Celebrating Tradition and Taste: 4-H Leaders of County St. George East Visit the Queen of Pigeon Peas
In the lush hillsides of Covigne in Diego Martin, Trinidad and Tobago, lies a culinary treasure trove tucked away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. It was here, on Friday, April 19th, 2024, that five enthusiastic 4-H Voluntary Leaders from St. George East County embarked on a journey to visit the esteemed Mrs. Florence Warrick-Joseph, affectionately known as Ms. Flo Joe, the Queen of Pigeon Peas.
Mrs. Florence Warrick-Joseph, a retired registered nurse, has seamlessly transitioned her passion for pigeon peas into a thriving business venture. From pholourie to punch, ice cream to pastelle, muffins to wine, and black cake to liqueur, her repertoire of delicacies crafted from pigeon peas knows no bounds.
Upon arriving at Mrs. Flo’s quaint abode, nestled amidst verdant foliage, we were greeted with warmth and hospitality. As we settled in, Mr. Joseph, Mrs. Florence’s husband, regaled us with tales of the rich history of Covigne, where the rhythms of calypso were born and plans were underway by stakeholders and community members to honour this heritage.
The conversation soon turned to the renowned Pigeon Peas Festival, an annual celebration that coincides with the carnival festivities in Trinidad and Tobago. The festival, steeped in tradition and flavour, showcases the versatility of pigeon peas in the local culinary landscape.
Eager to experience the culinary delights of Ms. Flo Joe’s creations, we embarked on a tasting journey. From the savory pholourie, which stole the show with its soft, flavourful center, to the aromatic pastelle, creamy ice cream, and refreshing punch; each bite and each sip was a symphony of taste and tradition.
Ms. Flo Joe generously shared her recipes, which have been meticulously curated and compiled into the first volume of her book, “Local Recipes Pigeon Peas”. With each page turned, the secrets of transforming humble pigeon peas into culinary masterpieces were
revealed, inspiring us to explore the journey from farm to table. As ideas flowed and experiences were shared, a common goal emerged among the group to champion the journey of pigeon peas from cultivation to consumption, echoing the ethos of 4-Hers everywhere. With Mrs. Flo Jo as our guide, we envisioned a future where the legacy of pigeon peas continues to thrive, bridging generations and cultures through the universal language of food.
After a few hours, we had to bid the hills of Covigne, Diego Martin, and the enlightening Mrs. Flo Joe farewell, with hearts full of gratitude and minds buzzing with inspiration. In her humble kitchen amidst the aroma of spices and the laughter of newfound friends, we had found not only a taste of tradition but a glimpse into the power of passion and community.