Ackee: Jamaica’s National Fruit

Since Jamaica’s 50th anniversary of Independence from Britain has just passed, we though it would be nice to do some short features on this fair land’s national emblems. We may sell hardware, but we’re human after all, and we’re as proud of our country as anyone else.

So let’s start with the most interesting symbol:  the ackee. This is the only edible emblem we have, and so I guess it tops the list (combined with callaloo and fried dumplings, of course).

Jamaicans are some of the few people who actually view this interesting fruit as a food item. In most places where it exists, particularly in Africa, it is used for decoration (ahhh, they don’t know what they’re missing…). The fruit is made up of three jet-black seeds surrounded by (delicious) yellow flesh and a tough green skin which turns red ready the fruit is mature. That skin is initially closed, concealing the seeds and flesh inside, but once the ackee is ripe, that red skin bursts open, revealing the yummy contents inside.

Now, when we say “fruit”, we’re being technical. You can just pick an ackee off a tree and eat it. No, no, we prepare and cook this thing like scrambled eggs (or tofu, if you’re vegetarian). It’s tastes divine and it never fails to remind us of Jamaica with its green leaves, black seeds and yellow flesh. Even the red skin throws in the Rastafarian element. But, that’s a topic for another time.

Celebrating Jamaica’s 50th Anniversary!

August 6th, 2012 marks 50 years since Jamaica gained full independence from Britain. Jamaicans at home and all over the world will be celebrating our country’s ‘golden jubilee’ …and Stewart’s Hardware is no exception!

Two notable events include the “This Is It!” art exhibition on the 28th of this month,  under the theme “Celebrating Jamaica’s  Golden Jubilee” and featuring Jamaican artist, Andy Ballentine.

Following close behind will be the Independence Parade in which Stewart’s Hardware will have a decorated float, displaying what we do in a fun and vivid way! The parade will run from August 1st to the 6th, with Stewart’s float appearing on the 4th and 5th.  The float will pass through May Pen and other areas. More info soon to come.

Part of our unspoken mission here at Stewart’s Hardware is to build up Jamaica and our fellow citizens. For 50 years, this country has enjoyed independence, and though we’ve come a long way, we’ve got much further to go.

Our vision is to become Jamaica’s best and most reliable service and hardware company. As we celebrate the steps we’ve taken, let us all never forgot how much farther we can go.

40 Years and a Bicycle Shop

Stewart's Hardware, May Pen Location

Over 40 years ago, a young man stood in a bicycle shop. He didn’t know what the future would hold, but he had a dream and determination. Following in the footsteps of his business-minded mother, Baron Stewart formed the concept for his own hardware store in 1970.

By 1973, Stewart’s Hardware Ltd. was incorporated.

From the beginning, we’ve faced stiff competition from established hardware dealers such as Storks de Roux, Reid’s and Son, Baugh Brothers, and Shagoury’s. But Mr. Stewart was never intimidated.