Jerk seasoning is popular in Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine and refers to the preparation of meat with an earthy, spicy dry or wet rub. The rub is a strange mix that has a dark history. Jerk seasoning began as an African spice rub that was adapted by slaves transported throughout the Caribbean. As various people and nationalities travelled through the Atlantic the recipe changed when thyme, nutmeg, and cloves being added. Heat and flavor increased dramatically when people began to add Scotch Bonnet peppers instead of chili peppers.