The Great Ducana Debate: Raisins or No Raisins, that is the Question!

By Zaya Williams

Every year around this time, the Ducana dilemma grips the nation, sparking lively debates about the best way to prepare this traditional treat.

Ducana, a beloved dish made from grated sweet potatoes, coconut, sugar, spices, and flour, wrapped in banana leaves or foil and boiled until firm, has long been a staple of Easter celebrations in Antigua and Barbuda.

However, the question of whether to add raisins to Ducana has divided the community for generations.

In a recent Facebook poll, 53% of respondents voted in favor of Ducana without raisins, arguing that adding raisins would “ruin a wonderful thing.”

“Why would you dare ruin a wonderful thing with fly-looking things like raisins?” exclaimed one passionate Ducana enthusiast.

On the other hand, 20% of respondents prefer Ducana with raisins, while 27% claimed not to have a preference, as long as the dish is edible and tasty.

“It doesn’t matter, as long as they are edible and taste good, I will eat them,” declared one Ducana lover, showcasing the flexibility of Ducana enthusiasts.

However, one staunch Ducana advocate vowed never to eat Ducana WITHOUT raisins insisting that those who have not tried it are missing out.

“You guys have no idea what you are missing,” he proclaimed, highlighting the intense loyalty Ducana inspires in its fans.

In addition to raisins, some adventurous cooks also experiment with adding cherries or carrots to their Ducana, adding further fuel to the Ducana debate fire.

So, the Ducana debate rages on. Raisins or no raisins, cherries or carrots, the choice is yours. What’s your preference?