AKA: (Alligator Pepper, Ginny Grains, and Malegueta Pepper).

Grains of Paradise comes from a leafy plant native to West Africa. The grains look like familiar black peppercorns, but about half the size. However, they’re actually the dried seeds which add a spicy, warm flavor with herbal and citrus overtones.  

Often used as a substitute for black pepper, but frankly, it is much more than a pepper substitute, it’s more interesting and complex. Rub a grain between your fingers, and you’ll immediately experience woody, forest-like aromatics, then place one in your mouth and feel the peppery warm sensation with a note of lemony thyme.

In medieval Europe, Grains of Paradise were more plentiful, but not as available or as pricey as black peppercorns which were often used as a source of currency due to their scarcity. However, with black peppercorn’s growing availability, Grains of Paradise fell out of favor and gave way to black peppercorns. Now Grains of Paradise are making a culinary comeback and a new spice choice for many chefs.