Jamaican `Ital' delights are hidden in a forest of orchids.

Publication: South Florida Sun-Sentinel (via Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service)

Bookmark this article Print this article Link to this article Email this article Digg It! Add to del.icio.us RSS

COPYRIGHT 2001 South Florida Sun-Sentinal

I've unearthed a jewel so wonderful I actually debated if I should share it. This tale begins as a hunt for orchids. As we traipse through the trails of O'Donnell Farms in Coconut Creek, Fla., the fragrance of orchids fills the air. But I detect something else: the scent of jerk spices.

I walk into a sweet-smelling cloud of allspice, ginger, chilies and wood smoke. At first, I can't understand why that smell is here in an orchid orchard.

Then a young Jamaican woman scurries past with a huge plate of rice and vegetables. Aromatic thyme and steam rise from the plate...

Read the full article for free courtesy of your local library.