Mouthwatering tropical fruits, fresh-caught sustainable seafood, and cultural influences (including Spanish, French, and Danish) make St. Croix’s cuisine a unique celebration of traditional Caribbean flavor. In a contemporary shift, the 83-square-mile island also features Ridge to Reef, the U.S. Virgin Islands’ first and only USDA certified organic farm, which supplies its sister islands with fresh, local produce.
In 2012, St. Croix expanded its local-food commitment by launching the Farm-to-Table Program in partnership with A Taste of St. Croix—an initiative that has deepened local roots throughout the area’s food culture. Today, island food pride connects farmers to restaurateurs, encourages community-supported agriculture models, and makes food-based philanthropy a key theme of the Taste event.
Relish Caribbean flavors in your own kitchen courtesy of St. Croix food blogger Tanisha Bailey-Roka, aka The Crucian Contessa, whose recipes create an experience as vibrant and unforgettable as a trip to this beautiful island. (Well, almost.)
A note on seasoning peppers: Fresh, smallish “seasoning peppers” can be red or green, and can range from bell-pepper mild to jalapeño hot. Depending on your heat preference, you can substitute small bell peppers or jalapeño, Fresno, or Thai chiles.
