Ackee cheesecake steals show at Linstead festival

The 19th Linstead Ackee and Jerk Festival had tongues wagging and taste buds tingling on National Heroes Day as two daring new ackee treats took centre stage - ackee cheesecake and ackee ice cream.

But while one was a smash hit, the other left festival goers with a sour taste.

The buzz at the new Ewarton Community Centre was all about the ackee cheesecake, crafted by self-taught baking queen Whitley Anderson Palmer. In a shocking twist, Anderson Palmer admitted she didn't even get to try the dessert herself.

"I didn't even have time to taste the final product. I took it to the festival, and everyone was wanting more," Anderson Palmer revealed, as the crowd devoured the creamy delight topped with guava jelly.

Inspired by ackee's rich texture, Anderson Palmer combined it with cream cheese and flour to create a dessert sensation that had festival goers begging for seconds.

Anthony Allen, a first-time attendee from overseas, gave a mixed review.

"Whereas I approve of the ackee cheesecake, the ice cream needed more. I'm a lover of ice cream, and I was not impressed. It's more like a yoghurt," he said.

While Anderson Palmer hinted at adding the ackee cheesecake to her permanent menu, festival organisers faced backlash for not having more ackee-inspired creations on display.

Sharon Byles, a resident of Linstead, said she has been supporting the festival on and off since its inception and expected to see more ackee products on display.

"I came expecting to see more products made from ackee and didn't see that. I hope for the 20th staging we will see improvement in this area," Byles told THE STAR.

Godfrey Marshall, chair of the organising committee, has promised to up the ante for next year's 20th anniversary.