (pigeon peas).

The cook must make the rice and peas right. The cook must make sure to add fresh sprigs of thyme, crushed scallions, coconut milk and a whole scotch bonnet. The rice and peas should be creamy with subtle hints of pepper and garlic.

There is nothing better than rice and Gungu beans to cool the heat of the jerk chicken/goat/pork.

ValleyFiah

This article was great. The recipe at the end will make an authentic Jamaican jerk seasoning. Most importantly, the author remembered the most crucial ingredient... scotch bonnets. If I were to make it into a marinade for meat, the only thing I would add is fresh squeezed lime. Rub down a leg of lamb or goat with this marinade and cook it on a wood fire for some seriously good barbecue.

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    • Nutmeg is a common addition to jerk seasoning blends.
      By: Thomas Francois
      Nutmeg is a common addition to jerk seasoning blends.
    • Jerk seasoning can be used on vegetarian options, such as tofu.
      By: Jiri Hera
      Jerk seasoning can be used on vegetarian options, such as tofu.
    • Jerk seasoning is commonly used with chicken.
      By: Rohit Seth
      Jerk seasoning is commonly used with chicken.
    • Cracked black pepper is a common spice used in jerk seasoning.
      By: kellyschulz
      Cracked black pepper is a common spice used in jerk seasoning.
    • Those who wish to make jerk chicken at home can buy the seasoning premade.
      By: Monkey Business
      Those who wish to make jerk chicken at home can buy the seasoning premade.
    • Jerk seasoning is traditionally used on chicken and beef in Jamaica.
      By: bogdanserban
      Jerk seasoning is traditionally used on chicken and beef in Jamaica.