Grains of Paradise – a beautiful name for a beautiful little spice. Also known as melegueta pepper, these small reddish-brown seeds are mostly grown on the western coast of Africa and have a flavour that is hot and peppery, but with a fruity note that softens the sharpness. They are white on the inside, and appear as a whitish powder when ground.
Grains of Paradise are relatively unknown in the west, but were once used as a table condiment in Africa before black pepper became affordable. They can be ground and added at the end of cooking, or used in spice mixtures. Try using them in place of regular black pepper to give a unique twist to your food.
