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Bahamas Country Introduction and Recipes

On the Menu

  • Coconut Bimini Bread
  • Rice and Pigeon Peas
  • Fried Plantains
  • Johnny Cake
  • Bahama Mama

Fun Facts About The Bahamas

  • The Bahamas boasts 315 days of sunshine per year!
  • The word Bahamas comes from the Spanish phrase “baja mar” which means “low tide”
  • The national fish of the Bahamas is the blue marlin, which is the fish that Ernest Hemingway wrote about in The Old Man and the Sea
  • A recent popular attraction of The Bahamas is Big Major Cay, an island where wild pigs roam and swim free. Tourists are able to visit the island to interact with the pigs!

Vertical swimming pig on Big Major Cay in The Bahamas

Swimming Pig in Big Major Cay the Bahamas

Culture of the Country

In 1807, the British abolished the slave trade, so many of the African slaves were sent to The Bahamas to live out their days. They brought with them music, medicine, and religion that greatly influences the islands today.

A popular form of music on the islands is called goombay, which combines African and European influences. It was a way for slaves to storytell and dance to music that was beaten out on a goatskin drum.

White home in The Bahamas with car parked in front

Bush medicine, the act of using plants for medicinal purposes, is practiced in The Bahamas, and also stemmed from the arrival of African slaves to the island. Bahamians use over 100 plants, including aloe vera and white sage to cure ailments.

One of the most exciting forms of celebration unique to The Bahamas is Junkanoo. Junkanoo is a parade in which Bahamians dress in brightly colored costumes and dance to music made of cowbells, horns and whistles. They often compete over prizes for best costume, best dance, etc. Junkanoo occurs during New Year’s Day, Boxing Day, and Independence Day, but smaller shows are continue during the year.

Influence on The Food

The island has moved through ownership by pirates, the Spanish, the British, America, and then back to Great Britain. The food is comprised of West Indian flavors with Latin and British influence.

Conch shell in the sand

Flavors of The Bahamas

Given its location, fish is an everyday staple in the meals of The Bahamas. Conch is a favorite among Bahamians and is on the table almost every day. The most common conch dishes are conch chowder and fried conch fritters.

Rice is a necessity, as are peas-- particularly pigeon peas. For produce, peppers, tomatoes, and onions are the most-used vegetables; tropical fruits such as bananas and guavas are popular as snacks. Coconut often flavors sweet dishes.

Drinks with rum and local juices are a favorite way to drink alcohol!