Anguillian cuisine facts for kids

Location of Anguilla

Have you ever wondered what people eat on a sunny Caribbean island? Anguillian cuisine is the yummy food from Anguilla, a small island in the Caribbean Sea. It's a British territory, which means it's connected to the UK. The food here is a cool mix of flavors from the Caribbean, Africa, Spain, France, and England!

What Do Anguillians Eat?

Seafood Delights

Anguilla is surrounded by the ocean, so it's no surprise that seafood is super popular! You'll find lots of tasty options like prawns, shrimp, crab, spiny lobster, and conch. Fish like mahi-mahi, red snapper, and grouper are also common. One very important food is salt cod. People eat it on its own or add it to delicious stews and soups.

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  Salt cod is an Anguillian staple food.

Island Meats

Because Anguilla is a small island, there isn't a lot of space for big farms. This means that some meats, like beef, are often brought in from other places. However, people on the island do raise poultry (like chickens), pork, goat, and mutton (lamb). Goat is actually the most common meat eaten in Anguilla and is used in many different dishes!

Fruits, Veggies, and Starches

Even though the island's soil is quite sandy, some fresh produce is grown right there. You might find tomatoes, peppers, limes, and other citrus fruits. Onions, garlic, squash, and pigeon peas are also grown. A special leafy green called callalloo, which comes from Africa, is also popular.

For starchy foods, rice is a big part of meals, often imported. Other important starches, either grown locally or imported, include yams, sweet potatoes, and breadfruit. While potatoes are eaten, they are not as common as these other starchy foods. Flour and cornmeal are also used to make many Anguillian dishes.

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  The fruit of the breadfruit tree.

Popular Anguillian Dishes

Dumplings are a common food in Anguilla.

Anguillian cuisine features many exciting dishes. Here are some you might find:

• Barbecue and Jerk Meats: Meats cooked with smoky barbecue flavors or spicy jerk seasoning.
• Callalloo Stew: A hearty stew made with the special callalloo greens.
• Fritters: These are yummy fried dough balls! They can be made with conch, coconut, or other fruits. They are often seasoned with local allspice and sugar.
• Dumplings: Soft, doughy pieces often added to stews or eaten on their own.
• Seafood Soups and Bisques: Rich and creamy soups, especially those made with lobster, conch, or various fish.

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  A bowl of lobster bisque.

Drinks to Try

When it comes to drinks, rum is a popular choice on the island.