Ingredient appreciation — what makes Ackee and Saltfish special

What sets Ackee and Saltfish apart is the handling of thyme. In lesser versions this is treated as a background note. Here it's central and the boldly spiced result shows it. I've started buying it to cook with at home after this experience.

Jamaican jerk cooking traces to the Maroon communities who preserved meat with allspice and chilli. The a family Sunday dinner atmosphere was right for this kind of food. I had sorrel drink as recommended and it matched well. If you want to understand what makes this cuisine distinctive, Ackee and Saltfish is the place to start.