Do you love the types of food enjoyed in the Caribbean? Where do the different tastes come from? Will you and your family enjoy tropical cuisine? The Caribbean is such a popular tourist attraction since everyone enjoys the blue water and warm and sandy beaches in the region. The countries in the area see lots of people from all over the world, and that has been the case for centuries. The cuisine of the islands and nations of the Caribbean is possibly the area that has had the most impact from other cultures. The French, Spanish and British fought over the areas for many years, and each culture played its own role in forming Caribbean cuisine. Caribbean dishes have a rich history and a distinct flavor, not found anywhere else. The main ingredients include plantains, rice, cassava, beans, bell peppers, tomatoes, chickpeas, coconuts and sweet potatoes. The flavors are simply vibrant, and luckily, most ingredients are available in many areas of the world. The meats in Caribbean dishes are often marinated or dry-rubbed with hot spices, like the jerk seasoning that is so popular in the tropics. Jerk rubs may be wet or dry, and they are used on meat and poultry alike. Read on, and learn how to cook like you're at the beach!