Jamaican Busta Candy (Stagga Back or Buss Mi Jaw)
Jamaican Busta Candy is a cherished Jamaican delicacy, made with a delightful combination of coconut, ginger, and molasses. The candy usually has a chewy texture and a rich, sweet taste with subtle notes of coconut. The molasses add a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the candy. All in all, Jamaican Busta Candy offers a delicious blend of sweet and tropical flavors that are sure to delight your taste buds.
What is in Jamaican Busta Candy?
Jamaican Busta Is made up of grated coconut, ginger, sugar, lime juice, vanilla, and salt. With just these handful of ingredients and a touch of Jamaican inspiration, you can bring the flavors of the Caribbean into your kitchen with homemade Busta candy.
What is the Origins of Jamaican Busta Candy
The story of Busta Candy begins in the 1940s, a time when Jamaica was undergoing a period of cultural and economic evolution. During this era, James “Jimmy” Hackett, a visionary entrepreneur, embarked on a journey to create a confectionery masterpiece inspired by his love for British toffee.
Drawing inspiration from his surroundings and the abundance of local ingredients, Hackett set out to craft a candy that would capture the spirit of Jamaica.
The Creation of Busta Candy Recipe
Armed with ingenuity and a passion for perfection, Hackett experimented with a medley of flavors synonymous with the island’s culinary landscape.
Coconut, ginger, and molasses emerged as the stars of his creation, infusing the candy with a distinctive taste that would soon captivate the taste buds of Jamaicans far and wide. The result was a confectionery marvel: Busta candy also known as stagga back or buss mi jaw.
How did they come up with the Name of Jamaican Busta Candy?
Legend has it that the name “Busta” originated and was named after National Hero and former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Sir Alexander Bustamante. The name was embraced because the texture busta is firm which is the same as the character of Bustamante.
A joyful symphony of sweetness that echoed throughout the island. With its unique moniker and irresistible allure, Busta candy quickly became a beloved fixture in Jamaican households, marketplaces, and street corners.
Cultural Symbol of Busta Candy
Beyond its delectable flavor and firm texture, Busta candy holds a special place in Jamaican culture. It serves as a nostalgic reminder of simpler times, evoking memories of childhood innocence and communal joy.
Whether enjoyed during festive celebrations, shared among friends, or savored in solitary moments of indulgence, Busta candy embodies the spirit of togetherness and tradition.
What is the Legacy of Jamaican Busta Candy?
As decades passed and tastes evolved, Busta candy remained a cherished staple of Jamaican cuisine, preserving its legacy as a cultural icon. Its enduring popularity speaks to its timeless appeal and the enduring bond it shares with generations of Jamaicans.
Today, Busta candy continues to enchant palates and ignite the senses, a testament to the enduring power of culinary craftsmanship and the enduring legacy of Jamaican ingenuity.
Jamaican Busta Candy Ingredients
- Molasses: Molasses is a key ingredient in Busta Candy, providing a deep, rich sweetness and a distinctive flavor. It’s often used as a sweetener in Jamaican cuisine and contributes to the candy’s dark color and robust taste.
- Coconut: Coconut adds texture and flavor to Busta Candy. Grated coconut is commonly used, providing a chewy and slightly fibrous element to the candy.
- Sugar: While molasses provides much of the sweetness, additional sugar may be used to enhance the candy’s sweetness and texture. Sugar also helps to bind the ingredients together.
- Water: Water is used to dissolve the sugar and molasses and to create a syrupy consistency that binds the other ingredients together.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract is sometimes added to enhance the flavor profile of the Busta Candy, providing a subtle and aromatic undertone.
- Butter: Butter may be added to provide richness and smoothness to the candy’s texture. It helps prevent the candy from becoming too sticky and aids in shaping and handling.
- Ginger: Adds complexity and depth to the flavor profile.
How to Make Jamaican Busta Candy
Prepare Your Workspace
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Have all your ingredients measured and ready to use, as the candy-making process requires quick action.
Cook the Sugar Syrup
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and molasses over medium heat.
- Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves, then insert a candy thermometer into the mixture.
Add Flavor and Texture
- Once the syrup reaches 260°F (127°C), add the grated coconut, grated ginger, and salt.
- Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 300°F (149°C), or the hard crack stage.
Finish the Candy
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the lime juice, butter, and vanilla extract.
- Working swiftly, pour the hot candy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Shape and Cool
- Allow the candy to cool for a few minutes until it’s firm enough to handle but still pliable.
- Using a sharp knife or kitchen shears, cut the candy into small, bite-sized pieces or break it into rustic shards.
Enjoy and Share
- Once fully cooled and hardened, your homemade Busta candy is ready to enjoy!
- Package it in colorful wrappers or store it in an airtight container to preserve its freshness and flavor.
- Share the sweetness with friends and family, and savor the taste of Jamaica with each delightful crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the most popular Candy in Jamaica?
Busta candy (also known as Stagga back or Bustamante Backbone) is one of the most popular sweets in the country. Whether enjoyed as a special treat or shared with loved ones, this beloved confection is sure to evoke memories of sun-drenched beaches, tropical breezes, and the vibrant spirit of Jamaica.
What is Stagga Back in Jamaica?
Busta or Stagga Back is a traditional type of Jamaican candy or sweetie named after National Hero and former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Sir Alexander Bustamante.
How is Busta made?
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and molasses over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves then add in coconut, ginger, and salt. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, lime juice, and butter. Pour the mixture onto a greased baking sheet and let it cool. Once cooled and hardened, break it into pieces.
Variations of Jamaican Busta Candy
Some variations may also incorporate spices like nutmeg and cinnamon to add complexity and depth to the flavor profile. These spices complement the sweetness of the candy and provide warmth and character.
What do Jamaicans call sweets?
In Jamaica, sweets or candies are often referred to as “sweeties”. It’s a common term used to describe a variety of sugary treats enjoyed by people of all ages. Busta is one of the most favored Jamaican sweets made from coconut, molasses, and brown sugar.
What candy is Jamaica known for?
Here are 5 of Jamaica’s sweet treats
- Coconut Drops Sweet: Coconut chunks mixed with ginger, spices, and sugar.
- Gizzada: A sweet pastry made with grated coconut, sugar, and spices, baked in a pastry shell.
- Tamarind Balls: Tamarind pulp is rolled into balls and coated with sugar or salt.
- Peanut Drops: Peanuts cooked in a caramelized sugar mixture and formed into small candy-like drops.
- Busta Candy: Candied slices of ripe plantains boiled in sugar syrup.
How to Store Busta Candy
By following these storage tips, your Jamaican Busta Candy should stay fresh and delicious for an extended period, allowing you to enjoy it at your leisure.
- Cooling: Ensure the Busta Candy has cooled completely before storing it.
- Air-tight Container: Transfer the cooled Busta Candy into an air-tight container. This helps preserve its texture and flavor.
- Room Temperature: Store the container at room temperature in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Avoid Moisture: Add parchment paper to each piece of candy to prevent it from becoming sticky or soggy.
Jamaican Sweet Treats You’ll Love
Toto Cake (Coconut Cake Recipe)
”And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” Luke 12:15 NKJV
Wisdom
It is not a good thing in the sight of our God to be a covetous person. It is a commandment to not covet anything that our neighbor has. At times in life, we all want what the other person has, but God teaches us to be content with what we do have. Godliness with contentment is a great gain.
Anything you want in life you can work towards getting it, but don’t want that thing just because you see your neighbor with it. Instead of coveting what they have, be happy for them.
Be glad when you see your friends and family doing good and receiving the fruits of their labor. Life is way more than the things we can possess in this world. We can have everything in this world but we can’t take any of it with us when we die.
What truly matters is where you end up after death, where your soul is going. Don’t covet what anyone has but Fear God and keep His commandments. It will be well with your soul.
Jamaican Busta Candy (Stagga Back)
Ingredients
- 2 cups dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp molasses
- 1/2 Juice from lime freshly squeezed
- 1 cup coconut grated
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger grated
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare Your Workspace
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Have all your ingredients measured and ready to use, as the candy-making process requires quick action.
Cook the Sugar Syrup
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and molasses over medium heat.
- Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves, then insert a candy thermometer into the mixture.
Add Flavor and Texture
- Once the syrup reaches 260°F (127°C), add the grated coconut, grated ginger, and salt.
- Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 300°F (149°C), or the hard crack stage.
Finish the Candy
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the lime juice, butter, and vanilla extract.
- Working swiftly, pour the hot candy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Shape and Cool
- Allow the candy to cool for a few minutes until it's firm enough to handle but still pliable.
- Using a sharp knife or kitchen shears, cut the candy into small, bite-sized pieces or break it into rustic shards.
Enjoy and Share
- Once fully cooled and hardened, your homemade Busta candy is ready to enjoy!
- Package it in colorful wrappers or store it in an airtight container to preserve its freshness and flavor.
- Share the sweetness with friends and family, and savor the taste of Jamaica with each delightful crunch.
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