Grains of Paradise

Grains of Paradise: Grains of paradise is a spice in the ginger family. Also known as melegueta pepper, alligator pepper, guinea pepper and other names, Grains of paradise is a tropical reed-like plant that is related to cardamom. Grains of paradise originated in the warm, moist forest areas of West Africa. These seeds have a pungent and peppery taste from aromatic ketones. The palnt is a perennial reed which grows in swampy areas. The plant is tall and thin with purple flowers growing at the base which eventually develop into pods which carry the grains of paradise seeds. A popular and fashionable replacement for black pepper in 14th and 15th century Europe, their pungent, aromatic and spicy taste is still popular in Africa.

Grains of paradise are also known for their medicinal properties. Their peppery nature make them a natural as a warming agent and stimulant, and they are also known as a digestive aid, a diuretic, and were used in veterinarian medicine too.

Grains of paradise make a wonderful exotic spice addition to many dishes or as a substitute for black pepper, but they are most popular today as a flavoring in gin, beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages. Grains of paradise have been used as an aromatic breath freshener too! With a flavor that's a combination of ginger, mild black pepper, and cardamom grains of paradise are enjoying a comeback in modern cuisine.

Grains of Paradise Facts:
• Grains of Paradise are native to West Africa
• Grains of Paradise are related to ginger
• Used in 15th century Europe before black pepper was available
• Milder heat than black pepper
• Currently used as a flavoring in gin, wine, and beer
• Reported to have numerous health benefits
• Grows in swampy tropical regions of Africa
• Flavors of ginger, mild black pepper, and cardamom

Nutritional data per 100g (approx): Ash - 4.33 g Betaine - 8.9 mg Calcium, Ca - 437 mg Carbohydrate, by difference - 64.81 g Carotene, beta - 156 mcg Choline, total - 11.3 mg Copper, Cu - 1.127 mg Cryptoxanthin, beta - 48 mcg Energy - 1067 kj Energy - 255 kcal Fatty acids, total monounsaturated - 1.010 g Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated - 1.130 g Fatty acids, total saturated - 0.980 g Fiber, total dietary - 26.5 g Fluoride, F - 34.2 mcg Folate, DFE - 10 mcg_DFE Folate, food - 10 mcg Folate, total - 10 mcg Iron, Fe - 28.86 mg Lutein + zeaxanthin - 205 mcg Lycopene - 6 mcg Magnesium, Mg - 194 mg Manganese, Mn - 5.625 mg Niacin - 1.142 mg Phosphorus, P - 173 mg Phytosterols - 92 mg Potassium, K - 1259 mg Protein - 10.95 g Riboflavin - 0.240 mg Selenium, Se - 3.1 mcg Sodium, Na - 44 mg Sugars, total - 0.64 g Thiamin - 0.109 mg Tocopherol, delta - 0.09 mg Tocopherol, gamma - 4.56 mg Total lipid (fat) - 3.26 g Vitamin A, IU - 299 IU Vitamin A, RAE - 15 mcg_RAE Vitamin B-6 - 0.340 mg Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid - 21.0 mg Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) - 0.72 mg Vitamin K (phylloquinone) - 163.7 mcg Water - 10.51 g Zinc, Zn - 1.42 mg

Grains of Paradise

Where to buy: Grains of Paradise