Over the summer, I took pleasure in visiting my mom’s birth country, Saint George’s, Grenada. I had been counting down the days for months, and when the moment finally came, the island welcomed me in a way that felt familiar and brand new. I remember being greeted with the warmth of the Caribbean sun and the vibrant scenery of the sea and the greens of the hills, stepping out of the airport. The smiles of family members I hadn’t seen since I last visited, it had been ten years since I last visited, and with one hug, all that time melted away. And of course, there was the food, the aroma of spices, fried fish, and fresh bakes, all of which reminded me that I was truly in Grenada, the Spice Island, where flavor and hospitality are at the heart of everything.

The Roots of a Name

Grenada is often referred to as “Greenz” or “Spice Island”. Grenada produces 1/3 of the world’s nutmeg, making it one of the top nutmeg producers in the world. This spice is largely used in recipes like nutmeg ice cream, syrup, juice, and jelly. Nutmeg has also been used in perfumes, soaps, and beauty products, so nutmeg is that girl who is unforgettable and represents the island on every plate! But besides this tasty spice, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, turmeric, and allspice are flourishing in Grenada’s fertile soil, giving you that signature aroma that greets you in markets, kitchens, and farms.

Grenada has always been a key producer of resources, starting with sugar for the French in the 19th Century. Caribs were removed from the Island, and slaves from Africa were brought onto the island to work on sugar plantations. When the collapse of these plantations happened in the 1700s, cocoa was introduced by the end of the century. Grenada possesses the fertile land to be successful in growing cocoa, and by the 1760s, Grenada was the largest producer and exporter of cocoa (50% of exports). These crops didn’t just shape the economy; they shaped Grenada’s identity, culture, and reputation. Spice Island is not just a catchy nickname it is a celebration of an island filled with flavor, history, and culture.

A Taste of Grenada

Now we all know I love me a good meal, and for me, when it comes to vacation, I will try everything. The national meal of Grenada is called oildown, and it is a mix of oil down, pumpkin, carrots, okra, callaloo leaves, herbs, pig, fish, or chicken. Personally, I did not get to indulge in this meal, but I have heard great things about its taste and production. I will say I had quite a lot of fish in Grenada, dolphin being my top choice. Of course, one of the greatest luxuries of visiting a country like this is the ability to eat things right off the tree. Mangoes, skin-up, sugar apple, soursop, cherries, sugar cane, and so much more. What I enjoyed the most about this is the natural taste of all these products. I have always been deeply interested in having access to a farm when I grow up, so this gave me more of a reason to consider living in Grenada when I grow older. Eating these fruits felt like tasting the island itself, Grenada’s essence, the “spice, soul, and sunshine”, was everywhere.

On the other hand, I have to admit it was very hard to eat healthy when it came to meals. Breakfast was easy because I could easily pass with fruits, sardines, or eggs, but lunch and dinner… I find that carbs are very prominent in the meals served in Grenada, things like roti, bakes, fresh bread, fried foods, and rice. My aunt and I were struggling; fasting was not a great option because of how active we were with tours, climbing hills, and beach days. We had to get a meal in. For the time being, I stuck with my pills, knowing a diet like this would disrupt my progress and throw everything off.

Still, I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. Because food is more than just fuel, it’s memory, it’s culture, it’s family. Tasting the island, whether through a handful of cherries or a bite of fresh sugar cane, reminded me why I fell in love with nutrition in the first place. Grenada may have challenged me in new ways, but it also fed me in ways I’ll never forget.

What I Brought Home

Leaving Grenada, I could not walk away without packing a few pieces of the island into my suitcase. My carry-on looked like the market itself. I was not excited to leave, but bringing as many items as I could home with me helped me feel like I never left.

In my treasures, I brought back roasted channa (a crunchy, protein-packed snack), jars of guava jelly, a container of damsel stew from my aunt, milk powder, dark chocolate bars, guava cheese, asham, and, of course, cocoa powder. Living with PCOS, I’ve learned how much food plays a role in how I feel day to day. That’s why I loved what I brought back. Roasted channa, for example, is high in fiber and protein; snacking on it keeps me full and helps balance my blood sugar. Dark chocolate, when eaten in moderation, gives me that rich, satisfying flavor while also delivering antioxidants that fight inflammation. Even cocoa powder, when I whisk it into tea or smoothies is full of natural benefits.

Of course, some of the treats like guava cheese and damsel stew lean on the sweeter side, but to me, they represent balance. PCOS doesn’t mean cutting joy out of your diet; it means making room for both nourishment and indulgence. And guava itself, in jelly or cheese form, is rich in vitamin C, which can support hormone health.

Since settling into college, I’ve been savoring all the goodies I brought back. I’m down to my last bag of channa, but the rest are still holding strong. I’m so grateful that, even from afar, I get to relive the joy of Grenada through every bite.

For me, this trip was more than a vacation; it was a reconnection with my roots, a reminder of the healing power of food, and a glimpse into how culture can shape wellness in ways medicine alone cannot.

As someone navigating PCOS, I left Grenada with more than souvenirs; I left with a new perspective. I saw how spices, teas, and even some Everyday meals can double as remedies. Grenada reminded me that healing isn’t just about balance sheets of carbs and calories, it’s about connection, culture, and savoring the richness of life. And that’s a lesson I’ll carry with me, wherever I go.

“Grenada is calling and I must go.”

– Unknown