Ackee popsicles and more

WESTERN BUREAU:

At the recent Jamaica Rum Festival, an event renowned for showcasing the finest local spirits and culinary creativity, one vendor stood out with a burst of vibrant flavours and a tribute to national pride.

Kadeen Harvey, the inventive force behind Fruit Blossoms, introduced an array of gourmet fruit popsicles that left festival-goers both delighted and intrigued. These popsicles not only provided a refreshing treat but also celebrated Jamaica’s upcoming 62nd Independence Day on August 6.

Among the standout creations was a popsicle aptly named Independence, embodying the colours of the Jamaican flag – black, green, and gold. Harvey crafted this unique treat with activated charcoal for the black stripe, pineapple or passion fruit for the yellow, and a blend of June plum, pineapple, and green juice for the green. “Getting a healthy delicious popsicle which is synonymous with our Jamaican heritage,” says Harvey, reflects her dedication to intertwining health and tradition in her products.

In a bold move, Harvey transformed Jamaica’s national fruit, the ackee, into a popsicle. Typically enjoyed with salt fish, the ackee’s savoury profile is well known among Jamaicans. However, Harvey’s version challenges this traditional use, blending cooked ackee with coconut milk and spices such as vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The result is a flavourful, frozen treat that surprises and delights. “I think we are the only group of people that have used our national fruit as a savoury dish. So it can be had as a frozen treat, as a novelty,” she explains.

Another eye-catching offering from Fruit Blossoms was the Rasta Medley popsicle, a nod to Jamaica’s Rastafarian culture. This colourful creation features red from Jamaican cherry or melon, yellow from the passion fruit or pineapple, and green from June plum. Harvey’s creativity knows no bounds, as she boasts over 17 different flavours. For the Rum Festival, she also introduced lychee mojito, peach martini, and coconut rum and raisin popsicles, specially crafted for the event.

Since its inception in 2010 as a home-based business, Fruit Blossoms has evolved from a fruit arrangement business specialising in fruit bouquets for special occasions to a trailblazer in gourmet popsicles and has been located at the Portmore Pines Plaza in St Catherine since November 2022. Harvey’s creations were a hit at the festival, drawing crowds eager to taste the diversity and innovation of her products. “Once they have one flavour, their interest moves to two or three others. Customers are always coming back and they feel a sense of pride having the Jamaican fruits in this form,” she notes.

Harvey’s mission extends beyond just providing delightful treats; she aims to highlight the abundance of local produce and reduce food wastage. “It’s mango time and look how much mangoes waste, but we turn it into popsicles, which is a healthy treat, not just for children, but adults alike,” she argues. By utilising fruits that might otherwise go to waste, Harvey promotes sustainability and showcases the potential of Jamaica’s rich agricultural heritage.

Fruit Blossoms’ success is not confined to Portmore. Harvey’s business can also be found at the new artisan village in Falmouth, Trelawny – a historic town known for its vibrant culture and rich history. This new location allows her to reach a broader audience, sharing the unique flavours of her popsicles with even more Jamaicans and visitors alike.

As Fruit Blossoms continues to grow, Harvey’s innovative popsicles stand as a testament to the endless possibilities of Jamaican fruit, offering a delicious and patriotic way to cool off while celebrating the island’s vibrant culture.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com

Editor's Note: A previous version of this story incorrectly identified Kadeen Harvey as Kadene Harvey and her business Fruit Blossoms as Fruit Blooms. Additional Fruit Blossoms got its start as home-based business in 2010 and only moved to the Portmore Pines Plaza in St Catherine in November 2022. We regret the errors.