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Ackee and Saltfish with Jordan Stephens

Happiness on a paper plate. Jordan shares a Stephens family favourite dish with Andi.

Andi Oliver is joined this week by musician and actor Jordan Stephens and he鈥檚 brought a dish that鈥檚 close to both of their hearts - ackee and saltfish with dumplings.

It鈥檚 a Jamaican national dish beloved in Britain by people from all parts of the African and Caribbean diaspora. During Jordan鈥檚 childhood it was a crucial part of the Guyanese buffet at Stephens family Sports Days in North London parks.

Neither ackee nor saltfish originated in the Caribbean, so how did they end up on a plate together there? Jordan and Andi explore the history of the dish and its connection to the transatlantic slave trade, as well as how food intersects with the complex experience of Black British Caribbean identity.

And there鈥檚 a cautionary scientific tale from Kimberley Wilson, on how surprisingly dangerous ackee can be if not handled correctly.

Food Scientist: Kimberley Wilson
Food Historian: Neil Buttery
Producer: Lucy Dearlove
Executive Producer: Hannah Marshall
Sound Design: Charlie Brandon-King
Assistant Producer: Bukky Fadipe

A Storyglass production for 大象传媒 Radio 4

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14 minutes

Last on

Wed 23 Nov 2022 09:30

Broadcast

  • Wed 23 Nov 2022 09:30

Podcast