Animals and Plants

Grenada’s nature

It grows and blooms in Grenada! The volcanic soil is very fertile and lush rainforest thrives on it. In addition to a variety of trees, orchids, ferns and bromeliads of many species also grow here. On the east coast of Grenada there are mangroves, which in turn are used by birds to breed and fish to spawn. Palm trees grow across the country.

An African in Grenada: the monkey cat

Monomer cats actually only live in West Africa. They probably came to Grenada with a load of slaves. Today they live in the rainforest around Lake Grand Etang. There they feel comfortable in the trees, eat fruits and sometimes also insects. They live in groups of around 35 animals.

Other mammals besides bats are only the rodent agouti and the marsupial south opossum, which is called Manicou here.

The Grenada Dove and other birds

Birds come in about 150 species. The grenade pigeon is one of them. It is the national bird of Grenada and unfortunately critically endangered. There are also hardly any photos of her. The photo on the left is from 2004. Other bird species in Grenada are the Grenada head tyrant, the carib coot, the yellow-fronted jacana or the American stilt. You can see them in photos below!

Who still lives here?

Lizards, iguanas, snakes and frogs are also found in Grenada. The cane toad was once introduced because it was hoped to control pests on sugar cane plantations. However, that was not true at all and the toad spread strongly. There are also whistling frogs. They are called that because they shout with a loud whistle. The green ant is one of the lizards. It tracks down prey with its forked tongue.

Economy

Grenada – the spice island

Grenada is also known as the Spice Island. This is where cinnamon, cloves, ginger and, above all, nutmeg grow. It is Grenada’s main product for export, i.e. for sale to other countries. Grenada is the second largest producer of nutmegs after Indonesia. There was a major setback when Hurricane Ivan overturned and destroyed many nutmeg trees. But the trees need eight years before they bear fruit again. In the meantime, however, production has recovered. By the way, they even make jam from nutmeg.

Main source of income: tourism

The most important source of income for Grenada is now tourism. He brings money into the country and is also the largest employer. Tourists love the beautiful beaches and water sports, but also tours into the rainforest. For some years now, many cruise ships have also been coming to Grenada. Services, which include trade, make up 77.7 percent of the country’s economic output and 69 percent of Grenaders work in this field.

Not just spices – agriculture

Agriculture provides just under 7 percent for Grenada and only 11 percent of the people work here. Nevertheless, the mentioned nutmeg is a money maker for Grenada. In addition to it and the other spices, cocoa, bananas, citrus fruits and avocados are also grown and exported. Fishing also plays a role not only for the domestic market, but now also for export.

Industry

There is not so much industry. It generates 15.5 percent and 20 percent of the people work in this area. There are factories for drinks, food and textiles.

Children and School

School in Grenada

In Grenada, a country located in Caribbean and Central America listed on philosophynearby, children go to kindergarten at the age of 5, which is compulsory for everyone and more of a preschool. The school system is based on the British one, as Grenada was part of Great Britain for a long time. So all children wear a school uniform. After six years in elementary school, I go to secondary school for another five years. This is divided into three years up to the intermediate degree and two further years up to the Abitur. School attendance is compulsory up to the age of 16.

Eating in Grenada

Oil Down, Callalou and Coo Coo

The national dish in Grenada is called Oil Down. Several types of meat, dumplings and vegetables such as breadfruit, plantains, yams and potatoes are cooked in coconut milk until all of the milk has boiled away. Sometimes callalou is added, a leafy vegetable that is actually called taro. The leaves are used like spinach.

You can also make your own soup from Callalou, which is also often eaten in Grenada. It is then called Callalou soup. Okra pods and coconut milk are other ingredients. The food in Grenada is always well seasoned and mostly quite hot. And what is Coo Coo? It is a casserole made from corn, cooked – in coconut milk! There is a recipe for Coo Coo in the participation tip.

Indian heritage

The Indians, who were brought into the country by the English as workers in the 19th century, brought ingredients and dishes from their local kitchen with them to Grenada. People like to eat curry dishes, i.e. fish, meat or vegetables in a thick sauce. Indian bread like puri or roti can also be found. Puri bread is often served with lentils (dal), rotis filled with meat or vegetables.

Nutmeg is a must

On the spice island of Grenada, the spices growing here should of course not be missing in the kitchen. Nutmeg and nutmeg blossom are used a lot, as are cinnamon, cloves and ginger, which add heat. Jam is even made from nutmeg.