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Grains of Paradise

Grains of Paradise

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A spicy and unique, full-flavored peppercorn. Spice up vegetables or meats, like potatoes, eggplants, and lamb. Try in place of pepper, cardamom, or cinnamon. Aromatic and related to ginger, with hints of jasmine, hazelnut, and citrus. Best used when ground up in a pepper grinder. Use as a finishing seasoning pepper. Also known as Alligator pepper, in addition to other names. Commonly used in African cuisine. For more, Discover African Spices & Seasonings.

Flavor Profile

Spicy and peppery, with aromatic floral and citrus notes. These pepper seeds pair well with allspice, cinnamon, and cloves.

How to Use

Grind grains of paradise seeds in a peppermill, and use as a finishing seasoning. Try in place of cinnamon, cardamom, or black pepper. Use grains of paradise to season potatoes, eggplants, and lamb.

About The Spice

Native to the coast of West Africa, stretching from Liberia to Nigeria. It's sometimes called Atar, "baking pepper," Guinea pepper, Melegueta pepper, and Roman pepper. The seeds are red-brown, chestnut color, and shaped like pyramids.

More Information

Grains of Paradise Q&A

What are grains of paradise?

Grains of paradise, sometimes known as Alligator pepper, are seeds that are reddish brown in color and spicy and peppery in flavor. Grains of paradise should be used as a finishing seasoning, and can be used in place of cinnamon or black peppercorns.

What do grains of paradise taste like?

Grains of paradise taste similar to pepper, but have more floral and citrusy notes, with hints of jasmine and hazelnut in the flavor.

How can you use grains of paradise when cooking?

Grind grains of paradise in your peppermill, then add to meats like lamb, or starches like potatoes. It's best used as a finishing pepper. Use in instances where you'd add cinnamon or cardamom.

Dietary Information

Salt-Free

MSG-Free

Nut-Free

Dairy-Free

Gluten-Free

Onion-Free

Garlic-Free

Black Pepper-Free

Corn-Free

Capsicum-Free

Sweetener-Free

Sugar-Free

Sesame-Free

Vegetarian

Vegan