5 Superfoods you can find in Trinidad—and where to get them in NYC

In an age where clean eating and holistic wellness have become more than just trends, superfoods in the Caribbean are gaining the recognition they deserve for their natural health benefits. The Caribbean, with its lush tropical environment, is a treasure trove of nutrient-dense, all-natural ingredients that have been used for generations in food and medicine.

Trinidad and Tobago, in particular, is home to some rare and powerful superfoods that have been staples in traditional diets, offering a wide range of health benefits, from boosting immunity to improving skin and digestion.

While you might not be able to harvest these ingredients directly from the source without hopping on a plane, you can still find them in select NYC markets. For the freshest experience, why not consider taking a trip to Trinidad and Tobago? Booking.com makes it easy to plan your journey, where you can harvest your own superfoods under the tropical sun and soak in the natural beauty that enhances the potency of these ingredients.

The ultimate guide to superfoods found in the Caribbean

1. Soursop (graviola)

Benefits: Soursop is high in vitamin C, rich in antioxidants, and a powerful anti-inflammatory, soursop is a tropical fruit celebrated for its ability to boost the immune system and potentially fight cancer. The leaves are often brewed into a calming tea that helps with sleep and anxiety.

Where to find it in NYC: Soursop, fresh or frozen, can be found in specialty Caribbean markets or grocery stores in Queens or Brooklyn, like Flatbush Food Co-op or Golden Mango Market.

In Trinidad: This spiky green fruit grows abundantly in Trinidad’s rich soil. Visit local markets like Port-of-Spain’s Central Market for the freshest picks or take a tour to the countryside to see the trees where they are grown.

Soursop boosts immune system — *Soursop.*

2. Guava

Benefits: Guava is a tropical superfruit packed with vitamin C—four times more than oranges—along with antioxidants, fibre, and essential minerals like potassium and magnesium. It’s excellent for boosting the immune system, improving digestion, and promoting heart health.

Where to find it in NYC: Fresh guava can be found in Caribbean and Latin grocery stores like Foodtown in the Bronx. Guava juice and guava-based products are also widely available in wellness shops across the city.

In Trinidad: Guava trees thrive in Trinidad’s tropical climate and can be found in home gardens and local farms. You can purchase fresh guava from street vendors or explore bustling markets like Tunapuna Market for a truly local experience.

3. Turmeric (saffron root)

Benefits: Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to curcumin, the active compound in the root. This golden spice is commonly used in Caribbean cooking and is also great for detoxifying the liver and improving skin health.

Where to find it in NYC: Fresh turmeric root can be found in Caribbean and South Asian markets like Patel Brothers in Jackson Heights.

In Trinidad: Farmers grow turmeric across the island, and its vibrant orange roots can be found in local farmers’ markets. For an authentic experience, visit a spice farm in Ma racas Valley where you can see how it’s harvested and processed.

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4. Moringa

Benefits: Moringa is hailed as a “miracle tree” for good reason. Its leaves, packed with vitamins A, C, and E, protein, calcium, and potassium, have been used in traditional medicine for centuries to boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and promote cardiovascular health.

Where to find it in NYC: Moringa powder or dried leaves are available in health food stores like The Vitamin Shoppe across the city.

In Trinidad: Moringa trees thrive in the tropical climate, and locals use every part of the plant, from the leaves to the seeds. Check out Green Market Santa Cruz for fresh moringa, or go on a community garden tour in Arima to learn how it’s grown.

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5. Cocoa

Benefits: Trinidadian cocoa is known for its superior quality, rich in flavonoids and antioxidants that support heart health, improve mood, and enhance cognitive function. Pure cocoa also contains magnesium, which is essential for stress relief and muscle recovery.

Where to find it in NYC: High-quality Trinidadian cocoa can be found in specialty chocolate shops like Raaka Chocolate in Brooklyn or Fine & Raw Chocolate in Bushwick, which often source from the Caribbean.

In Trinidad: Visit a cocoa plantation such as House of Angostura’s cocoa estate or take a tour of Lopinot Plantation Estate where you can experience the bean-to-bar process firsthand. You’ll not only taste the richest chocolate, but also understand the deep cultural heritage tied to this superfood.

Best superfoods found in Trinidad and Tobago - cocoa pod. — *Cocoa pod.*

Plan your trip to Trinidad and Tobago

While it’s possible to find many of these superfoods in NYC, there’s nothing quite like experiencing their potency straight from the source. Imagine harvesting fresh soursop or turmeric in the warm tropical sun, surrounded by the lush landscapes of Trinidad. Booking a trip to Trinidad and Tobago through Booking.com is a step toward not only exploring a new culture but also embracing a lifestyle of natural health and wellness.

Beyond food, Trinidad and Tobago offers a holistic approach to well-being with its vibrant flora, crystal-clear waters, and a rhythm of life that encourages relaxation and healing. So whether you’re visiting to stock up on superfoods or to detox your body and mind, the islands are a paradise for health-conscious travellers.

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Conclusion

Caribbean superfoods are more than just a health trend—they’re a return to nature’s simplest and most powerful ingredients. From boosting immunity with soursop to nourishing your body with soursop and moringa, these superfoods can have a transformative impact on your health. So the next time you’re in NYC, look out for these unique ingredients in specialty markets. And when you’re ready for the ultimate experience, book a trip to Trinidad and Tobago and harvest your own fresh superfoods straight from the source.

Plan your wellness journey today and enjoy the health-boosting treasures that Trinidad has to offer!

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