GraceKennedy Foods USA has invited jerk lovers worldwide to celebrate National Jamaican Jerk Day USA (Jerk Day) tomorrow (October 23).

This year, GraceKennedy marks its 100th anniversary and Jamaica celebrates 60 years of Independence.

GraceKennedy Foods USA has engaged restaurants, caterers, and food trucks to create dishes using Grace Jerk Seasoning and other of the brand’s seasonings, sauces, and marinades to offer customers specials during Jerk Week—October 17 through 23. 

Jerk Day recognises and celebrates Jamaica’s signature jerk tradition. The distinctive method of seasoning and cooking meats, dating back to centuries ago, was essential to the survival of the Maroons, the former slaves who escaped from the plantations to live in the mountainous terrains of Jamaica.

ENJOYMENT PROMISED TO JERK FOOD ENTHUSIASTS

The Maroons would season hunted game meat with foraged spices. The meat would then be slowly cooked underground as smoke from an open flame could give away their location to those seeking to harm them. 

Jerk Day allows stakeholders to amplify their efforts in protecting this unique and distinctly Jamaican culinary tradition. Jerk food enthusiasts and those who appreciate authentic Jamaican culture will surely enjoy it. 

This year, restaurants in Atlanta and Washington, DC, are joining those in South Florida and New York which previously participated. 

In South Florida, Donna’s Caribbean Restaurant, Dynamic Cuisine Food Truck, Jerk Machine, Dutch Pot, and Golden Krust will join in the occasion. New Yorkers can stop by Island Spice food truck, Forever Jerk, Sam’s Caribbean Marketplace, and Miss Lily’s. At the same time, thouse in Atlanta can visit APT4 Restaurant and Ms Icy Kitchen and those in the DC/Maryland area can visit Island Quizine.

Over more than 100 years, GraceKennedy, which is headquartered in Jamaica, has grown and diversified into a global consumer group which serves the Jamaican diaspora “a taste of home”. GraceKennedy has popularised jerk in retail food sales, and today is one of the most iconic representations of Brand Jamaica worldwide.

“Grace has been a pioneer in bringing Jamaican Jerk and other Caribbean flavours to the world. We are a Jamaican company contributing to Jamaican history by telling our own stories while sharing our unique Caribbean food culture with the world,” said Derrick Reckord, president and CEO of GraceKennedy Foods USA.

Jerk lovers who are unable to celebrate with the participating restaurants, can join in the fun by making their own jerk creations at home using Grace Jerk seasoning and sauces and posting videos, photos, or recipes on social media using the hashtags #nationaljamaicanjerkday, #jamaicanjerkday and #jamaicanjerk.