Description

Aframomum Meleguetta. The exotic, delightful flavor of Grains of Paradise has been described as a blend of ginger, cardamon and pepper. Add to curry dishes, coffee or tea, or grind and sprinkle as you would pepper.

Grains of paradise is an aromatic spice that looks like peppercorns with origins in West Africa and notes of cardamom, coriander, citrus, ginger, nutmeg, and juniper. Packing a light, peppery heat, using grains of paradise seeds is a mouthwatering way to season myriad dishes. It can be used in place of black pepper for a much more complex flavor, added to spice rubs, braises, spice cakes, or gingerbread, or even mixed into apple pie filling. [SpruceEats.com]

This spice can be used as a substitution: A 1:1:1 ratio of ground black pepper, ground cardamom, and ground ginger

 

How to use Grains of Paradise:

Lightly crush a couple of seeds (just enough so that they crack), toss into rice as it’s cooking (particularly if you’re using the rice for any Middle Eastern, African or Indian-inspired dish), and remove before serving. Use cracked seeds to flavor oil or butter before sauteing vegetables, or use grains of paradise in place of black peppercorn when making homemade chai. [SpruceEats.com]

Store whole in an airtight container in a dark, dry place (like a pantry), and grind as needed. This will ensure the spice’s flavors last for up to six months.