Every delicious African or Caribbean meal starts with one secret — the right blend of spices.
Whether you’re making Nigerian Jollof, Jamaican Curry Goat, or Ghanaian Stew, these pantry staples will take your cooking from simple to sensational.
At AYT Foods, we’re all about bridging culture and convenience — bringing you authentic flavours from across Africa and the Caribbean, right here in Scotland.
Here are 5 essential spices every Afro-Caribbean kitchen should have. 👇🏽
1. Curry Powder
If there’s one spice that defines Caribbean and West African cooking, it’s Curry Powder.
Used in Jamaican curry goat, Nigerian stews, and even seafood dishes, it delivers warmth, colour, and a burst of earthy aroma.
Pro Tip: Add a spoonful to your meat marinades or rice dishes for that authentic island taste.
🛒 Shop AYT’s authentic Jamaican and Nigerian curry powders — blended for deep, rich flavour.
2. Thyme
This humble herb adds a subtle but unmistakable aroma to everything — from stews to rice to soups.
Fresh or dried, thyme brings a balanced flavour that ties every dish together.
In Caribbean cooking: It’s the heart of dishes like brown stew chicken.
In Nigerian stews: It enhances tomato sauces and pepper soups beautifully.
🛒 Find both dried thyme and mixed herb blends at AYT Foods.
3. Crayfish (Ground Dried Shrimp)
A staple in West African kitchens, crayfish adds depth, umami, and that unique “home” flavour to soups and stews.
Just a spoonful can completely transform your Egusi Soup, Beans Porridge (Ewa Riro), or Ogbono.
Pro Tip: Store in an airtight jar to preserve freshness — a little goes a long way!
🛒 Shop authentic Nigerian crayfish at AYT Foods.
4. Scotch Bonnet Pepper
Meet the king of heat — the Scotch Bonnet.
Fiery, fruity, and full of character, it’s the backbone of Caribbean jerk seasoning and many African pepper sauces.
It adds not just spice but depth and complexity to your meals.
Pro Tip: Always handle with care — and pair with sweet ingredients like bell peppers or tomatoes for balance.
🛒 Get fresh and dried Scotch bonnet peppers at AYT Foods.
5. Allspice (Pimento)
The secret behind Jamaica’s world-famous jerk seasoning!
Allspice has a unique flavour — like a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in one.
It’s essential for marinades, rice, and even baking.
Pro Tip: Crush whole allspice berries before use for the most vibrant aroma.
🛒 Find Jamaican pimento and jerk seasoning blends at AYT Foods — perfect for island-inspired meals.
❤️ Bringing It All Together
These five spices are more than ingredients — they’re part of our heritage.
They connect kitchens across continents and bring the soulful warmth of home-cooked African and Caribbean food to your table.
So, stock up, spice up, and celebrate your roots with every meal.
Shop Authentic Afro-Caribbean Spices at AYT Foods
From curry powders and thyme to pimento and crayfish, AYT Foods has everything you need to recreate the flavours you grew up with.
👉🏽 Shop Now at AYT Foods
More than food. It’s a taste of home.
