Esterly's Market

05/15/2026

Why the Haitian Flag Is One of the Most Symbolic Flags in the World The Haitian flag is truly one of the most symbolic flags in the world because it tells a powerful story of liberation, resilience, and the birth of a nation against incredible odds. It’s not just a piece of fabric; it’s a living testament to the world’s only successful slave revolt that led to an independent […]

The Haitian flag is truly one of the most symbolic flags in the world because it tells a powerful story of liberation, resilience, and the birth of a..

05/13/2026

Health Benefits of Haitian Black Mushrooms (Djon Djon) You’re probably wondering, “What exactly are Haitian black mushrooms, and are they actually good for me?” Let’s dive in. Haitian black mushrooms, or Djon Djon as they’re known locally, are small, dried, intensely flavored fungi that are a cornerstone of Haitian cuisine. Beyond their unique taste, they’ve been linked to a number of potential health […]

You’re probably wondering, “What exactly are Haitian black mushrooms, and are they actually good for me?” Let's dive in. Haitian black..

05/12/2026

Quick Haitian Dinner Ideas for Busy Nights Feeling the weeknight crunch and wondering what to whip up for dinner that’s both satisfying and distinctly Haitian? You’ve landed in the right spot. Haitian cuisine is incredibly flavorful and can be surprisingly quick to make, even when you’re short on time. Forget the idea that authentic tastes always require hours in the kitchen. We’re […]

Feeling the weeknight crunch and wondering what to whip up for dinner that’s both satisfying and distinctly Haitian? You’ve landed in the right..

05/10/2026

Essential Ingredients for Haitian Djon Djon Rice Let’s dive right into what makes Haitian Djon Djon rice so uniquely flavorful and visually striking. The magic really comes down to a few key ingredients, with the black mushroom, Chlorophyllum molybdites (or more commonly, just “djon djon”), being the star. Without this particular mushroom, you simply don’t get that signature dark color and earthy […]

Let's dive right into what makes Haitian Djon Djon rice so uniquely flavorful and visually striking. The magic really comes down to a few key..

05/10/2026

If your black mushroom liquid is dull, it’s usually not simmered long enough. Soak and clean the djon djon, then simmer briefly until the liquid turns deep, translucent brown—like dye. That’s the smoky mushroom “tea” you want.

Then add the liquid to your rice for the tasty diri djon djon.
It’s the same ingredient, but the right color and simmer time make the flavor show up cleanly.

Visit our store for authentic Haitian ingredients
Get your authentic Haitian product today at Esterlysmarket.com

05/09/2026

“3 ways to know your Lalo is authentic” — look for the dried-leaf look, rinse/wake-up behavior when simmered, and the unmistakable silky mouthfeel once cooked.

If your pot never gets that right texture, it’s usually one of these signs:

- The dried-leaf look: it should look like real jute leaf pieces, not something overly uniform or strange to the touch.
- Rinse + simmer behavior: when we rinse and let it simmer, the leaf should “wake up” and soften in a way that feels familiar.
- That silky mouthfeel: once cooked, authentic lalo coats your spoon with that signature smooth, slightly slimy feel.

Bring that Haitian kitchen texture home with Esterly’s Dried Jute Leaf (Lalo).

Get your authentic Haitian product today at Esterlysmarket.com or visit our store for authentic Haitian ingredients. Which one do you check first—look, rinse behavior, or that silky finish?

05/09/2026

That “pilon smell” starts before the pot.

We watched a customer taste the difference in real time—one minute of pounding allspice + garlic + dried herbs turned into an aroma you can’t fake. Then we flipped the same ingredients into a shaker, and you could feel the depth fall off.

Handcrafted by Haitian artisans, our pilon (mortar and pestle) isn’t only for flavor—it’s also a beautiful kitchen piece that tells a story every time you use it.

Visit our store for authentic Haitian ingredients
Get your authentic Haitian product today at Esterlysmarket.com

Which would you rather make tonight: the pilon base or the shaker mix?

05/08/2026

Meal prep shouldn’t feel like punishment—so why does your “rice base” always taste the same?

Pitimi (sorghum) cooks up fluffy and stays tender when reheated. It’s gluten-free and packed with protein and fiber—an easy swap when you want something nutritious without the fuss.

Portion it for 3 lunches, then top it Haitian-style with veggies or meat. Same comfort, new flavor, and it’s made for your week.

Get your authentic Haitian product today at Esterlysmarket.com or visit our store.

05/08/2026

How Often Should You Use Lwil Maskriti (Haitian Black Castor Oil) for Best Results? So, how often should you actually be using Lwil Maskriti, also known as Haitian Black Castor Oil? The short answer is: it depends on your hair and scalp’s needs, but generally, 2-3 times a week is a good starting point for most people looking for noticeable benefits. Now, let’s dive into the details to help […]

So, how often should you actually be using Lwil Maskriti, also known as Haitian Black Castor Oil? The short answer is: it depends on your hair and..