Growing up in Antigua & Barbuda, I was cradled by my islands’ abundance and warmth. The sun always found its way through the clouds, even when rain whispered against the leaves. Mangoes hung heavy from trees, sweet and golden, while sweetsop, guava, and tamarind tempted our taste buds in every season. The Earth seemed to overflow with gifts—you’d plant a single seed, and the soil would return more than you ever asked for. Our warm, rich soil wasn’t just a bed for crops; it was home to butterflies, beetles, and tiny miracles that made childhood feel like a perpetual treasure hunt.
In those days, I knew I loved the Earth. But often wondered—does the Earth love us back? The Earth seemed like an old friend, generous and kind, offering gifts in abundance—warm soil beneath my feet, the song of the waves, and the magic of life sprouting from the ground. As I grew up, I realized something even more profound: the Earth’s love isn’t just passive. It’s an active, reciprocal relationship, and we have a role in nurturing it too. That reciprocity or “return of the love” was woven into every aspect of life, from the fruits we picked to the breeze that cooled our sun-kissed skin. This Valentine’s Day I am dedicated to my grandmother, for helping me recognize and honor this connection since I was a child.
My grandmother, a teacher both in the classroom and in life, showed me what that love looks like in action. Though sometimes she could be strict, ensuring we learned our lessons, she also taught through quiet gestures of generosity and care. Every Valentine’s Day at our house wasn’t about heart-shaped cards or store-bought gifts—it was about community. She would make sugar cakes, soft pieces of fudge speckled with bits of sorrel, and tuck little peppermints into our school bags to share with classmates. These small acts weren’t just about sweets; they were lessons in love and reciprocity. She showed me that love grows when it’s shared, just like the Earth’s gifts multiply when we care for the land.
Through her wisdom, I learned that love isn’t a finite resource. Like the Earth, it thrives when nurtured and passed down through generations. Knowledge, recipes, stories—these are forms of love that sustain us. My grandmother’s teachings became part of who I am, shaping how I view the world and my place within it. Preserving this knowledge and sharing it, especially on a day like Valentine’s, is my way of honoring her and the Earth that sustains us.
As I stand on this foundation, I feel empowered to carry these lessons forward. Love is not just something we receive; it’s something we actively cultivate. It’s in the way we care for our communities, the environment, and ourselves. Valentine’s Day is a beautiful reminder that love is abundant, and generosity is one of its most powerful expressions.
In that spirit, I’d love to share with you a family recipe for sorrel—a bright, red hibiscus drink that’s both refreshing and symbolic of the love and warmth we celebrate today. Even though Valentine’s Day is just one day, my grandmother always made extra sorrel, storing it carefully so we could savor its flavors well into the spring months. If you can get your hands on some hibiscus petals, I encourage you to try this recipe and taste a bit of Caribbean love.
Grandma’s Sorrel Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried sorrel (hibiscus) petals
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 4-5 cloves
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 5 cups boiling water
- 1-2 cups sugar (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- (Optional) A splash of rum for the adults
Instructions:
- Rinse the sorrel petals thoroughly.
- In a large bowl, combine sorrel, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon.
- Pour boiling water over the mixture and let it steep overnight.
- Strain the liquid through a fine sieve or cheesecloth.
- Add sugar and lime juice to taste, stirring until dissolved.
- Chill in the refrigerator and serve over ice.
- Add a splash of rum if you’re feeling festive!
As you sip, remember that love is in every drop—from the Earth that grew the sorrel to the hands that prepared it. This Valentine’s Day let’s celebrate not just romantic love but the love that ties us to our communities, our ancestors, and the land herself.
We are love. As we cherish the Earth, know that the Earth loves us back.
Happy Valentine’s Day from the Caribbean Climate Network. The Caribbean loves me, and I love the Caribbean. Enjoy this day with warmth in your heart and sweetness on your tongue.