SEVERAL plant species contain or produce toxic substances. It is believed that these naturally occurring toxins are produced as part of the plant’s defence mechanism against predators. Many of these plants are a source of food in many countries. Ackee, which is part of Jamaica’s national dish, is one such plant. The word “ackee” originated from the “Twi” language of Ghana. The plant, Blighia sapida, was introduced to Jamaica by Captain William Bligh in 1778. Coincidentally, it was the same Captain Bligh who took the breadfruit here. Ackee also grows in other islands such as Cuba, Haiti, Barbados and Hawaii. It is also known in South Florida and Central...
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