A traditional Caribbean seasoning blend made in Burton upon Trent has been recognised as one of the best in the UK.
Datties Soul Food Academy has picked up the Best Sauces and Seasonings accolade for her pre-packaged Seasoned blends at the UK Caribbean Food Awards.
The company was set up by mother-of-six Monica Holton to help families bring the unique flavours of Jamaica to the dinner table.
One of her seasonings is currently featured in over 600 Greene King venues across the UK.
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.
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.
“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.
Celebrating everything from best restaurant to takeaway 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 named her business after her mum and first started creating seasoning blends and sauces in lockdown.
Her Seasoned blends include curried, original, jerk mild and jerk hot.
They are stocked in 15 places across the Midlands – including four stockists in Burton – and there are plans for the brand to be introduced to supermarkets and other venues.
