The Crop of Barbados - Sugar Cane

It was in 1642 that sugar farming was introduced in Barbados by the Dutch and since then, sugar has not only become a major part of our history but also has been a main molding source of our culture and heritage. For years Barbados only used sugar for feedstock, fuel and rum; however in 1664 that changed and the bigger plantations started exporting the sugar and soon it was dominating Barbados's economic growth. "White gold" was the name given to it because of the great wealth, fame and statue it produced for the island.

Sugar Cane, Barbados

Horses in the Paddock with sugar cane in the background, Barbados

Although our main economic driver is no longer sugar  and Barbados does not produce half the amount it did in the past, as you drive through the country side you will most definitely be greeted by fields upon fields of sugar cane. It is a sight you will never forget!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Loop Barbados

Its Friday!

Wishing a ......

Cherry Tree Hill, Barbados

This magical spot of Cherry Tree Hill is simply brilliant! Especially on a day like this one! Hope everyone's weekend is a great one filled with merriment.

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Loop Barbados

Santa's Got A Sunburn - Sorrel The Christmas Drink of Barbados

For the next few weeks in December Loop Barbados has decided to do a "Santa's got a sunburn" segment. This segment will include different Barbadian and Caribbean Christmas traditions which we are proud to share. Our first feature- the one and only sorrel. Sorrel is a  maroon in colour fruit which grows on a shrub. When this fruit  is soaked in water a pleasant tasting and vibrant red juice is produced. This is a Christmas tradition in the Caribbean and especially in Barbados, as no Christmas soiree is complete without it. In addition to its great taste, sorrel contains a wide range of vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, calcium, niacin and riboflavin. It also contains flavonoids which give the fruit its deep maroon colour and are known as powerful antioxidants for the body.

Take a look below for the famous sorrel and sorrel liqueur recipe!

SORREL DRINK

2 lbs Sorrel (cut, washed and drained)
4 pints of boiled water (use hot)
1 stick spice and a few cloves.

2 lbs sugar (mix to taste, use less if you do not like it too sweet). Leave Sorrel to soak in water with spice and cloves for 24 hours then pour off and add sugar to taste.

SORREL LIQUEUR

4 lbs Sorrel (cut, washed and drained)
1 Pint Gin
1/2 Pint Barbados Rum
2 lbs granulated sugar
3 gills (15 ozs.) boiled water, cooled.

Steep (soak) sorrel in gin and rum for 1 week, boil sugar and water until fairly thick.  Drain off liquid from sorrel and add to syrup. Store in bottle and keep for at least 2 weeks before using.  Really nice after 3 months.

 
Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: NLJ

In the Heat of the Moment- The Scotch Bonnet Pepper of Barbados

The Scotch Bonnet pepper, also known as Scotty Bon, Boney Pepper or Caribbean red pepper is a variety of the Chili pepper found in Barbados and throughout the Caribbean.  To give you a little bit of an idea on how hot these peppers actually are, a jalapeno pepper has a heat rating of 1000-8000 scoville units whereas a scotch bonnet has a heat rating of  100,000-350,000 scoville units!  From jerk seasoning, to pickle, to fish, to chicken you will find scotch bonnets in almost any traditional cuisine in Barbados. And let us not forget the famed pepper sauce made from scotch bonnets. It is often said that Barbadians have "hard mouths" because of the amount of pepper sauce they place on everything!

These peppers are hot but give such flavor and dimension to any meal!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Images: Flickr

Weekend Of Christmas Festivities

It's the second weekend in December and it seems that they are getting busier and busier with festivities! On Saturday 10th December starting at 9.00 PM will be the annual Snow Ball at Lion Castle! Snow in Barbados?..No think again. The hosts actually have acquired a snow machine which produces a snow-like substance. This is pumped all night while everyone mingles, dances and enjoys a few. This ball also acts as a charity, everyone who attends is required to bring a gift for a child in need which is then presented to them on Christmas Day! For more general and ticket information please call (246) 826-4304.

On Sunday the 11th starting at 5.00 PM will be Carols By Candlelight. The Rotary Club of Barbados hosts this event yearly as, again a way to raise money for the poor at Christmas. Locals and visitors gather in the garden of Illaro Court (the Prime Minister's House). There are performances by local and international talent (Sir Cliff Richards will be performing), plus as the sun sets and the night falls everyone lights a candle. By about 6.15 PM the entire courtyard is beaming with beautiful candlelight and everyone is singing along with the artists. Usually each individual will bring their own treats and drinks and enjoy the simplicity of it all. If you decide to come don't forget to bring a gift for the poor! For more information please email rotarybarbadossouth@gmail.com.

Hope to see some of you there!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Glitter Guide, Pinterest