Dominica / Special Interests / Food Stores & Markets

If you need a reminder of the flavours of Dominica when at home, then visit Nature Isle Tropical Gourmet's website, which sells a range of specialist condiments – shipments to the USA, Canada, Mexico and Caribbean.

Stock up on Sure LifeSava Natural Seasonings before you leave the island.  It was started by Bernard Shaw in 2005 with wholly organic ingredients producing Kalbash, a mild, all-purpose aromatic blend of thyme, chives, celery, white mint, basil and clove aiding digestion and circulation. Kota is a stronger, spicier mix of pepper, turmeric, parsley, pimento, basil, thyme and bay leaf. Both products are devoid of enhancers, additives, flavouring or msg – monosodium glutamate and are available in most supermarkets island-wide.

Look out too for Karl’s Home Grown Pepper Sauce and Green Seasoning Marinade and Parry Bellot’s ‘Bello’ brand of pepper sauce, juices, jams, jellies, preserves and bay rum – an aromatic multi-purpose lotion, not for drinking.

Supermarkets, markets and farm produce

There are three supermarkets in Roseau, Astaphans, Whitchurch and Brizee’s Mart. Not exactly megastores, but with a wide enough range of goods for everyday necessity.

Pirates Ltd, Roseau - for French gourmet cheeses.

Roseau Market - The Saturday morning Roseau Market at the opposite end of town by the river is the island’s food basket on display. And a mouth watering show it is, with every imaginable fruit and vegetable and lots you’ll never put a name to. Here, at first hand, is the heart and soul of the country. Friday evening is another option but the morning food cavalcade is best.

Roots Farm Stall, Roseau Market - check out Peter and Karen at the Roots Farm stall and sample their speciality organic gourds or Japanese turnips grown at Cochrane.

Rainforest Mushrooms Dominica - The Caribbean’s only commercial Oyster Mushroom Farm is operating near Pond Casse, in the middle of the island (on the edge of the Morne Trois Pitons National Park), run by Matthew and Christine Luke, and it’s worth a visit to see the results of their vision and determination, and you can purchase the produce too.

Cooking classes and tours

Exotica Cottages, Gommier, near Giraudel - Located in the foothills near Roseau, is probably the best place to stay for anyone remotely interested in food, flora and organic farming where Fae Martin conducts tremendous Caribbean haute cuisine courses and classes.

Giraudel Community Gardens and Culinary Tour, and Exotica Cottages in the hills near Roseau, an illuminating introduction to the flora, organic food and healthy eating prospects in a bounteous land.

Giraudel/Eggleston Flower Growers Inc - for cooking and garden tours.

Non-profit organisations and Government links:

The Dominica Organic Agriculture Movement (DOAM) is a non-profit organisation aiming to promote responsible organic agriculture in working towards a healthy environment, based at 14 Great Marlborough Street, Roseau, t 265 8570 | inquiry@doamdominica.org