Let’s talk about how to balance your starches. Walk into any Haitian kitchen on a Saturday morning, and you are bound to hear the gentle rumble of a pot boiling on the stove. Inside, you’ll often find ground provisions (viveres) like malanga, yanm, and patat alongside vibrant green or golden bannann (plantains). For generations, these…
Walk into any Caribbean market or backyard in the heat of summer, and you are greeted by an absolute explosion of color and scent. The heavy, sweet perfume of ripe mangoes hanging from a branch; the bright, bumpy skins of kenèp; the soft, spiked green armor of kowosòl (soursop); and the deep pink flesh of…
Do you love rice? If there is one thing that causes immediate tension when a Haitian woman walks into my office, it’s the spoken and unspoken fear that she’ll be told to stop eating rice. In our culture, diri ak pwa (rice and beans) isn’t just food; it’s the heartbeat of the home. It’s the…
“I’m just tired.” It’s a phrase many Black women say daily. We balance careers, families, community, and the weight of the world, so we often view fatigue as a badge of our strength or an inevitable part of being a “strong Black woman.” But what if that bone-deep exhaustion isn’t just your schedule? What if…
In an era of “wellness” influencers and 30-second TikTok cures, the supplement aisle has become the modern-day version of the Wild West. We are bombarded with promises: a gummy for anxiety, a capsule for “brain fog,” a powder for bloating, and a tincture for eternal energy. It is incredibly tempting to reach for a bottle…
The Caribbean kitchen reflects a rich blend of flavor, history, and resilience. The Caribbean balanced plate brings these foods together in a way that supports both tradition and health. From the smoky jerk pits of Jamaica to the aromatic stews of Trinidad, the Caribbean’s culinary identity is built on a foundation of tubers, legumes (nuts…
Zooming in on Fruits and Vegetables Nature has a remarkable way of packaging potent medicine within the vibrant hues of fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants are compounds that act as our body’s personal protectors, tirelessly working to neutralize harmful free radicals, reduce inflammation, and safeguard us from a spectrum of chronic diseases. Fruits and vegetables are…
A Nutritious Grain with Global Roots Bulgur wheat is a versatile, nutrient-dense grain that has been enjoyed for centuries across various cultures. While it’s most commonly associated with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, bulgur (sometimes spelled bulghur) wheat has also found its way into Caribbean kitchens, including Haiti. It is thought that bulgur wheat was…
Looking for the English translations of certain foods? Well you’ve come to the right place. Hoping to expand this list and eventually categorize it. Akra (sometimes spelled accra or acra) – fried cassava fritter Banann – plantain Bannann peze – fried plantain Bouyon – (sometimes spelled bouillon) – stew (typically consisting of an animal protein…
5 Ways to Preserve Tradition While Embracing Change For those of Haitian descent living abroad, food is more than sustenance—it’s a connection to culture, heritage, and home. Haitian cuisine and wellness practices are deeply rooted in tradition, culture, and a strong connection to the land. Yet, adapting traditional Haitian meals to fit a new environment…