A new survey released today has revealed that the Caribbean is the top dream destination for most Brits, with 1 in 3 saying the likes of Jamaica and Barbados is their ideal holiday destination. The same survey has however revealed that most Brits are completely unaware of the Caribbean diet and its superfood ingredients which make up the island’s most popular dishes.

The Caribbean islands are widely known for their succulent meat dishes such as Jerk Chicken, Oxtail Stew and Curry Goat. Yet, an authentic Caribbean diet in fact includes some of the most vibrant and healthy plant-based ingredients on the planet, including secret superfoods callaloo, ackee and jackfruit; all boasting life-changing health benefits.

One diet which is specifically popular amongst Caribbeans is the ‘Ital’ diet – a Rastafarian diet focused on consuming fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes and avoiding processed foods. Most followers of the Ital diet eat clean and natural food, believing the diet is not only better for the human body but the planet too. This almost century-old diet has strong spiritual practices among Rastafarians and deep roots in veganism as a whole – a movement that has gained enormous popularity over the last few decades.

The UK survey today reveals that a whopping 90% of Brits are unaware that ackee and callaloo are superfoods. In fact, almost two thirds (65%) of Brits surveyed do not know what callaloo is and over half (53%) not knowing what ackee is either.

Ackee, which is the national fruit of Jamaica, is a soft and savoury fruit, rich in powerful antioxidants such as vitamins A and C as well as being loaded with fibre and protein. It is frequently used in one of Jamaica’s staple dishes: Ackee and Saltfish. The ingredient is regularly cooked alongside Callaloo, a nutrient rich, green leafy vegetable similar to spinach, that is most commonly served for breakfast.

This survey was commissioned by Turtle Bay as this month, chef to the stars and Jamaica’s finest Chef Collin Brown launched their brand new fresh and vibrant menu, featuring plant-based dishes which now account for almost half (42%) of their menu.

Inspired by the islands, the menu, which was rolled out across all 48 UK restaurants last month, has been developed by Jamaica’s most awarded chef, focusing on the introduction to key plant-based ingredients across the country’s highstreets this Spring. Highlighting fresh and classic Caribbean flavours, vegans will be pleased to know that Chef Collin, who has cooked for A-list celebrities such as Beyonce, Vin Diesel and Katy Perry, has introduced these superfoods to a number of Turtle Bay’s dishes.

The elevated menu boasts a wide selection of flavourful plant-based dishes, such as the Island Brunch Bowl, featuring scrambled ackee, sauteed callaloo, curried chickpeas, sweet fried plantain, tomatoes, & a fire-grilled roti; plus the Jamaican Run Down, Chef Collin’s slowly simmered butternut squash, sweet potato, & coconut stew, served with classic rice & peas.

Executive Chef of Turtle Bay, Collin Brown says: “The new dishes we have added to Turtle Bay’s menu are full of flavour and packed full of nutrients. We are very excited to introduce some key Caribbean ingredients to the British public. Not only are these high-quality Caribbean ingredients, but each are superfoods boasting a number of key health benefits and packed with vitamins and nutrients, and we want to educate Brits around these superfood ingredients and show them how my people eat back home!”