Croydon Plantation in the Catadupa Mountains of St. James, owes its reputation to pineapples and coffee, as well as its connection to national hero, Samuel Sharpe. Sharpe was born a slave in 1801 at Croydon and became a Baptist preacher. In December 1831, Sharpe organized a peaceful protest at plantations in the western end of the island that turned into the largest rebellion on the island. It took the military two weeks to end the rebellion, which by then had caused hundreds of deaths. They captured the leaders, including Sharpe, who was hanged in 1832.
A few months ago, a friend and I boarded the tour bus that would take us on the hour-long drive from Freeport, Montego Bay to Catadupa. Our guide kept us entertained with stories and jokes that sometimes it was easy to ignore the bumps on the windy mountain road. Note: if you get car sick easily and want to do this tour, think about riding in the back of the bus and away from the windows.
At Croydon Plantation, which stretches 132 acres, we learned about the different varieties of pineapples – Ripley, Guyana, Cowboy, Sugar – that are grown there. The best part? We got to taste them.
We did a lot of tasting and smelling on the walk from the coffee station, where our guide demonstrated how the beans are harvested, to the main area where we had lunch. Our tour guide pointed out jackfruits, grapefruits, star fruits, limes, sugarcane, sweetsop, and other fruits, herbs and spices.
The tour ended with a delicious lunch of jerk chicken, rice and peas and salad. It was followed by a short presentation by one of the owners.
In recognition of Sam Sharpe’s connection to Croydon Plantation, the owners have placed statues of the national hero on the grounds. Similar sculptures can also be seen in Sam Sharpe Square in Montego Bay.
Croydon Plantation Particulars
Tours are conducted on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Cost: $70, includes the tour, lunch and roundtrip transportation. 876-979-8267.
For more photos from locations around the world, head over to Travel Photo Mondays, which is organized by Noel at Travel Photo Discovery.
Yet another place to add to my list of places to visit when I return to Jamaica. I love pineapples, so I’m definitely sold on this tour!
Interesting that you have pine trees that can grow in your tropical areeas as well. I love pineapples, we have white pineapples here that have a very short shelf life and are so sweet when they are in season.
This post reminds me that although we have visited quite a few Caribbean islands, mostly on cruises, we have never made it to Jamaica. Your blog will obviously be a great resource for that trip. I admire your determination to see more of your native country. I think many of us, even travel bloggers, are guilty of figuring we\’ll get around to the sights and museums in our own back yard, but never do.
I’d be happy to introduce you to some of my favorite spots, Suzanne. And thanks for saying that. It’s really easy to go elsewhere and believe me, I love to do that too. But it was becoming a little embarrassing to meet people who knew more about my country than I did so I decided to change that. And if you let me know when you’re ready, I’ll help you plan your trip. Thanks for stopping by.
Yes, we do. I was surprised to see them in the Blue Mountains and thought they only grew there but then I remembered that we had a few at the home I live in eons ago. They’re known as Caribbean pine.
That sounds like what we call sugar here. It’s very sweet. Love pineapples as well; they’re in season now.
It’s a neat little spot that I think you’ll enjoy. And the pineapples are just delicious!
The red tinge to that pineapple skin is gorgeous.
I’ve always wanted to visit a plantation and see where our food comes from. I especially love that pic of the pineapple – its so weirdly cool that they grow that way.
Hope you get to, Adelina. The food tastes fresh and delicious.
Glad you like the pineapple pic.
Thanks for visiting!
Thanks, Jan. I’m not sure how far along it is but it doesn’t look like that when it’s ready.
Very beautiful place… I never see a field of pineapple before…
Jamaica has such a fascinating history~
Love pineapple and I’ve tried jerk chicken which I found quite tasty. Thanks for sharing your trip.