{"product_id":"melegueta-pepper","title":"Melegueta - Grains of Paradise Pepper","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is Melegueta Pepper, also known as grains of paradise?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrains of paradise, Melegueta Pepper is an herbaceous perennial plant native to Western Africa. The Latin name is Aframomum melegueta and it is a member of the ginger family. The spice is known by many other names including grains of paradise, ossame, alligator pepper, African pepper, Guinea grains\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/saltsup.com\/products\/melegueta-pepper\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e,\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eand Guinea pepper. The people of Ghana call this spice hentai.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0214\/8761\/6100\/files\/melegueta_480x480.jpg?v=1655376700\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-container-3 wp-block-group\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-container-2 wp-block-columns\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-container-1 wp-block-column\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"Grains-of-Paradise-Spice-Taste-Profile\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrains of Paradise Spice Taste Profile\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrains of paradise have a peppery warmth. Then, the citrus notes meet, with a hint of cinnamon, clove, and cardamom. The aroma is reminiscent of walking through a pine tree-filled forest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"Melegueta-Pepper-vs-Black-Pepper\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMelegueta Pepper vs Black Pepper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike black pepper, alligator pepper is a dried seed and not a berry. Perkins is a naturally occurring organic compound that is prevalent in black pepper. The alkaloid it contains, known as piperine, is what gives black pepper its peppery taste. Peperine is absent in the genetic makeup of\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/saltsup.com\/products\/melegueta-pepper\" target=\"_blank\"\u003emelegueta pepper\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlligator pepper sounds like spice with some bite to it. Yet, the truth is it is rather mild, in comparison to black pepper. What the seed does contain is a combination of unique, aromatic ketones that lends their own unique peppery taste. A dominating flavor that comes from essential oils in the spice cardamom is also found in trace quantities in \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/saltsup.com\/products\/melegueta-pepper\" target=\"_blank\"\u003emelegueta pepper\u003c\/a\u003e. Hence, the slight cardamom flavor, as an endnote flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"How-to-Store-Grains-of-Paradise\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Store Grains of Paradise\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStore the whole seeds in a glass jar, with a tight-fitting lid, like the jars this spice is sold in at Salt’s Up. Keep in a cool, dry, dark cupboard for up to three years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce crushed, it can be added to many cuisines. We suggest using the crushed spice immediately when the taste and fragrance are at their finest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"Find-out-More-About-Melegueta-Pepper\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFind out More About \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/saltsup.com\/products\/melegueta-pepper\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMelegueta Pepper\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, due to its small production, grains of paradise is a premium spice. It is finding its way into professional chef kitchens and the homes of gourmet enthusiasts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFind out more about\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/saltsup.com\/products\/melegueta-pepper\" target=\"_blank\"\u003emelegueta pepper\u003c\/a\u003e. From its colorful history to its many uses in both the savory and the sweet side of the kitchen, this little seed tells a fascinating story. Read on!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0214\/8761\/6100\/files\/melegueta_2_480x480.jpg?v=1655376749\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"What-is-Melegueta-Pepper-Used-For?\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is Melegueta Pepper Used For?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe seeds of the Aframomum melegueta can be used whole or crushed, and either during the cooking preparation or as a final seasoning in place of black pepper. It is a spice that blends well with others particularly, thyme, rosemary, and sage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo crush \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/saltsup.com\/products\/melegueta-pepper\" target=\"_blank\"\u003emelegueta pepper,\u003c\/a\u003e it is best to use a mortar and pestle, as the seeds are hard. Once crushed, the seeds release the full flavor and a white-colored interior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecipes generally require a ¼ teaspoon to 1 teaspoon for cooking. In baking, it is suggested that the spice be ground further down into a powder before incorporating it into cookies, cakes, or bread.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe spice was often mixed in a blend named galot daggo. This was made with peppercorns, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Often cubeb pepper would be substituted for nutmeg.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"Historical-Background-of-African-Pepper\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Background of African Pepper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArab, Berber, and Jewish traders were the first to sing the praises of the African pepper. From West Africa, in what today is Liberia, camel caravans would slowly navigate across the Sahel, through the endless Sahara, and then across Sudan. Eventually, the spices would make the ocean voyage into Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt first, the spice was simply identified and named African pepper. Pliny the Elder, a 1st-century military commander, and writer, who was most lauded for his encyclopedic \u003cem\u003eNatural History\u003c\/em\u003e book, makes note of the African pepper in his writings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLater, the spice was renamed, by the Europeans, as grains of paradise. This created a distinction between the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/saltsup.com\/products\/melegueta-pepper\"\u003emelegueta pepper\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eand black pepper, the latter of which was sold at a premium price. Lighter on the coin purse, it is not surprising that grains of paradise became a popular substitute for black pepper, in European kitchens in the 14\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e and 15\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e centuries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring this period, spices, in general, were used not only in cooking but for the keeping quality of food and beverages. The \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/M%25C3%25A9nagier_de_Paris\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eMénagier de Paris\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003eor \u003cem\u003eParisian Household Book, \u003c\/em\u003eof 1393\u003cem\u003e, \u003c\/em\u003eadvised using grains of paradise to improve wine that had gone stale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the mid-1400s, King \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Afonso_V_of_Portugal\"\u003eAfonso V of Portugal\u003c\/a\u003e, gave exclusive trading access to \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fern%25C3%25A3o_Gomes\"\u003eFernão Gomes,\u003c\/a\u003e a merchant from Lisbon, to 100 miles of the Gulf of Guinea, in West Africa. This gave the savvy business owner dominance over the now-beloved\u003cem\u003e Aframomum melegueta. \u003c\/em\u003eHe achieved this coup, by paying the King 1000,000 real, annually for five years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy then, the grains of paradise spice were renamed melegueta pepper. What does melegueta mean? Historians say the term could be related to the Italian word for millet, which is meligo.  Others claim it takes its name from the Spanish town of Málaga, then an ancient Phoenician port. Regardless, the French translated this word into maniguette.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuinea grains, Guinea pepper, and alligator spice are other names given to this spice by the British.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"How-is-Aframomum-Melegueta-Grown-and-Harvested?\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow is Aframomum Melegueta Grown and Harvested?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Aframomum melegueta perennial plant, while short in stature and size, at only 35 centimeters in length and 15 in width, becomes a riot of purple flowers, when in bloom. Each trumpet-shaped blossom announces its beauty, with a pinkish-orange blush base, and an orange-tinged lip. The fragrance is very aromatic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom these blooms, small tubular-shaped pods grow. Each is approximately five to seven millimeters long. Here the numerous, reddish-brown golden seeds are housed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn farms, the men pick the pods and the woman extracts the seeds manually, removing them from the pulp. This is done with gentle care, to prevent the loss of any seeds.  Leaves are then set out and the seeds are spread out to dry in the sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"Cooking-with-Grains-of-Paradise,-Melegueta-pepper.-Grains-of-paradise-taste.\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCooking with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/saltsup.com\/products\/melegueta-pepper\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eGrains of Paradise\u003c\/a\u003e, Melegueta pepper. Grains of paradise taste.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis spice is most prevalent in West African cooking. So important is this spice to the Yoruba culture, that a newborn baby is immediately given a taste of alligator pepper the minute it is born. There it goes by the name atare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn its whole state, the seeds can be fried, or used as a replacement for peppercorns. When crushed, try using Malaguena pepper in curries, stews, marinades, or salad dressings. It is especially delicious with braised lamb, potatoes, and eggplant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe seeds of the grains of paradise are a wonderful addition to gingerbread cookies and cakes. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"Spicing-Beverages-Just-Right-with-grains-of-paradise.\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpicing Beverages Just Right with grains of paradise.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn West African villages, these seeds are used to flavor a traditional drink made from the kola nut. Guinea berries have found their way into craft beers. Scandinavians enjoy the flavor in the infused aquavit that they drink.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a festive holiday flair, add a few grains of paradise to red wine, along with a bit of orange juice, a cinnamon stick, cranberries, and some orange slices. Heat and enjoy a mulled wine! Or serve the German Christmas market variety called \u003cem\u003eGlühwein\u003c\/em\u003e. The translation means glow-wine, because of how it makes the drinker feel. This may be from the extra kick of rum or amaretto added.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBombay Sapphire Gin, is a premium gin, with an aromatic taste. Made in England, this neutral grain spirit, infused with 10 botanicals, is concocted from a recipe that dates to 1761. West African grains of paradise spice help to infuse the Bombay Sapphire bottle with flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is funny to recall that only 150 years ago, adding seeds from the grains of paradise plant to alcohol was strictly prohibited and a punishable offense. Then, it was thought to poison the body and spirit, thereby causing madness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBombay Sapphire Gin also contains, juniper berries, orris root, Spanish almonds, lemon peels, licorice, cassia bark, coriander, and another one of our favorite spices, cubeb berries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"Aframomum,-paradise-pepper-benefits\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAframomum, paradise pepper benefits\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn West African folk medicine, it is used as a digestive aid. It is also chewed whole to warm the body.  Additionally, this African pepper is noted as a wound healer, when crushed and added to a poultice. Among the elders, both grains and pods are used as remedies in traditional medicine and prized for antibiotic and antibacterial properties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith both its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, this little seed is noted to remove pain such as joint and rheumatoid arthritis pain, as well as stomach pain and even toothaches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen the oils are extracted from the seed it appears to have antimicrobial properties, which can be beneficial in cleaning products, while fulfilling the need for natural products.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"Guinea-Pepper-Voodoo\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGuinea Pepper Voodoo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Caribbean and Latin American countries, this Guinea pepper is used in religious voodoo ceremonies. It has been said that Guinea pepper sprinkled in the bed of lovers will cause the couple to break up for good. Yet, when sprinkled around a home or yard it is said to protect the homeowner and family from allowing enemies to enter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"Why-We-Love-grains-of-paradise,-Melegueta-pepper\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy We Love grains of paradise, Melegueta pepper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe could love grains of paradise for the name alone, but we are enticed by this spice for its versatility and its exciting flavor. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/saltsup.com\/products\/melegueta-pepper-1?_pos=2\u0026amp;_sid=0a3378c16\u0026amp;_ss=r\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eTry it for yourself!\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SaltsUp","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31931205386351,"sku":"76_meleguetajar","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0214\/8761\/6100\/products\/MELEGUETA.png?v=1613379256","url":"https:\/\/www.saltsup.com\/products\/melegueta-pepper","provider":"SaltsUp shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}