Other: Guinea grains, melegueta pepper
Aframomum melegueta K. Schum.
Plant Family: Zingiberaceae
Grains of Paradise are the seeds of an herbaceous perennial plant native to the swamplands of the West African coast. The plant bears pods 5 to 7 cm long containing abundant small, reddish-brown seeds. Once a prized commodity, Grains of Paradise received their name during the Middle Ages. The coast of West Africa became known as the Grain Coast because Grains of Paradise were traded there.
Grains of Paradise are commonly used in West and North African cooking. Traditionally, they have been imported through the Sahara desert via caravan, and from there to Sicily and Italy. Today, the spice is not widely known outside of West and North Africa, except as a flavor additive in certain beers and gins. In the United States, Grains of Paradise have undergone a small but enthusiastic revival due to their use by some celebrated chefs. Currently, they are popularly used by many of our nation's leading breweries.
Grains of Paradise are also used by people on certain diets, such as a raw food diet, because they are less irritating to digestion than black pepper.
No known precautions.
We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.