What is “Ital”?
The essence of Jamaican cuisine is intrinsically tied to the Rastafarian influence and the way of life known as Ital. In my birthplace of Guadeloupe, a place where Jamaican roots have touched, I’ve naturally embraced this lifestyle and dietary philosophy. The Rastafarian community settled in during the late ’70s, and being of Jamaican descent myself, this journey feels like second nature.
While traditional Jamaican dishes often include meat or fish, Ital cuisine leans toward vegetarian or vegan practices. The term “ital” originates from the word “vital,” with the “v” replaced by an “i” to symbolize harmonious coexistence with nature. Rastafarians foster a holistic approach to food, from its preparation to consumption, advocating for utmost natural purity. In alignment with this ethos, they steer clear of processed foods, additives, oil, salt, and sugar. Further, the consumption of animal products is prohibited, as this way of eating reflects a compassionate connection with the universal life force, denouncing all cruelty to living beings under God’s domain.
These dietary principles bear resemblance to the dietary laws outlined in Leviticus 11 of the Jewish tradition. Notably, pork is unequivocally shunned among Rastafarians. Food, for them, transcends sustenance; it’s a conduit to merge with nature and functions as a healing elixir for the body, contributing to “strucha” or inner equilibrium.
