What is popularly referred to as an “avocado” to the rest of the world is called a “pear” in Jamaica. Why?! Well, because it’s shaped like one. You may then ask, well what do you call “pears,” i.e bartlett, bosc, anjou & etc varieties? We call them “American pears.” You see, Jamaican produce availability is largely determined and preferably consumed by its season. Season being its optimal taste and intended native harvest. With increased accessibility to imports, many traditions change depending on personal desires, but the pear is sacred. Interestingly enough the two pear seasons overlap in early Fall, but “American pears” aren’t conducive to Jamaica’s climate for local harvesting. Thus, without imports the avocado’s stepsister is superior in Jamaica.
Pears are consumed as a side vegetable (interchangeable as a fruit) on any meal. When in season, it accompanies every meal. It’s also often paired with “bulla cakes” or hard dough bread as a pick me up snack. Yes, Jamaicans were serving “avo toast’ before it became the millennial’s demise for lack of proper savings and homeownership.
The one thing you do not do with a pear in Jamaica is prepare guacamole. (I know, “guac” is the ishh*) Jamaicans, true Islanders are suspicious of the process. It’s the act of dressing up a bad fruit as good and you are not to be trusted. Biases aside, the pear and avocado are different families of the same species and thus, the taste is slightly different. My guess is that the pear doesn’t make great guacamole. This I would not know as I haven’t tried to, that will be the crime in my household. I can already hear my Dad screaming with disgust.
P.s. Please don’t ask why it looks like that, it’s the preferred cutting technique and that too, is sacred.
Pingback: The Jamaican (un) – Dictionary – Jamoji