Whole Grains of Paradise

Peppery. Warm. Citrusy. Paradise has a little bite.

Native to West Africa, Grains of Paradise are the seeds of Aframomum melegueta, a member of the ginger family. Also known as Melegueta pepper, Guinea pepper and Guinea grains, these tiny seeds bring a warm, peppery bite with an aromatic character all their own.

The spice has traveled for centuries. During the 15th and 16th centuries, it was used in Europe as an alternative to black pepper, though its history begins much closer to home in West Africa.

Crack or grind the seeds as you would peppercorns. Use them with chicken and lamb, vegetables, tagines and stews, or take them somewhere sweeter with apples and pears. They're also traditionally at home flavoring beverages, including certain beers, gins and aquavit.

Pepper isn't the only thing that belongs in the grinder.

BOTANICAL NAME: Aframomum melegueta
ORIGIN: West Africa
ALSO KNOWN AS: Melegueta Pepper · Guinea Grains · Guinea Pepper
FLAVOR: Peppery · Warm · Aromatic · Citrusy
TRY IT WITH: Chicken · Lamb · Vegetables · Stews · Apples · Pears
FORM: Whole Seeds