If you want to prosper in your work life, in your studies and even improve your family relationship, taking some time each year to rest is extremely necessary. We are often unaware of how long our brain works, and just as we let our muscles rest after exercising, we should do the same with our minds. In this way, we will be more efficient in our active periods.
As stress levels increase, the body identifies that something is going wrong and increases the chances of getting sick. Your defenses won’t be the same if you accumulate long periods without rest.
According to the American Institute of Stress: 40% of workers suffer from job stress. You may be among this group without noticing it. In addition, heart studies conducted by Boston University and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute found that men who had not taken a vacation in several years were 30% more likely to suffer heart attacks than those who took a break regularly.
When you spend a lot of time at work or at home taking care of the kids, your social life gets put on the back burner. Fostering good bonds with colleagues, with your family or even with people you may meet on your walk on the beach will increase your endorphin levels, a key substance for increasing happiness.
Obviously, this is one of the best “added values” you will have when taking a vacation. Getting to know new cultures, typical dishes and new people will always be good for your wellness. In addition, if you choose to vacation on the beaches of Puerto Rico or other beautiful places in the Caribbean, you will be able to visit paradisiacal beaches and enjoy the flora and fauna of the place.
The last few months must have been very uncertain and difficult for you and your family. The covid19 pandemic has turned the world upside down. If you decide to vacation in Puerto Rico, you should know that as of July 2, 2021, more than 50% of its population has already been vaccinated. The health situation is likely even safer than in your place of origin.
Also, since Puerto Rico has been declared a “safe place” to travel, there are some requirements you should take into account before you start your trip. You will need to complete an affidavit of health, provide proof of full immunization or a Covid molecular or antigen test performed 72 hours before arrival on the island. Be sure to check any requirements that may be requested by the airline you are traveling with.
If these 5 reasons why you should take a vacation this season convinced you and you have decided to take the trip you have been postponing for a long time, there are some important aspects you should take into account to make your vacation a really pleasant experience:
Many people do not check their documents until the moment they travel and by the time they get to customs it is too late. Check expiration dates and check with the airline you are traveling with to see if they will ask for any additional proof. Having your vaccinations up to date is also an essential point. Check your vaccination schedule and carry it with you in case you are asked for it when boarding.
If you have an alarm system, remember to inform the security company that you will be absent for a few days and leave them a telephone number you can trust in case of any eventuality. Also ask a neighbor to pick up the correspondence so that it doesn’t pile up in front of your door and become suspicious.
If you are traveling with children, it is always a good idea to do a pre-trip check. The little ones are often sensitive to the change of food or even the movement of the plane. A trusted doctor will give you tips so that you can enjoy your summer vacation in the best way possible.
If you want your pet to be part of your vacation, make sure you meet all the requirements to be able to take them with you, especially regarding vaccinations and documentation.
If you or your family member takes any prescription medications, buy them before you travel and carry an extra prescription. Pack your medical insurance vouchers and keep them in a bag nearby in case of any eventuality.
Notify people who need to communicate with you that you will be taking a vacation this season. When you arrive at your destination, a good idea is to turn off notifications and avoid taking your computer with you. Remember that this is a time to enjoy and relax; you don’t want to be working inside your room while you could be sunbathing.
Always have a muscle relaxant at hand. When touring different places or spending a lot of time at sea, you run the risk of overloading those muscles you didn’t use all year, taking it easy and stretching after each activity.
When arriving in an unknown place, the desire to try typical dishes and drinks can be a great temptation, so try to eat a balanced diet to avoid an upset stomach.
Be sure to pack your suitcase with lots of energy and fun because your next vacation this season will be the best of your life!
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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.
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.
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.
]]>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.
This is the most common refined sugar. It is a fine crystal size and it’s color is white.
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
This is a superfine sugar that has a very small crystal size. It is more commonly used in Great Britain and Australia.
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.
Brown sugars are made by adding molasses to refined sugar crystals to a light brown color.
Dark brown sugar is darker in color and has more molasses than light brown 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.
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.
Basically, liquid sugar or Simple syrup, is a mix of a 1:1 ratio of white granulated sugar and water.
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.
]]>Anibal’s Bar
Puertorrican Bakery
Caribbean Trading Company
Castro Ferreteria
Degree 18 Juice Bar
PinaLoka
Senor Carrucho
Peccas Helado Artesanal
Artisan Ice Cream, Crepes, Frappes, Alcoholic Iced Cream
Lluvia Deli Bar & Artefacto
Mi Vida Café & Burgers
Palmer Medical Services
Pizza Land
Puertorrican Bakery
Artisan Forest
artist gifts and souvenirs
Puma Gas Station
U.S. Post Office
]]>For any U.S. citizen who steps off a plane or cruise ship onto the land of a Caribbean island, they can be sure they are walking in the footsteps of some of the most famous historical figures. Throughout history, some of the most impressive figures have spent their downtime in Cuba and parts of the Caribbean enjoying the best cigar experiences. The British writer Evelyn Waugh explained, “The most futile and disastrous day seems well spent when it is reviewed through the blue, fragrant smoke of a Havana cigar.”
Over the last century or so, the Caribbean cigar experience has been changing with the story of the cigar in the Dominican Republic, a great place to start learning more about cigars. The Tobacco Museum in Santiago is one of the most impressive of its kind in the world and takes any lover of cigars or new arrivals in this sector on a journey into the history of every aspect of the cigar. Nobody knows exactly when the first cigar was smoked. The Tobacco Museum helps you understand exactly how the Dominican Republic has played its role in the history of the cigar.
There are many locations a cigar aficionado can enjoy in the Caribbean to follow in the footsteps of historic cigar smokers, such as the British wartime leader Winston Churchill. One of the most impressive options to undertake is a trip to The Graycliff Hotel and Restaurant in Nassau, The Bahamas. Churchill himself was a frequent visitor to the hotel and is said to have relaxed with as many as ten cigars a day as he enjoyed the beauty of the islands.
In 1997, the Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant formed its own tobacco company and has taken the cigar as a major part of the future of the location. There are many reasons why a trip to the Graycliff Tobacco Company is a good idea. The fact they have created cigars that have been awarded at some of the top international competitions is reason enough. The Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant goes as far as to now offer a cigar-based vacation where every day features a different cigar from the Graycliff range of tobacco.
Almost every location in the Caribbean has some form of a cigar that can be enjoyed, including the Jamaica-based Caribbean Cigar Company that gives every visitor a view of every aspect of the cigar making process. The movement through the process of rolling cigars through to taking an enjoyable puff on a cigar after it has been created by an expert roller.
Heading to the Caribbean to explore the different cigars on offer is a great way of taking a look at how the cigars of the region have changed over the years. The reputation of Cuban cigars is such that many fakes are being sold to U.S. visitors meaning the impressive nature of different cigar-rolling regions should be explored for a look at the best options available in the region. When choosing a cigar, it’s important to do research to ensure you are provided with the best smoking experience possible .
You can order some of the best Caribbean Cigars from us such as the “Captain’s Choice” Pirates Rose, Connecticut Coast or Double Maduro cigars now.
]]>Eating different types of food from all over the world can only make one a better person, because if there’s anything that fights prejudice and misconceptions, then it’s definitely the special connections made through eating and swapping recipes. Caribbean food is known for its seafood abundance, which is no surprise — considering the location of the Caribbean. Still, since this area is highly vibrant and has been active throughout its interesting history, it’s only logical to see influences from everywhere. Therefore, if you’re looking to try something special, here is a guide to Caribbean cuisine and some food picks that you must try.
Okay, let’s get comfortable first with this simple yet exquisite dish: the various types of this food are found all over the world, but in the Caribbean, where it’s known as Arroz con pollo. It originated from Spain, which is why it’s still wildly popular in the Caribbean islands with strong Spanish influences, such as the Dominican Republic. Aside from chicken meat and rice, this comfort food can contain a savory mix of garlic, peppers, tomatoes and even more. If you’re thinking about giving this recipe a try, it’s important to mix all the ingredients carefully and bake until the scent fills the kitchen.
Maybe shells aren’t your food of choice, but in the Caribbean, this is considered a top delicacy. Conch, the most popular and readily available type of shell, found all over the Caribbean islands, but mainly in the Bahamas. Eating fritters can be a fun way to spend the evening with your friends, and conch is a perfect meal for you. Of course, every chef has a unique recipe, but ingredients such as onion, celery, peppers, and other spices are always a welcome addition. If you happen to stumble upon this fish, then feel free to experiment with various seasonings and condiments.
This staple Jamaican dish can definitely win the hearts of everyone, even of those who aren’t foodies at heart. However, it’s important to mention that jerk isn’t really a food, but rather a spicy dry or wet that is applied to chicken or any other meat. After letting the meat absorb the flavor of the spice, it is then smoked and/or grilled to a tee. In case you prefer to grill your meat, then you should get yourself a portable charcoal grill so you’ll be able to prepare your perfect jerk even outside your own backyard. Jerk is a wonderful way to try something new, yet still familiar, so if you’re making a dinner party for your friends, feel free to serve them this meal.
As its name suggests, this delicious sandwich originates from Cuba, because, back in the day, it used to be eaten as lunch among Havana dock workers, but now it’s popular among everyone., thanks to Cuban workers who brought it to Florida, mainly Miami. It consists of crusty, soft white bread, roast pork ham, and some white mild cheese. For some extra flavor, you can add pickles, some mustard and also, don’t forget to use the sandwich press for a full toasty experience.
There is no proper eating without enjoying some desserts, that’s just a fact. Throughout history, the rum industry was the main force behind the Caribbean economy, so it’s no surprise that this drink found its place among many dishes, mostly desserts. This type of cake is an easy version of rum cake because you’d only need a regular packaged cake mix, and some rum, of course. If you want some extra sweet taste, you can use chocolate, nuts or a combination of dried fruits. For those who prefer the real recipe, you’ll need many more ingredients and a lot more effort, so it would be best to try both and see which one works better for you.
Caribbean cuisine is a perfect opportunity to try its cuisine and learn more about its history. This group of islands has its unique differences, but also similarities, so be sure to learn where each dish is coming from, so you’ll be able to appreciate the special taste and the art of preparation. The majority of these dishes are easy to prepare, so next time you feel like trying a new recipe, feel free to try one of these, and transport yourself to a sun-kissed atmosphere of the Caribbean islands.
]]>Buying fresh coffee beans is not as easy as it seems, especially if your day cannot start without a cup of perfectly brewed hot coffee. With so many varieties to pick from, it is quite normal to get overwhelmed by so many varieties of coffee beans available in the market.
Unless you have worked as a part time barista at your local coffee shop or at Starbucks, buying coffee is not a child’s play. You need to be well informed about the endless number of coffee beans to choose the right type of coffee for yourself.
Whether you are picking coffee beans for your workplace, family or your own coffee maker, following are some important tips to buy the best coffee for yourself and to make sure that you enjoy that perfect cup of hot coffee every day.
Contrary to the general perception, coffee beans do come with an expiration date and cannot last forever. Although, it can last for a good amount of time, if stored correctly, however, they tend to lose its freshness once it reaches its expiration date and should be discarded asap.
In order to buy fresh coffee beans from the store, make sure to check the roast date on the packet. If a packet doesn’t mention the roast or expiration date, then it is better to avoid buying such coffees and go for one which clearly mentions the roast or expiration date on the package.
Whether you prefer plain filter coffee machines or something as fancy as Bunn coffee makers, it is recommended to choose coffee beans accordingly. If you like to add milk in your coffee, then it is better to go for blend coffee beans.
If you prefer regular black coffee, then go for single origin beans. The blend coffee beans give more richness and texture to your coffee. Whereas, single origin beans come from a specific single geographic location, and the coffee beans contain the characteristic that the particular region.
It is recommended to purchase coffee when it is roasted fresh to get the most flavor of the bean. Also, it is best to use up the coffee within three weeks of the date of roasting mentioned on the jar. The coffee can be enjoyed the most in the second week after it is roasted.Most cafes and coffee shops are found to serve coffee a week after the roast date that gives you that irresistible flavor and that much needed kick-start to your day. The coffee can also be used the third and fourth week as well, but the freshness of the bean starts reducing and you do not get the same rich and intense flavor that one desires for early morning to start the day.
If you wish to buy the best coffee in Puerto Rico, you should opt for a 100% Arabica product. This bean is characteristic of this Caribbean zone and is one of the most coveted worldwide. It has a low caffeine level and is less bitter than conventional coffees.
In order to choose the best option, you should opt for brands that conserve the typical way of care and processing of the bean. Opting for ecological and environmentally friendly options.
Many people get confused between different brewing methods of coffee. Although, both brewing methods; espresso and filter roast are equally well,it is up to you which brewing method you like the most.
Both type of coffee beans are developed in an entirely different setting. Espresso roast beans are caramelized in a roaster machine, whereas filter roast beans are not processed to maintain the rawness and bitterness of the beans that is needed for filtered coffees.
Coffee beans can also be distinguished on the basis of their growing conditions. Coffee beans grow best in warmer regions between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. The climatic conditions and the type of soil used for growing coffee beans can affect the overall taste and quality of the coffee beans. If you like tropical and sweet berry flavors in your beverage, then you can opt for African coffee beans.
In the Southern and Central parts of the US, you get coffee beans that have a subtle toffee like sweet flavor with a slight kick of fruitiness added to it. If you prefer your coffee to have a more strong and raw taste, then go for Indian or Indonesian coffee. These blends are often infused with fresh herbs and aromatic spices. Another awesome choice is Puerto Rico’s Café Tesoro del Sol coffee. These coffee beans are handpicked, carefully depulped and sun dried. Puerto Rico’s Café Tesoro del Sol Ground Coffee Beans and Whole Bean coffee can be purchased online and is freshly roasted within days of your order.
Coffee primarily comes in two different ways; washed and unwashed. Both type of coffees differ in their taste and price. The fruit pulp from the washed ones is removed and is further fermented in tanks where as, the pulp of the unwashed coffee beans remains intact which gives the beans a more fruity wine like flavor.
These were some important factors to keep in mind while buying coffee online or from a grocery store. With a variety of different options to choose from, we hope you will be able to easily decide which coffee to select on your next grocery shopping trip.
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Puerto Rican Holiday Food Traditions
Parrandas: A Puerto Rican Music Christmas Tradition
Coquito: A Rum Drinks Recipe
From this I realize that delicious food, a good drink, and spending time with friends and family are universal. We had the most amazing opportunity to participate in a Parranda last week at our store. Music filled the air, and dancing filled the streets.
A little late this year, but also got the Christmas tree up! We decorated them with all of the new Puerto Rico Christmas tree ornaments that we designed and launched into the stores and online. The golden glitter of the brass ornaments really brightened up the decorations and I’m looking forward to continuing to design and develop more of them in 2020!
I’m looking forward to participating in many more Christmas traditions this holiday season.
Merry Christmas, and Feliz Navidad.
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You can find this recipe on our Yummly Page as well. Hit the Yum Button so you can add it into your recipe box:
]]>When selecting Certificate of Excellence winners, TripAdvisor uses a proprietary algorithm to determine the honorees that takes into account the quality, quantity and recency of reviews and opinions submitted by travelers on TripAdvisor over a 12-month period as well as business’s tenure and ranking on the Popularity Index on the site. To qualify, a business must maintain an overall TripAdvisor bubble rating of at least four out of five, have a minimum number of reviews and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months.
“Winning the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence is a true source of pride for the entire crew at Caribbean Trading Company and we’d like to thank all of our past customers who took the time to complete a review on TripAdvisor,” said Timothy Collins, Owner of Caribbean Trading Company. “There is no greater seal of approval than being recognized by one’s customers. We have worked very hard to provide an authentic experience with excellent customer service. With the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence based on customer reviews, the accolade is a remarkable vote of confidence to our business and our continued commitment to excellence.”
“TripAdvisor is pleased to honor exceptional hospitality businesses that have received consistent praise and recognition by travelers on the site,” said Marc Charron President, TripAdvisor for Business. “By putting a spotlight on businesses that are focused on delivering great service to customers, TripAdvisor not only helps drive increasing hospitality standards around the world, it also gives businesses both large and small the ability to shine and stand out from the competition.”
Caribbean Trading Company is a specialty gift company founded in Rio Grande in 1998. With two retail stores, one in Palmer at the base of El Yunque, and one on Palomino Island, with the El Conquistador Resort. Caribbean Trading also does corporate gifts for the incentive travel market, and has its’ own line of gourment food products and specialty gifts that highlight the flavors of Puerto Rico. www.caribbeantrading.com
TripAdvisor® is the world’s largest travel site*, enabling travelers to plan and book the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers trusted advice from travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools that check hundreds of websites to find the best hotel prices. TripAdvisor branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, reaching 340 million unique monthly visitors**, and more than 225 million reviews and opinions covering more than 4.9 million accommodations, restaurants and attractions. The sites operate in 45 countries worldwide. TripAdvisor also includes TripAdvisor for Business, a dedicated division that provides the tourism industry access to millions of monthly TripAdvisor visitors.
*Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Sites, worldwide, December 2014
**Source: Google Analytics, average monthly unique users, Q1 2015
Caribbean Trading Company
Calle Principal #4
Palmer, PR 00721
787-888-2762
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