Melegueta Pepper

Common Name

Relatively unknown outside of Western Africa, melegueta pepper or grains of paradise, were once used as a substitute for black pepper, when the latter became increasingly expensive. Grains of paradise were introduced to Europe in the 13th century by caravans from the Saharan desert and were at the height of their popularity by the 15th century.

It was around this time that the spice received its name, Grains of Paradise, because it was highly sought after. Just like the Ivory and Gold Coasts, the West African coast came to be known as the Grain Coast, because of this highly traded commodity.

Melegueta pepper, is actually distinctly different from the true grains of paradise, however it is commonly called by the same name. This perennial herb, belonging to the ginger family, can reach heights of 1-1.5 meters and produces reddish-brown seeds that resemble cardamom.

With a pungent, peppery taste, grains of paradise have a spicy, ginger-like aroma that is fairly strong. Popular in West African and Arab cuisines, grains of paradise are also added to wines, beers, spirits and gin.

Purported Medicinal Qualities*

Used mostly in West African folk medicine, grains of paradise are currently the focus of intense research meant to explore its possibilities as a phyto-medicine. Many health benefits are already known about this spice and preliminary research suggests there may be many more.

Historically, melegueta pepper and grains of paradise have been used to:

• Aid digestion
• As a diuretic
• Reduce inflammation
• Relieve pain topically
• Slow effects of aging
• Relieve toothaches and nausea
• Relieve migraines
• As an antibiotic
• Increase breast milk production
• Relieve heartburn

*Always check with your healthcare provider before consuming, inhaling or otherwise ingesting any non-prescription or prescription natural or homeopathic substance or pharmaceutical. ChefatHand.com is not recommending, suggesting, inferring or otherwise endorsing the use of any herb or spice as a medication.

Culinary/Suggested Use

Very similar in taste to cardamom, grains of paradise can be substituted for both black pepper and cardamom. grains of paradise are slightly less pungent than cardamom once cooked and can make an excellent addition to both sweet and savory dishes. Always grind grains of paradise and do not be afraid to use liberally.  Food for thought:

• Substitute grains of paradise for cardamom in any cookie or bread recipe
• Add ground grains of paradise and garlic to olive oil
• Add grains of paradise to curries
• Add grains of paradise to mulling spices, coffee and tea
• Substitute in any recipe, for pepper or cardamom
• Add grains of paradise to your favorite gingerbread recipe
• Add grains of paradise to homemade sausages
• Grains of paradise pair well with pumpkin, yams and squash

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