Grains of Paradise

Grains of Paradise (Aframomum melegueta), also known as melegueta pepper, Guinea grains, Guinea pepper and alligator pepper are native to West Africa. Grains of paradise are related to cardamon, and were previously an important spice, especially around the 14th and 15th centuries. Today they are not used much outside of West and North Africa. Grains of paradise are pungent and aromatic, and are used sometimes to flavor vinegars, beer and wine, in herbal remedies and in veterinary medicines.