Ep 9. Jamaica

On episode 9 of season 7 of Bizarre Foods, host Andrew Zimmern travels to the island nation of Jamaica in search of the country's unique and eclectic cuisine. Throughout the episode, Zimmern immerses himself in the vibrant culture of Jamaica, meeting locals and experiencing the country's rich history.

The episode kicks off with Zimmern exploring Jamaican street food, including dishes such as jerk chicken, curry goat, and festival, which is a fried dough typically served with seafood or meat. He also visits a Rastafarian community and learns about Ital cuisine, a vegetarian and vegan way of cooking that is rooted in Jamaica's Rastafarian religion.

Next, Zimmern ventures to the Blue Mountains, which are known for their coffee production. He visits a coffee plantation and learns about the process of growing and roasting some of the world's finest coffee beans. He also attends a large fish festival, where he samples a wide variety of seafood dishes, including escovitch fish, which is marinated in vinegar and spices.

One of the highlights of the episode is Zimmern's visit to a family-owned farm where they grow and harvest yams, a staple crop in Jamaica. He learns about the different varieties of yams and helps with the harvesting process before indulging in a yam-based meal.

Throughout the episode, Zimmern also dives into the history of Jamaica, visiting sites such as the Bob Marley Museum and a sugar plantation to learn about the country's complicated past. He also explores the vibrant music scene of Jamaica, attending a concert and meeting with musicians to discuss the role of music in Jamaican culture.

Overall, the Jamaica episode of Bizarre Foods offers a rich and immersive look into the country's cuisine, history, and culture. Zimmern's enthusiastic and curious approach to food and travel make for an engaging and enlightening viewing experience that will leave viewers hungry for more.