Here at John Crow’s Tavern, we pride ourselves on serving up the most flavorful and authentic Jamaican cuisine in Ocho Rios. A big part of achieving that deliciousness is ensuring our ingredients are incredibly fresh. But with Jamaica’s warm climate, you might wonder: where and how do we keep everything so tasty?

Finding the Finest Sources

Our journey to freshness starts long before it hits your plate. We source our ingredients directly from local Jamaican farmers and fishermen whenever possible. This not only supports the community but also guarantees peak freshness. Locavore (local-loving) isn’t just a trend for us; it’s the foundation of our flavorful dishes.

Keeping it Cool: The Art of Refrigeration

Jamaica’s tropical climate necessitates top-notch refrigeration. We invest in high-quality commercial freezers and refrigerators to maintain optimal temperatures for all our ingredients. This ensures meats, seafood, and vegetables stay perfectly chilled, preserving their taste and texture.

Daily Deliveries for Peak Freshness

We believe in “farm (or sea) to table” freshness. That’s why we partner with local purveyors who make daily deliveries. This minimizes the amount of time ingredients spend in storage and ensures they arrive at their peak ripeness.

Fresh Herbs: Our Secret Weapon

Fresh herbs are the heart and soul of Jamaican cuisine. We have a dedicated on-site herb garden where we cultivate fragrant thyme, scallions, scotch bonnet peppers, and more. This allows us to incorporate these flavor powerhouses into our dishes just moments after they’re picked.

More Than Just Cold: Proper Storage Techniques

Keeping things cold is essential, but it’s not the whole story. We use proper storage techniques to further maximize freshness. For example, some vegetables stay crisper in humidity-controlled drawers, while others thrive on open shelving. Our staff is trained in these methods to ensure every ingredient reaches your plate at its prime.