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Dominica’s Creole Season is here. Prior to these Covid times, every year from October to early November this period was once the most vibrant season. There’d be creole festivals, creole wear constantly on display, creole décor in almost every public institution and the most memorable, delicious ‘creole’ foods. Indulging in traditional creole foods around this time annually, is something that locals and visitors alike would look forward to.
Something that makes food so delectable at this time of year, is its seasonality or limited availability. You read right. Some of our most delicious creole foods are seasonal. While you may argue that we can have ‘codfish and bakes’ at any time of year, this is not the same for local crab back and other seasonal meats. These are the components that really add flare, flavour and the unique Dominican quality to food.
The Hunting season in Dominica opens its doors just in time for these foods to be available during the months of October and November.
Because of the catastrophic Hurricane Maria that shook Dominica back in September of 2017, the wildlife population had been dealt a near death blow. The Hunting Season that year, and the following year, had been closed to give local wildlife some time to recover and replenish.
Here in 2021, in spite of existing pandemic restrictions, Dominica has launched its Independence celebrations calendar of activities as of October 1st and many people can say ‘Thank God,’ now that the season is open so that they can enjoy the mouth watering, seasonal treats.
Here are the top 5 creole foods to enjoy for Dominica’s Independence Season
Crab back – This food is a must on everyone’s menu. This is especially so on Creole Day, which in Dominica is the last Friday in October, and the island’s official Independence Day on 03rd November. although one of the priciest creole meals, it’s also one of the most delicious. This delicacy sells out like hot cakes, and to some it is well worth the price to have crab back on their plate for independence celebrations.
Agouti – have you had a broth with smoked agouti meat? This animal ranks high on the list of foods which makes the Creole season what it is. This meat is best enjoyed in a one pot such as a broth or ‘agouti water’. But stewed agouti with rice, ground provision, and peas is just as delicious.
Manicou – The Manicou can fall in a similar category as the agouti, but don’t get it wrong, it is not a replacement meat. Each of these foods has its own unique texture and flavour. A true connoisseur can easily tell the difference between agouti water and manicou water. This tasty meat is a healthy addition to any Creole dish.
Callaloo Soup – This is actually Dominica’s National dish, which became the country’s national dish in 2013. There are many variants of this dish across the region but Dominica’s callaloo is made from young dasheen leaves. A good bowl of callaloo is a filling meal for anyone. This soup contains ground provision, vegetables and guess what? It can also hold crab, agouti, or manicou meats! I’m sure you’ve heard of the famous crab callaloo.
Sancoche – ‘Sancoche’ is another popular dish at creole time. Saltfish is a staple food around the Caribbean, it’s origins tracing back to the days of slavery. This ‘one pot hold all’ meal consists of saltfish boiled down in coconut milk with anything else you want in the mix (ground provisions etc.).
The ban on hunting remains in place for birds, freshwater fish, mountain chicken (or crapaud), and iguanas.Most in Dominica can remember having the mountain chicken (which used to be our national dish prior to 2013) as a delicacy at this time of year.
However due to the critically endangered label on the animal it is off limits for now. The temporary lifting of the ban on hunting truly makes Dominica’s culture peak in the months of October and November. We must also use this ban to reinforce the need to take care of the environment, not just for ourselves and future generations, but also for the wildlife which play such a key component in our traditions and culture.
Dominica’s Independence is officially celebrated on November 3rd. We wish a happy Independence season and independence day to Dominicans everywhere, and happy ‘independence season eating’ to all.
Written by: Andrea Louis & Dilma Bastien
For: Generation Y Dominica
Generation Y Dominica 