Ackee
/ AK-ee /Quick answer: Ackee (pronounced AK-ee) is Jamaica’s national fruit and half of the national dish.
What does Ackee mean?
Ackee is Jamaica’s national fruit. Its creamy yellow flesh is cooked with salted cod to make ackee and saltfish, the national dish, usually eaten for breakfast with fried dumplings, boiled green banana or breadfruit.
Where does Ackee come from?
The tree came from West Africa in the 18th century; the name is linked to the Akan word ankye. Its scientific name, Blighia sapida, honours Captain William Bligh, who took samples to England.
How to use Ackee
Safety matters: ackee must only be picked when the red pods open naturally on the tree. Unripe ackee contains a toxin, which is why Jamaicans say never to force the pods open.
| Jamaican Patois | English |
|---|---|
| Ackee an’ saltfish fi breakfas’. | Ackee and saltfish for breakfast. |
| Di ackee tree bear plenty dis year. | The ackee tree bore a lot this year. |
| Nuh pick di ackee till it open. | Don’t pick the ackee until it opens. |
Other spellings
Because Patois is mostly spoken, spellings vary. You may also see: akee, ackee and saltfish.
Related Patois words
Saltfish · Ackee tree · Fry dumpling · Bammy
Frequently asked
Is ackee safe to eat?
Yes, when the pods have opened naturally and it’s properly cooked. Unripe ackee is toxic.
What does ackee taste like?
Mild and buttery, with a texture like scrambled egg.
Look up more words in the Jamaican Patois Dictionary, or see Ackee in the dictionary.