Jamaican curry powder is a key ingredient in many classic Jamaican dishes. With its complex blend of warm, earthy spices like turmeric, coriander, ginger, and cayenne pepper, it adds a signature flavor and heat to dishes like curry goat, curry chicken, stew peas, and more.
There are many brands of Jamaican curry powder available, each with its own unique flavor profile. So how do you know which one to choose for authentic Jamaican flavor?
Here is a complete buying guide to help you find the best Jamaican curry powder to suit your cooking needs and preferences.
When shopping for Jamaican curry powder, here are the key factors to consider:
- Spice blend - Check the list of spices and ingredients. Traditional blends contain turmeric, coriander, fenugreek, garlic, ginger, thyme, allspice, and scotch bonnet peppers. Avoid blends with extra fillers.
- Heat level - Assess the spiciness based on the type of pepper used. Scotch bonnet peppers add intense heat. Go milder if you prefer less heat.
- Aroma - The spices should smell fresh, vibrant, and balanced. Avoid musty or dull-smelling curry powders.
- Color - Look for a rich golden yellow or orange color from turmeric and annatto. The dull brown powder may be old.
- Flavor - Choose a blend with complexity, depth of flavor, and well-balanced heat. Avoid single-note flavors.
- Freshness - Check the expiration date and storage. Fresher curry powder will taste more vibrant.
FIWI Foods Authentic Jamaican Curry Powder
FIWI Foods Authentic Jamaican Curry Powder is a premium blend that delivers an authentic Jamaican curry flavor. The curry powder has a smooth texture that dissolves easily during cooking, providing seasoning without grittiness.
The spice level is mild, allowing the complex flavors to come through without excessive heat.
Using this curry powder specifically for dishes like curry chicken turns out exceptionally flavorful. The resealable packaging helps maintain the freshness of the all-natural ingredients.
Overall, this seems to be a high-quality Jamaican curry powder that infuses traditional curry flavor into meats, seafood, and vegetables.
Key features:
- Authentic Jamaican curry powder blend
- Smooth, grit-free texture
- Mild heat level
- Aromatic spice flavor
- Resealable bag
What We Like:
- Authentic Jamaican flavor
- Dissolves easily during cooking
- Allows flavors to shine without too much heat
- Smells and tastes very aromatic
- Keeps contents fresh in a resealable bag
Blue Mountain Country Jamaican Curry Powder
Immerse yourself in the flavors of the Caribbean with this authentic Jamaican curry powder. One sniff of the spice blend's enticing aroma instantly conjures images of sandy beaches and palm trees.
With key ingredients like turmeric, fenugreek, and cumin, each spoonful delivers a taste of the islands. Mix the golden curry powder into your favorite chicken, shrimp, or oxtail recipe and let it work its magic. The mild blend of spices adds delightful depth without overwhelming heat, making it family-friendly.
This versatile pantry staple also livens up rice, beans, soups, and more. A little goes a long way, so start with a tablespoon or two and adjust to taste. The fine consistency blends smoothly into dishes. For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Try this trusted brand that professional chefs use to put an authentic island twist on classic recipes. The convenient glass jar seals tight to keep the spices fresh. Bring the joy of Jamaican cuisine to your own kitchen with this flavorful curry powder.
Key features:
- Authentic Jamaican spice blend
- Adds flavor and vibrance
- Mild heat level
What We Like:
- Great Caribbean aroma
- Versatile ingredient
- Convenient storage jar
Betapac Curry Powder
Experience the rich authentic flavor of Jamaica with Betapac curry powder. This spice blend is a staple in Caribbean cooking, adding delicious complexity to classic dishes like curry chicken, goat, shrimp, and more.
The bright yellow hue comes from turmeric, which also lends its earthy flavor. With each bite, you'll taste the warmth of the cumin balanced by the sweetness of fenugreek and coriander.
This versatile seasoning can liven up beans, soups, stews, rice, roasted veggies, and other recipes. Start with 1-2 tablespoons and adjust amounts to your taste. The fine consistency blends smoothly for even distribution.
Bring a taste of Jamaica to your kitchen with this trusted brand beloved by locals. The convenient container seals are tight to preserve freshness.
Key features:
- Authentic Jamaican spice blend
- Versatile ingredient for many dishes
- The fine texture blends evenly
What We Like:
- Great aroma
- Adds warmth and complexity
- Convenient packaging
Real Jamaican Curry Powder
Experience the flavor of the islands with this authentic Real Jamaican curry powder.
This versatile seasoning adds a warm, aromatic depth to curries, stews, roasted vegetables, rice dishes, and more. Start with a tablespoon per pound of protein or veggies and adjust to taste. The fine texture blends smoothly for even coating and flavor distribution.
With each bite, you'll taste the complexity of spices like coriander, fenugreek, turmeric, and black pepper. The mild blend brings a delicate heat that isn't overpowering, making it family-friendly. Add cayenne or hot sauce for an extra kick.
Bring the spirit of Jamaica to your kitchen with this trusted, small-batch brand. Their signature blend stands out from generic curries. The reusable glass jar seals tight to preserve freshness.
Key features:
- Authentic Caribbean spice blend
- Adds flavor and aroma
- Mild level of heat
What We Like:
- Great island scent
- Convenient storage jar
- Versatile ingredient
Marshalls Creek Kosher Jamaican Curry Powder
Improve the flavor profile of dishes with the essence of the Caribbean islands with Marshalls Creek kosher Jamaican curry powder. One whiff of this aromatic blend and you'll want to indulge in Jamaican cuisine.
The spice mix contains coriander, black pepper, garlic, cumin, turmeric, fennel, and cayenne for a layered depth of flavor. The golden hue comes from antioxidant-rich turmeric. Start with a tablespoon per pound of protein or veggies, adjusting amounts to taste.
From curries to rice dishes, and soups to roasted veggies, this versatile seasoning brings warmth and vibrancy. The fine texture distributes evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
With this high-quality kosher blend, you can treat your family and guests to true Jamaican cuisine. The convenient jar seals tight to keep spices fresh
Key features:
- Kosher-certified Jamaican spice blend
- Adds vibrancy and depth of flavor
- The fine texture blends smoothly
What We Like:
- Lovely aroma
- Convenient jar
- Versatile ingredient
Badia Curry Powder Jamaican Style
This Badia Jamaican-style curry powder provides an explosion of rich, earthy flavors that will make you feel like you are in the Caribbean. With a variety of spices like turmeric, coriander, cumin, and fenugreek, each spoonful delivers a delightful palate of tastes and aromas.
When you add this seasoning blend to chicken, fish, stews, or curries, it provides warmth and depth unlike any other. The mild heat complements the savory notes flawlessly. Compared to other brands, Badia strikes the ideal balance between spiciness and earthiness. Neither flavor overpowers the other.
With Badia's blend, you get an authentic island-style curry powder made from quality ingredients. It contains no MSG or gluten, so you can feel good about cooking with it. This delicious mixture works beautifully as a rub on meats or stir it into your favorite recipes to give them that signature Jamaican flair.
Key features:
- Authentic Jamaican curry powder flavor
- Well-balanced heat and savoriness
- Quality blend of spices like turmeric, coriander, and cumin
What We Like:
- Provides rich depth of flavor to dishes
- Ideal balance of earthiness and mild spiciness
- Made from quality ingredients and contains no MSG
Karjos Easispice Jamaican Curry Powder
This Jamaican curry powder from Karjos Easispice has a very delicious and authentic flavor. It creates genuine-tasting Jamaican curry dishes that everyone will love. The aroma and taste are similar to the curry powder found in Jamaica.
The curry powder contains turmeric, rice flour, salt, coriander, fenugreek, black pepper, and cumin.
It has a mild flavor so you may want to add cayenne or other spices to make it spicier. The packaging keeps it fresh. It's a great product even though you need more of it compared to some other brands in order to get a robust curry flavor. The taste is still authentic.
Key features:
- Genuine Jamaican curry powder with authentic flavor
- Delicious and wholesome seasoning
- Contains turmeric, rice flour, salt, coriander, fenugreek, black pepper, cumin
- Mild flavor, add cayenne to make it spicier
- Packaging keeps it fresh
What We Like:
- Authentic Jamaican taste
- The true flavor profile of curry powder from Jamaica
- Same as purchased in Jamaica
- Keeps well in packaging
Caribbean Kitchen Mild Curry Powder
For a delightful taste, try Caribbean Kitchen mild Jamaican-style curry powder. This blend marries the warming flavors of turmeric, coriander, cumin, and allspice to create a wonderfully balanced profile.
With its sunny golden hue and fragrance, this versatile seasoning can transform everyday dishes into exotic cuisine. Just a spoonful added to meat, chicken, fish, potatoes, or veggies provides fabulously rich character and island-inspired warmth.
Compared to other curry powders, Caribbean Kitchen's mild version offers the perfect amount of heat to complement the earthy tones. Neither overpowers the other. You get just enough spice to highlight the savory aromas and flavors. This authentic blend contains no MSG or fillers - just pure, natural ingredients.
For quick and easy island flavor at home, keep Caribbean Kitchen curry powder among your essential pantry items. With its mellow heat and heady aromas, this seasoning brings a taste of the tropics to everyday cooking.
Key features:
- Authentic mild Jamaican curry powder
- A balanced blend of turmeric, coriander, cumin, and allspice
- Provides signature island essence to dishes
What We Like:
- Wonderful rich flavor and tempting aroma
- Mild heat perfectly complements earthiness
- Made from all-natural ingredients
Jamaican Choice Curry Powder
For authentic island flavor, try Jamaican Choice curry powder. This top-quality blend marries the warming goodness of turmeric, coriander, cumin, and allspice to deliver a wonderfully balanced profile.
With its rich golden color and fragrance, this versatile seasoning transforms everyday cooking into an island-inspired feast. Just a spoonful infuses meat, chicken, fish, and veggies with fabulously deep, exotic tones.
The mild heat perfectly complements the earthy aromas. You get just enough zing to highlight the savory tones, without one overpowering the other.
Made from all-natural ingredients and real spices, this authentic blend contains no MSG or fillers. For quick and easy island cuisine at home, keep Jamaican Choice curry powder among your essential pantry items.
Key features:
- Top-quality authentic Jamaican curry powder
- A balanced blend of turmeric, coriander, cumin, and allspice
- Provides deep island flavors and aromas
What We Like:
- Wonderfully rich, exotic taste
- Mild heat highlights savory notes
- Made from all-natural quality ingredients
Grace Hot Curry Powder
For spicy Caribbean flavors, try Grace Jamaican-style hot curry powder. This top-quality blend matches the hearty goodness of turmeric, coriander, cumin, and pepper to deliver a wonderfully vibrant profile.
With its rich golden hue and tantalizing aroma, this seasoning can transform everyday dishes into exotic island cuisine. Just a spoonful infuses meat, chicken, fish, and veggies with deep, spicy tones and tempting Caribbean essence.
Compared to milder blends, Grace's hot version provides the perfect level of heat to complement the earthy flavors. You get just enough zing to highlight the savory notes, without one overpowering the other. This versatile blend contains no MSG or fillers, just pure natural spices.
Made from premium ingredients, Grace's hot curry powder makes it easy to enjoy authentic Caribbean cooking at home. Keep it stocked in your pantry for a quick way to add spice, vibrancy, and island soul to everyday meals. The heat and flavor will transport your tastebuds!
Key features:
- Authentic spicy Jamaican curry powder
- A hearty blend of turmeric, coriander, cumin, and pepper
- Provides deep, exotic heat and aromas
What We Like:
- Wonderfully vibrant, spicy taste
- Perfect heat level to complement earthiness
- Made from premium natural ingredients
Jamaican Curry Powder Buying Guide
Jamaican curry powder has a distinctly complex flavor quite different from Indian or Asian curries.
Here's a more in-depth look at what makes it unique and how to choose the right brand for your needs:
Ingredients
Turmeric - The main ingredient that gives Jamaican curry its golden yellow color. It has an earthy, slightly bitter flavor.
Coriander - Provides a sweet, lemony aroma and flavor. An essential spice.
Fenugreek - Adds warmth and a subtle maple-like sweetness.
Cumin - A strong, earthy and slightly bitter flavor. Boosts the curry's depth.
Thyme - Contributes an herbal quality and woodsy notes.
Scotch Bonnet Peppers - Provides the signature heat and fruity tones. Reduce or omit for a milder curry.
Allspice - Gives a sweet and slightly peppery taste. Also called pimento.
Ginger - Adds warmth, subtle heat and brightness.
Garlic - Provides pungency, aroma and savory depth. Often puree or powder form.
Onion - Supplies savory, earthy undertones when powdered.
Cloves - A small amount adds a sweet yet strong, spicy flavor.
Many blends also contain extras like annatto for color, celery for aroma and fillers like flour or cornstarch. Stick to pure spice blends for the most authentic flavor.
Spice Blend and Heat Level
Jamaican curry powders range from mild with just a warm glow of heat to very spicy with intense scotch bonnet chile burn.
Here are some tips for assessing spice blends:
- Look for a good balance of spices beyond just the peppers for heat. Turmeric, coriander, cumin, fenugreek, garlic and thyme should be key players.
- Spicier blends will list scotch bonnet peppers near the top of the ingredients list. Milder versions use less or none.
- Words like "mild", "medium" or "hot" on the label give clues to heat level, but tasting is the best test.
- Mild curry powder offers gentle warmth without much lingering burn. Great for kids or heat-sensitive palates.
- Medium delivers a moderate kick of heat that slowly builds. Most popular for versatility.
- Hot curry powder packs some serious chile pepper punch with prolonged burn. For hardcore spice lovers.
You can always adjust heat levels by adding more or less powder. Start small when trying a new brand until you know the potency.
Aroma
A good curry powder should have an intensely fragrant, complex aroma when you open the container.
Here's what to sniff for:
- Bright, fresh aromas - A lively, vivid smell, not stale and dull.
- Balanced blending of spice notes, not dominated by one scent.
- Turmeric lends an earthy, bitter quality.
- Coriander contributes a citrusy note.
- Ginger adds spicy warmth.
- Garlic has a pungent bite.
- Thyme and other herbs provide woodsy nuances.
Any musty, grassy or stale aromas mean the powder is past its prime. Toss it and get a fresher blend.
Color
The vibrant golden orange to yellow hue of Jamaican curry comes from turmeric. Here's what to look for:
- Turmeric-rich powder has a bold orange-yellow color.
- Dull or brownish powder has lost its lively color from age.
- A neon yellow color may indicate addition of food coloring. Avoid these.
- Dark specks of spices like pepper and cumin are fine, but should not dominate.
- A small amount of annatto added for color is traditional in some brands. This adds a reddish tone.
Always check expiration dates. The older the powder, the more it will fade to a drab brownish gray. Fresh is best for optimal flavor and color.
Flavor
Beyond heat, you want a curry powder bursting with flavor. Here are the key taste notes:
- Complexity - A good curry blends many spices, not just chile heat. No single flavor should overwhelm the others.
- Earthy tones from turmeric, cumin and fenugreek.
- Lemony brightness from coriander.
- Ginger adds spicy zing.
- Savory notes like garlic and onion.
- Peppery kick from chiles and cloves, but balanced.
- Mild sweetness and warmth from allspice, clove and cinnamon.
- Herbal nuances from thyme add depth.
The whole blend should have a rich, warm mouthfeel and lingering finish with a moderate burn.
Freshness
For peak flavor and aroma, always buy the freshest curry powder possible:
- Check expiration dates and choose brands with farther out dates.
- Buy spices and blends from stores with high turnover. Avoid dusty bottles in the back.
- Purchase small quantities that you will use up quicker.
- Refrigerate opened curry powder to extend shelf life.
- Seal tightly between uses and limit air exposure.
- Buy whole spices like cumin and make your own for ultimate freshness.
With its complex medley of spices and signature slow burn, Jamaican curry powder is truly a unique ingredient that's indispensable for making authentic island dishes.
Use these buying tips to find the right brand and heat level for your kitchen. From subtly warming to mouth-searing spicy, there's a curry blend to suit every palate.
Comparison Table:
| Brand | Heat Level | Key Flavors | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIWI Foods | Mild | Turmeric, coriander, cumin | Curry chicken, seafood |
| Blue Mountain Country | Mild | Turmeric, coriander, cumin | Chicken, shrimp, oxtail |
| Betapac | Medium | Turmeric, cumin, fenugreek | Beans, soups, stews |
| Real Jamaican | Mild | Coriander, fenugreek, black pepper | Curries, rice dishes |
| Marshalls Creek Kosher | Mild | Coriander, turmeric, cayenne | Curries, vegetables |
| Badia | Mild | Turmeric, coriander, cumin | Curries, stews |
| Karjos Easispice | Mild | Turmeric, coriander, fenugreek | Curries, add heat if needed |
| Caribbean Kitchen | Mild | Turmeric, coriander, cumin, allspice | Meat, chicken, fish, veggies |
| Jamaican Choice | Mild | Turmeric, coriander, cumin, allspice | Meat, chicken, fish |
| Grace Hot | Hot | Turmeric, coriander, cumin, pepper | Meat, chicken, fis |
FAQ
Is Jamaican curry powder spicy?
Jamaican curry can range from mildly spicy to very hot depending on the brand and blend. Hot versions contain scotch bonnet peppers while mild has little or no heat. Check labels for guidance.
What's the difference between Jamaican and Indian curry?
Jamaican curry features spices like allspice, scotch bonnet peppers, ginger and thyme for a unique flavor profile. Indian curry highlights turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon and clove.
What's the best Jamaican curry powder for beginners?
For those new to Jamaican curry, start with a mild blend from brands like Grace or Marley's Mellow Mood. As you develop a taste, graduate to medium heat versions from Walkerswood or Spice Island.
Should Jamaican curry powder be refrigerated?
Yes, keep opened Jamaican curry powder sealed in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maximize freshness and prevent moisture exposure. Use within 6 months.
What dishes use Jamaican curry powder?
Popular uses include curries, stews, jerk dishes, rice and peas, oxtail, curried goat, vegetables, and many more. Add to sauces, marinades, rubs and anywhere you want a flavor and heat boost.
Is it OK to substitute garam masala for Jamaican curry powder?
No, garam masala will have a very different flavor profile without characteristic Jamaican spices. Stick to Jamaican blends for authentic flavor. But garam masala can be a tasty experiment.
Can I make my own Jamaican curry powder?
Yes, you can easily make your own by blending spices like turmeric, thyme, allspice, ginger, scotch bonnets and more. Tailor the heat to your preferences.
What's the best oil to bloom Jamaican curry powder in?
Coconut oil is ideal to bloom the spices and awaken the aromas and flavors. Olive or vegetable oil also work well. Butter can burn quickly.
How long does Jamaican curry powder last?
Unopened, about 2 years. Opened, up to 6 months in a sealed container in the fridge. Beyond these times, it will lose potency.
Conclusion
With its addictive flavors and key role in Jamaican cuisine, using the best curry powder is essential for authentic island recipes from mild to super spicy.
This buying guide should help you choose the right brand and blend.
From in-depth spice profiles to brand recommendations, now you can shop confidently for that perfect curry flavor.
Resources
- My Forking Life provides a recipe for homemade Jamaican curry powder that is easy to make.
- African Bites offers a recipe for homemade Jamaican curry powder that is free of additives and fillers and tastes better than store-bought brands.
- My-Island-Jamaica.com provides a recipe for Jamaican curry powder that includes turmeric, coriander, fenugreek, cumin, pimento, and black pepper.
- Jamaican Products explains that Jamaican curry powder contains multiple spices that are good sources of important nutrients.
- How To Feed A Loon provides a list of seeds needed to make Jamaican curry powder and a video tutorial.
- Orchids + Sweet Tea offers a recipe for authentic Jamaican curry chicken that includes Jamaican curry powder and tips for reducing its potency.