Travelin' Tropical With Lori: A Local Taste of St Lucia

While lying on the beach with my husband, contemplating leaving St Lucia the next day, I asked him what his favorite island was, out of all of our travels.

He got all mushy and started talking about the trips we had taken with our kids and grand kids. Well of course these are some of our best memories, but I really wanted to know

what island he liked the best. Being the man he is, I am not sure I ever got a straight answer out of him.

I don't recall that I've ever been to a tropical destination that I didn't like, but sometimes it's harder to leave.....and every once in awhile you feel like you have left a small piece of your heart and that you will definitely have to return.

This would be St Lucia, for me.

I had to ask myself, "What is it you really love about this island?" The answer came to me almost instantly. Aside from the absolute sheer rugged beauty of the land itself, it had to be the people. I realized this as I watched the little boy about my grandsons age running up and down the beach, playing soccer with his buddy.

Earlier we had asked him about the strange looking food that he was eating. He was very eager for us to try it. Although I've been taught not to take food from strangers, I decided to take a walk on the wild side!

Reflecting on this experience made me think about all of the other wonderful people we had met while here. Having been to so many beautiful places, I find it really is the people that stir my soul. The St Lucian's were so very proud of their heritage and eager to share.

One of the many things they enjoyed sharing was their use of the land and the foods that come from it.

Here are a few highlights that I find give a glimpse into some of the local life and traditions around the Island.

Suet Jam..Sort of a gooseberry with sugar and lots of spices mixed in and warmed over the fire. He told us not to eat the seed because it might kill us. I asked if it was poisonous and he said "No, but it could get stuck in your throat!"

Making Creole Bread. The Island has a mixed French and British heritage. Creole flavor inspires much of the local cuisine.

And the final, Oh So Delicious product. We had it cut in half and slathered in butter but they also make sandwiches using salt fish and other local flavors.

Another young man who wanted us to purchase a horseback ride, eating his lunch. He also insisted I have a bite. Pemi, A mixture of cornmeal, coconut, raisins and spices such as cinnamon. Wrapped in a banana leaf and baked. This was quite tasty also.

Plenty of uses for coconut besides cooking Pemi, they can use as a bowl, drink the coconut water, eat the jelly..was kind of slimy and not to tasty.

Or make a carmel like sauce with plenty of local spice, nutmeg, cinnamon, bay leaf, pour over the sliced coconut....bake and you have a very tasty candy.