Jerk is perhaps the best known Jamaican style of cooking. Basically it is a technique for cooking meat that gives it a fiery spicy flavor that many people enjoy. In Jamaica, the jerk style of cooking has been traditionally used for cooking pork or goat meat, however it is increasingly being used for other meats as well, and even for fish and tofu! In other countries, it is probably fair to say that one of the most popular jerk dishes is jerk chicken.
The main secret to jerk recipes is the use of "Jamaican jerk spice". This is actually mixture of several spices that is rubbed into the meat before cooking. Many people would also suggest making some light cuts in the meat and rubbing the spice into those, and marinading the meat in jerk spice over night in the fridge - since both of these techniques will help the spice's flavor enter the meat.
As already mentioned, jerk spice is actually a mix of several different spices. The main two spices are pimento (also known as "pimenta" or "Jamaican allspice") and Scotch bell peppers. Additionally, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, garlic, and thyme are also usually added to jerk spice. It is also common to mix in chopped onions or scallions.
If possible, you should try to cook jerk on a charcoal barbecue grill. For best results, you might even want to place some pimento wood or berries on the hot coals. If a barbecuing is not possible, you can cook jerk in your kitchen oven, and still produce some tasty results!