Alligator Pepper 50g

Alligator pepper, also known as Grains of paradise, melegueta pepper, guinea grains, and guinea pepper, is a seed that comes from the plant aframonum melegueta. From the same family as ginger, the seed is reddish-brown and about ⅛-inch in diameter. Alligator pepper is used in Western and North African cooking and is a mouthwatering way to season myriad dishes.

HOW TO USE

Even in West Africa, alligator pepper is an expensive spice, so it is used sparingly. Often, a single whole pod is pounded in a pestle and mortar before half of it is added (along with black pepper) as a flavouring to West African soups, boiled rice, spice rubs, braises, spice cakes, or gingerbread. It can even be mixed into apply pie filling! The spice can also be substituted in any recipe using alligator pepper or black cardamom to provide a hotter and more pungent flavour.

In the past, Alligator pepper (Grains of Paradise) was used in European beer and winemaking until the 19th century. Over time, as the price of black pepper decreased, the use of grains of paradise declined. Today, it’s still used in the production of Scandinavian spirit aquavit and is enjoying a nascent renaissance as celebrity chefs and curious home cooks experiment with it.

STORAGE

Keep cool, dry. Seal tightly after opening.