Dattie’s Soul Food Academy seasoning recognised in UK Caribbean Food Awards

A traditional Caribbean seasoning blend, which for the first time helps families to easily bring the unique flavours of Jamaica to the dinner table, has been recognised as one of the best in the UK.

Seasoned spice blends by Dattie’s Soul Food Academy, in Burton, are handcrafted by mother-of-six Monica Holton to infuse dishes with all the flavours of the Caribbean in one handy packet.

Recognised as one of the UK Caribbean Food Awards Best Sauces and Seasonings the authentic Caribbean seasoning, including Jerk Hot or Mild, Curried Blend and Original, for the first time brings together generations of her family’s recipes and cooking to create a unique seasoning with no need for weighing or experience.

Talking about the award, Monica who grew up in a Pentecostal Church nurtured by some of the best Jamaican cooks in the region, said it was an honour for her creations to be celebrated among the best in the business. Her first listing came in 2022 and Seasoned is currently featured in over 600 Greene King venues across the UK.

She said: “Jamaican food is a growing trend in the UK but there are still very few brands outside of London and even fewer female owned businesses so to have Dattie’s name recognised as one of the best Caribbean flavours in the UK is a dream come true.

“In Jamaica we season with love, so we don’t weigh out ingredients it is all done by taste and knowledge passed down from generation to generation.

“Seasoned came about when my son asked me to prepare some seasoning for him to make Brown Stew Chicken with friends. I realised it was a way I could help keep our culture and heritage alive by passing down generations of knowledge to those younger cooks with busy lifestyles who might not have time to create dishes using the 9 or 10 spices it traditionally takes from scratch.

“Bringing together over 40 years of cooking all over the world I combined a unique blend that could be added to any dish to create the perfect authentic flavour every time.

“I am so proud to be able to bring that authentic Jamaican flavour to the British dinner table.”

The UK Caribbean Food Awards is the only culinary accolade to specifically recognise the unique flavours and spices of Caribbean cooking, which is one of the fastest growing food trends in the UK.

Celebrating everything from best restaurant to take away and cook at home products the event recognises brands that help to inspire and conjure up the authentic spices and tastes of the region.

Announcing Datties Soul Food Academy as one of three finalists in the seasoning and sauce category the UK Caribbean Food Awards said: “these brands have mastered the art of flavour, bringing Caribbean seasoning to kitchens across the UK.”

Monica, who has run Jamaican catering firm Dattie’s Soul Food – named after her mum – for 12 years, first started creating seasoning blends and sauces in lockdown. She was inspired by memories cooking with family back and wanted to create one packet seasoning which easily captured the unique flavours and tastes of the region – flavours she remembers from cooking at home next to her father at 7 years old.

In 2022 Monica was chosen to lead a cook along for Black History Month at hospitality giant Greene King. Since then, more than 620,000 dishes have been sold in pub chains across the country including prestigious locations such as London’s Covent Garden, Oxford and Birmingham City Centre.

Recipes include Jerk Chicken and Wings, Jamaican Chicken and Jerk Chicken Bao Buns.

Each of the blends, which are ethically sourced, organic and vegan friendly, are available to buy in 15 Midlands stockists with plans for the brand to be introduced to supermarkets and other venues later in the year.

Monica said: “It makes me so proud to know that my family’s journey in leaving Jamaica in the 1960s is honoured through the memories and love that Dattie’s Soul Food brings.

“In Jamaica cooking is about so much more than food it is about bringing people together, creating memories, and cooking from the heart.

“It has been an absolute adventure so far and I am looking forward to seeing where things go next.”

For more information on Dattie’s Soul Food Academy or to buy the seasoning visit www.dsfa.co.uk