What is a Detox Bath?

Detox baths are a way to remove the toxins from your body. It is a way to pull out toxins caused by stress and anxiety and relax.  It is also a way to give a little love to your skin and rejuvenate it.

What’s Needed for a Detox Bath?

There are a range of different products or ingredients you can use when taking a detox bath, but Epsom salt and sea salt are one of our favorite combinations.  Epsom salt is a mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate.  It is commonly used to ease muscle pain (whole body, feet, etc.) and has a calming effect.

Sea salt has naturally-occuring trace minerals and helps to restore these minerals in the body.  Our Caribbean Trading Sea Salt retains all of the trace minerals, and so this is a really good one to use.

A 50/50 mix of the Epsom salt and sea salt is a good place to start, but you can adjust in either direction based on your personal preferences.

Some essential oils added in there are optional, but a nice touch.  It adds a lovely scent to your body that will linger and has soothing properties as they aerosolize.  Caribbean Trading’s Foaming Bath Salts already have essential oils included in the mix, so this is something you don’t need to worry about measuring out or using, as they have already been diluted to an appropriate level that won’t irritate your skin.

How to Setup your Detox Bath

• • Fill your bath with warm (to comfortably hot)
  • Add in 2 cups worth of Epsom Salt and Sea Salt combo
  • Swish it around so that they are fully dissolved.
  • Soak for 20 minutes to an hour. Studies have shown that the longer you’re exposed to Epsom salts, the greater your body’s absorption of its magnesium benefits.
  • You can take a detox bath weekly, or even 2-3 times per week.

Additional Tips:

• • Stay hydrated both before, during and after the bath as you will likely sweat through the bath and need to rehydrate.
  • Don’t mix recipes as there are many different types of detox baths out there, and ingredient properties may counteract against one another.
  • Light candles or incense in the bath to enhance relaxation.

Coarse Ground Sea Salt

Cafe con Leche Foaming Bath Salt

Citrus Fusion Foaming Bath Salt

Rainforest Floral Foaming Bath Salt

Tea Tree Foaming Bath Salt

Looking to add a bit of Caribbean flair to your life? Check out our online shop  for gourmet hot sauces, seasonings and other Caribbean treats and Caribbean bath and body items.

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Different sugars arise from the size of the crystals, how much of the molasses has been extracted or added in the production process.  The type of sugar used can really affect a recipe, so it’s helpful to know the differences.  We have created a handy guide on some of the more commonly  seen different types of sugars to help clear up the confusion.

Different Types of Sugars and What they are Best Used for:

Granulated Sugar

This is the most common refined sugar.  It is a fine crystal size and it’s color is white.

• Good for: Cooking and Baking due to it’s consistency.

Confectioner’s or Powdered Sugar

This is actually just a finely ground form of refined granulated sugar, until it becomes a fine powder.  If you need some and don’t have in your pantry, you can just blend a cup of granulated sugar with about 1 tablespoon of corn starch

• Good for: Icing (dissolves easily in liquid), sprinkling on top of desserts, and making whipped cream

Caster Sugar

This is a superfine sugar that has a very small crystal size.  It is more commonly used in Great Britain and Australia.

• Good for: Simple syrups, Mixing into cocktails, some baking recipes, sauces, puddings.

Cane sugar

Cane sugar is a minimally processed sugar that’s made from sugarcane alone.  It is an easy substitute for any recipe calling for granulated sugar, but has retained a bit more of it’s natural flavor.  Caribbean Trading offers a line of Cane Sugars sourced from the best sugar cane available in the Caribbean.

• Good for: Pretty much everything. A great all-purpose sugar to have.

Light brown sugar

Brown sugars are made by adding molasses to refined sugar crystals to a light brown color.

• Good for: Baking, especially cookies because it has added moisture.

Dark brown sugar

Dark brown sugar is darker in color and has more molasses than light brown sugar.

• Good for: Gingerbread cookies, Baked Beans, Barbecue Sauces

Turbinado sugar

Turbinado sugar  is also a less-refined sugar, and its’ crystal size is generally larger.  It is after molasses is pulled out, but before further refinement.  They have a nice flavor because of this.

• Good for: Adding to coffees and teas, topping or sprinkling onto muffins, etc.

Muscovado Sugar

Also known as Barbados Sugar, this is the most unrefined cane sugar, and has notes of butterscotch and a bit of an aftertaste due to its’ retention of molasses.  So if you are looking for that flavor in your baking, this is the sugar to use.

• Good for: Puddings, Baking, Barbecue and Savory sauces

Liquid sugar

Basically, liquid sugar or Simple syrup, is a mix of a 1:1 ratio of white granulated sugar and water.

• Good for: Sweetening drinks like coffee, tea or cocktails.

Sugar From Sugar Beets vs. Sugar Cane

Sugar is made by extracting sugar juice from either sugar beets or sugar cane plants.  It is often not differentiated between the two sources once it gets to the final product on the shelf.

It is important to note that the molasses that gives brown sugars it’s brown color is only found from sugar cane.

By the time sugar is fully processed, the chemical composition of the sugar is essentially the same, whether from sugar beets or sugar cane.  But, many chefs and bakers do believe there is a difference when it comes to how recipes come out, and prefer to only use Sugar Cane.  The reason behind the differences is unclear- it could be trace minerals, or it could be the moisture content – and of course, molasses!

Looking to add a bit of Caribbean flair to your life? Check out our online shop  for gourmet hot sauces, seasonings and other Caribbean treats and Caribbean bath and body items.

Liked this article? Join the Crew and Start the Journey! Connect with Us for News, Events, Lifestyle, and all things Caribbean by joining our Newsletter – Click Here to Join or find us on Facebook or Instagram.

In 1956 there were a couple of monumental events. The first was that was the year I was born and another was the Presidential campaign between Eisenhower and Nixon and this was the first time that bumper stickers stickers were used in the campaigns. Since then they have become a big part of every political campaign no matter at what level of office.

In 1969 the Europeans started to require all cars to bear oval stickers with a three letter code to identify which country the vehicle is registered. In 1991 there was the Baker v. Glover in Alabama and Cunningham v. State in Georgia ruling that free speech applies to bumper stickers – although the debate continues.

Nowadays the bumper sticker has become a form of self expression and people place them on cars, books, school lockers and almost anywhere they can be placed. We’ve designed our stickers with an emphasis on the Caribbean Spirit. You can buy these online and we are offering free shipping. https://caribbeantrading.com/product-category/puerto-rican-products/caribbean-trading-company-stickers/  Our exclusive sticker designs and lamination process creates a high level of UV protection, protects stickers from moisture and abrasion, and guarantees durability up to five years. All of our stickers include air egress technology that eliminates air-bubbles when you apply them. We use premium 6.2mm vinyl which makes our products the most durable stickers on the market. We hope you enjoy!

The wax melts come in 6 fragrances:

• Azucena Gardenia
• Pomegranate
• Ocean Breeze
• Orange Ginger
• Sweet Jasmine
• Mango Papaya

What is so Great about Caribbean Trading Soy Wax Melts?

• Wax Tarts heat up quickly, thereby emitting aroma faster than candles.

• Wax Tarts do not have an open flame and do not produce any smoke if burned properly (see burning tips below).

• Wax Tarts are an inexpensive way to try new scents or experiment with blending your own unique fragrances.

• You can control the strength of the aroma in your home depending upon how many melts you place in your burner at one time.

• Wax Tarts provide an easy way to have a variety of scents in different rooms of your home.
• You can create your own unique fragrances by melting different scented tarts together.  Be creative and experiment!

• Some believe they have a stronger, longer lasting aroma than candles.

• Soy Wax Tarts  or Soy Wax Melts are used in an oil burner instead of oil and water to release wonderful fragrances in your home or work place. Tarts and melts are solid wax and do not have a wick, and the best quality tarts are made primarily of soy wax (rather than petrol based paraffin wax).
• Tarts can be used as they are without melting them as natural air fresheners – place one on a small piece of baking paper or aluminium foil in a clothes cupboard, clothes drawer, bathroom or even in your car (although in the car be aware the tart can melt in summer as temperatures in a car can reach very high levels).

It can be confusing, so here is why you should care:

Why Soy wax candles are better than Paraffin:

• No carcinogens are produced from burning soy wax.
• Soy wax is non-toxic.
• Little or no soot is produced from burning soy wax.
• Soy wax will not discolor your walls or furniture with petroleum byproducts.
• Soy wax is a renewable resource; petroleum is limited.
• Soy wax is biodegradable.
• Soy wax is water-soluble (no more messy cleanups).
• Burning soy wax candles helps support the American farmer.
• Soy wax holds color and scent better than paraffin.
• Soy wax burns 30% to 50% longer than paraffin.

Why is Paraffin Wax Bad?

There are three main reasons many people avoid buying petroleum (paraffin) products:

• Petroleum smoke/exhaust contains many carcinogenic toxins and produces ugly black soot. Paraffin candles contain up to 11 carcinogenic compounds. These 11 compounds have been deemed ‘toxic air contaminants’ by the State of California.
• Petroleum is not a renewable resource and it is of a limited supply
• Burning petroleum products creates air pollution and contributes to global warming

Check out Caribbean Trading’s full line of Soy Wax Candles – available in 4 sizes.

Captain Tim has been designing his own t shirts for a long time.  The dress code in the Caribbean is casual and the Captain’s favored uniform is Puerto Rico tees and shorts.  So, as the company grew and we had 2 retail locations, the first priority was to design some really awesome t-shirts of a quality that he loved and could wear daily without being destroyed.  and there began the long process to bring our designs from concept to the shelf.  After many years of requests, we have finally put them online also….  you can shop the shirts here.

Did you know?

T shirts may just be a (somewhat) Caribbean invention after all! According to Wikipedia, the earliest T-shirt dates back to sometime between the 1898 Spanish–American War and 1913, when the U.S. Navy first issued them as undergarments. It became common for sailors and Marines in work parties, the early submarines, and tropical climates to remove their uniform jacket, wearing (and soiling) only the undershirt. So… since the Spanish-American War was fought in Puerto Rico and Cuba, one could conjecture that t shirts really took off among sailors in the heat of the Caribbean!

Fish Puerto Rico T Shirt

Palomino Island Palms Beach T-Shirt

We are so excited to announce our new line of Caribbean candies. Offering a mix of tropical salt water taffy, gummies, and hard candies, there is a tropical flavor for for every palate. They are available in small and large sizes. The large size are for sharing, and the small sizes are perfect as part of a gift collection or as a wedding favor or pillow gift!

We can even personalize them with wedding dates or corporate logos!

Rum-Runner – Premium Salt Water Taffy

Rum lovers’ delight! Bring out your inner pirate with this delectable Caribbean rum flavor in soft, non-sticky, whipped taffy. Aargh!

Fruit Fiesta – Premium Salt Water Taffy

Have a party in your mouth with this explosion of tropical fruit flavor! Guava, Coconut, Mango, and Lime combine for a fiesta of flavor in a soft, non-sticky, whipped taffy.

Piña Colada – Premium Candy Doubloons

If you love Piña Coladas and getting caught in the rain, these buttons are a yummy Pina Colada concoction that will keep you coming back for more.

Lime Lickers – Premium Candy Doubloons

Tart and tangy citrus sweetness tantalize your taste buds transporting you to your own island retreat. Limealicious!

Island Bears – Premium Gummy Delights

Sophisticated fruity flavors meld Pink Grapefruit, Mango, Pineapple and Strawberry Banana showering the essence of the tropics in a luxurious gummy chew. Yummy Caribbean candies!

Tropical Fish – Premium Gummy Delights

Catch some of these little fishies before they swim away! These tasty gummies are bursting with strawberry flavor and a luxurious enjoyable chew.

Coqui Frogs – Premium Gummy Delights – Available Fall 2015

Grab ahold of these coqui   frogs before they leap away! These delicious gummies are jumping with fresh strawberry flavor and a luxurious pleasurable chew.

This article was written by Captain Tim and the Crew of Caribbean Trading Company.

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Here is some more details on each of the available flavors (click on the name to purchase):

Iced Sunshine

Iced Tea – Tropical Fruit Medley – Organic Black Tea. The ripe essences of mango, passion fruit, and guava brings fragrance, flavor, and smoothness to South Indian organic black tea. The sunshine of the tropics goes wonderfully on ice. Add a touch of sweetener, a squeeze of lemon, or a splash of orange or apple juice. Garnish with fresh fruit. Ingredients: Black tea & Mango, Passion fruit and Guava natural flavors.

Iced Mojito

Iced Tea – Citrus Mint Refresher – Organic Herbal Tea. Herbal tea on ice is nice! A bright balance of spearmint with citrusy Australian lemon myrtle and a twist of lemon peel. The aromas are exhilarating, the herb blend is relaxing, the natural sweetness is especially refreshing on ice. Ingredients: Spearmint, lemon peel & lemon myrtle.

Caribbean Floral

Loose Leaf Tea – Brisk Tropical Essence – Organic Black Tea. It’s a bouquet of brilliant flowers in every cup. Organic flower petals add color and elegance to premium organic black tea. Imagine a cup of confetti with hibiscus, calendula, and cornflowers adding color and a touch of elegant fragrance. Ingredients: Black tea, hibiscus, natural flavor, corn flowers & calendula flowers.

Citrus Chai

Loose Leaf Tea – Orange Spice Zing – Organic Green Tea. A spice cabinet of zesty flavor and aroma is blended with luscious organic orange peel and Indian green tea. Savor cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom with the citrusy sophistication of orange. Green tea keeps it light and uplifting. ngredients: Green tea, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, orange peel & natural flavor.

Tropical Dream

Tea Bags – Smooth Sultry Blend – Organic Green Tea. Lush and smooth, this is a cup of tropical goodness. Organic green tea provides the clear, crisp base, with rich notes of tropical carob and soothing chamomile on top. It adds up to a dreamy tea experience, taking you to a beautiful place. Ingredients: Green tea, chamomile, carob and natural flavor.

Pomegranate Bliss

Tea Bags – Antioxidant Lift – Organic White Tea. Delicate white tea makes a perfect base for the elegant notes of pomegranate and flowers. Dried organic pomegranate brings tangy tartness as well as antioxidant goodness. Rosehips and hibiscus add more bright flavor touches. Ingredients: White tea, rosehips, hibiscus, dried pomegranate and natural flavor.

This article was written by Captain Tim and the Crew of Caribbean Trading Company.

Liked this article? Join the Crew and Start the Journey! Connect with Us for News, Events, Lifestyle, and all things Caribbean by joining our Newsletter – Click Here to Join or find us on Facebook or Instagram.

These are the current line of seasonings (you can click on their names to purchase):

Puerto Rican Adobo Seasoning 3 oz.

-Ingredients: Fine Sea Salt, Granulated Garlic, Granulated Onion, Coriander Leaf, Oregano, Cumin, Black Pepper, Turmeric. It wouldn’t be “cocina criolla” without Adobo. Shake up any meal when you shake it on.

Spiced Rum Grill Seasoning 4 oz.

-Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Fine Sea Salt, Granulated Onion, Granulated Garlic, Oregano, Black Pepper, Annatto Spice, Cayenne Pepper, Cumin, Rum Flavoring. Great flavor to pop on anything that gets a grilling. Party like a pirate!

Limin Times Seafood Seasoning 3.5 oz.

-Ingredients: Fine Sea Salt, Granulated Onion, Granulated Garlic, Black Pepper, Oregano, Spices, Ground Tumeric, Cayenne Pepper, Thyme, Natural Lime Flavoring. Ahoy! Now it’s swimmingly easy to make seafood flavors jump up and dance.

Lively Up Lime Jerk Seasoning 4 oz.

-Ingredients: Fine Sea Salt, Granulated Garlic, Granulated Sugar, Thyme Leaf, Black Pepper, Ginger, Crushed Red Pepper, Allspice, Cinnamon, Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, Natural Lime Flavoring. Shake it on, rub it in, enjoy! Ya mon.Lively up yourself & your lunch.

Spicy Pepper Steak Seasoning 4 oz.

-Ingredients: Fine Sea Salt, Annatto Spice, Ground Mustard, Black Pepper, Cumin, Thyme, Granulated Onion, Granulated Garlic. Stake out a territory that’s particularly delicious – peppery goodness with the heat of the islands.

Island Magic Grill 3oz.

-Ingredients: Coarse Sea Salt, minced Garlic, Minced Onion, Whole Black Peppercorns, Crushed Red Pepper, Thyme Leaf, Spices, Whole Rosemary. Caribbean magic. Yeah, it’s real. Shake this on your favorite food, and grill. Abracadraba.

This article was written by Captain Tim and the Crew of Caribbean Trading Company.

Liked this article? Join the Crew and Start the Journey! Connect with Us for News, Events, Lifestyle, and all things Caribbean by joining our Newsletter – Click Here to Join or find us on Facebook or Instagram.

Slowly fragrance your environment with the scents of the Caribbean…We are excited to unveil our new line of Caribbean incense. They are Hand-Dipped Premium Quality. Each package comes with 10 sticks that each burn for approximately one hour.

We have launched 12 fragrances that speak to the Caribbean and the tropical lifestyle: Click Here to Purchase

• • Coco de Rasta – It’s a crazy delicious concoction, with tropical nutty aromas that transport you on a delectable journey.
  • Plumeria Nights – The exotic floral fragrances of plumeria and jasmine sends the scent of tropical trade winds into your world.
  • Tropical Nag Champa – The aromatic eloquence of classic Nag Champa combines rich sensual sandalwood with tropical plumeria (known in India as champa).
  • Tradewinds – Clean. Light. Energizing. Like the winds that transport us across the ocean, this fragrance will fill your sails with vitality.
  • Cucumber Mango – The cool notes of cucumber and mango translate into a refreshing scent that quenches the senses like they do in the islands.
  • Citronella Splash – Brisk, clean, citrusy scent reminds you of a tropical forest. Invites human enjoyment but banishes the bugs.
  • El Yunque Mist – The caress of raindrops washes the tropical air and adds new vibrance to the scent of forest greenery and jasmine flowers.
  • Salty Breeze – The sunwashed seascape sparkles. The touch of salt and a light musk note revitalize the body and soul. It’s beach time.
  • Sweet Jasmine – Exotic and exquisite jasmine flowers, set off by a base of lush rose petals. It’s the essence of sweetness.
  • Island Paradise – Escape to a place of warmth and relaxation, sun-ripened fruits and refreshing sea breezes. Go where life is sweet.
  • Tropical punch – A fantasy of fresh fruit. Banana, pineapple and a hint of coconut join to please your senses and brighten your day.
  • Coqui Nights – Hear the island serenade of the Coqui frog echoing in the rich, lush notes of tropical flowers, island greenery, and a mellow touch of musk.

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Many of the reactions and decisions we make are intrinsically linked to our sense of smell, and many areas of our health and relaxation can be positively affected by smell, and by definition, through Aromatherapy. Incense can help to:

• • cleanse the atmosphere
  • aid calm and reduce anxiety, stress, and fear
  • revitalize, stimulate, and renew energy
  • alleviate insomnia
  • prepare the mind and body for prayer, meditation and contemplation
  • accelerate healing

This article was written by Captain Tim and the Crew of Caribbean Trading Company.

Liked this article? Join the Crew and Start the Journey! Connect with Us for News, Events, Lifestyle, and all things Caribbean by joining our Newsletter – Click Here to Join or find us on Facebook or Instagram