Guavaberry is a drink that arrived from the British West Indies with immigrants that settled in the D.R. It has become part of our culinary heritage.
Why we ❤️ it
"Drinking Guavaberry / Watching the sun go down / Woman, that's all I need! / In San Pedro de Macorís.
- Guavaberry, Juan Luís Guerra
For many Dominicans, myself included, the famous 440 song was the best introduction to Cocolo culture. Of all the ingredients that make the flavorful stew that is the Dominican culture,
Cocolo history
Ms. Margot Dunker was my guide to
"Cocolos are Dominican descended from black immigrants from the British West Indies, mainly from the Westward and Leeward Islands."
Most
Cocolos were active in establishing protestant churches in the country, including Anglican and Evangelical congregations. They also founded some of the first "mutual aid societies", in which members paid a membership fee, and received financial assistance in case of sickness, death, and legal difficulties. They also established several lodges in the country, some of them exclusively for Cocolo immigrants, although they later opened their membership to anyone. Another well-known contribution from Cocolos is the "guloyas", a dance troupe now a part of the traditional carnival parade.
The meaning of "cocolo"
The origin of the term "Cocolo" itself is in dispute, however, it appears in literature going back to the mid-1800s used derogatorily to describe Haitian immigrants, but there is at least an example of the name also used to describe a Taino boy. "It seems to have been synonymous with dark-skinned person", Margot tells me, "but it is nowadays simply descriptive of this group of British West Indies immigrants, and it's lost its offensive connotations."
Cocolo food
And of course, food and drinks were part of the cocolo contribution to our culinary heritage.
The best-known dish of those is Yaniqueque, followed by Domplines. Lesser known are Guavaberry --a drink-- and calalú, a stew named after one of its ingredients, the leaves of yautía coco.
What's guavaberry?
Guavaberry is the fruit of the plant Myrciaria floribunda), known as arrayán in the Dominican Republic. It is also the name of a drink made with this fruit.
About this recipe
Thanks to Ms. Dunker for sharing her recipe and time with us. If you are ever around San Pedro and want to try Cocolo food, pay them a visit. I strongly suggest you make arrangements beforehand as these dishes are not always available.
Recipe
[Recipe + Video] Guavaberry Drink and Jam
Ingredients
- 2 cups guavaberries, rinsed
- 3 sticks cinammon
- 12 cloves
- 6 allspice berries (malagüeta)
- 1 cup sugar (white, granulated), (granulated)
- 2 quart water, (2 liters)
- 12.7 ounces golden rum, (375 ml)
Instructions
Combining ingredients: Place the guavaberries, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, sugar, and water into a pot.
Cooking: Heat and simmer over low heat until the water has reduced, the berries are very soft and has turned into a jam with some liquid left (about an hour). Cooking time may vary, so keep an eye on it to prevent it from burning.Remove the pot from the heat, and let it cool to room temperature. If you are just making the jam, remove the spices, and chill before serving as a dessert.
Adding rum: Mix the jam (with all the spices) and the rum, and let it rest in the refrigerator for a week. Serve chilled.
Video
Tips and Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is calculated automatically based on ingredients listed. Please consult your doctor if you need precise nutritional information.
References
- Los Cocolos - Origins
- Los aportes de la comunidad guloya a la cultura de República Dominicana
- Los Cocolos de San Pedro de Macorís
