Jet-Setting Around the World

Maroons created the Jerk as a way to preserve and cook their meat and fish. Jamaican Jerk consists of two main ingredients: allspice (pimento) and scotch bonnet peppers. 

After our "trip" to Jamaica, Brainfoodians were filled with curiosity and excitement about other countries. That's why they were thrilled about our next trip to China. Many were surprised to find out that American Chinese food is quite different than traditional Chinese food. We discussed the eight main regional cuisines and the distinct characteristics of each. For example, the Sichuan region of China is known for their use of bold flavors, pungent aromatics, and spiciness from a unique flavor: Sichuan Peppercorn. And, the not so well known idea, that rice is incredibly popular in the south because they are able to grow the crop, while in the north, millet and wheat are staples.

As we were going through the lesson, I heard remarks such as, “Wow, that is so interesting!” and “That is mind blowing!” Conversations about their experiences with Chinese food and how it is different from what they have eaten here in the United States continued throughout class; and hearing students make these comparisons about food was a strong reminder to me that there are many ways to explore new ideas and cultures.

Learning and teaching about different countries makes me really think back to my family and cultural background, as Passover just began. Passover is an eight-day holiday celebrating the Jewish peoples’ freedom from slavery in Egypt. I once spoke with a Rabbi about the deeper meanings of the Passover story. One piece of his commentary really stuck out to me: As the Jewish peoples were walking through the parted sea, there were 12 paths (one for each tribe of Israel). While they were traveling through these parted paths there were windows in the walls of the sea; those windows were to make sure that each individual was not focusing solely on their own silo but recognize that there were infinitely more people walking down a different path at the same time.

This interpretation not only enhances my understanding of Passover, but reminds me of what our Brainfoodians are doing in present times. They are opening themselves up to new experiences and reminding themselves that there are many more people in the world who are going through life on a different path at the same time. Many of our students have learned about countries in history class at school, but have not had hands-on, experiential learning about their cultures. Creating and trying dishes from places around the world has given them a deeper connection to these cultures, and a new way to understand.