Guinea Pepper

Grains of Paradise • Aframomum melegueta — Zingiberaceae

Grains of Paradise—also called Guinea pepper, Malagueta/Meleguetta pepper—are the aromatic seeds of a ginger-family plant native to West Africa (notably Ghana). Long prized as a pepper substitute, they bring a peppery, citrus-ginger heat with a subtle, pleasant bitterness that lifts savory dishes and even beverages.

• Botany: Aframomum melegueta • Family: Zingiberaceae
• Origin: West Africa (e.g., Ghana)
• Profile: peppery warmth, citrus peel, ginger/cardamom notes, light bitterness
• Best for: vegetables, fish & seafood, poultry, grills, pickling, spiced drinks
• Use form: whole seeds, freshly ground or lightly cracked

Aroma & Taste

Bright and lively: think black pepper’s warmth with ginger, cardamom and citrus zest layered on top. A subtle bitter backbone keeps flavors crisp—use sparingly to avoid overpowering delicate foods.

Culinary Uses

• Seafood & fish: cracked over grilled or pan-seared fish; excellent with shellfish.
• Vegetables: asparagus, okra, eggplant, carrots, root veg and leafy greens.
• Meats & grills: rubs for chicken, pork and lamb; great in tagines and stews.
• Pickling & preserves: add to pickling spice for a citrus-pepper lift.
• Beverages: infuse syrups or spice blends for beer and cocktail components.

How to Use

• Toast first: dry-toast seeds 30–60 s until fragrant; cool, then grind or crack.
• Grind fresh: mortar & pestle or spice grinder; sieve if you want a fine powder.
• Timing: add early for rounded warmth in stews; finish late to highlight citrus notes.
• Balance bitterness: pair with citrus, herbs or a touch of honey to round edges.

Dosage & Kitchen Ratios

• Finishing: a pinch (up to 1/8 tsp) freshly ground per portion.
• Dry rubs: 1 tsp ground per 250 g (9 oz) meat (with salt and herbs).
• Soups/stews: 1/2 tsp ground—or 1 tsp lightly cracked—per 1 l (4 cups) base.
• Pickling: 1 tsp cracked per 500 ml (2 cups) brine.

Pairings

Citrus zest, garlic, ginger, coriander seed, cumin, cardamom, bay, thyme; with fish, seafood, chicken, pork; vegetables such as okra, eggplant, squash, potatoes and mushrooms.

Ingredients & Allergens

Ingredients: Grains of Paradise (Aframomum melegueta).

Allergens: none mandatory in EN labeling for this single ingredient.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store airtight, cool, dry and away from light. Whole seeds keep vibrant 18–24 months; grind only what you need.

Substitutes & Notes

No perfect 1:1. For a similar impression, blend high-quality black pepper with a small pinch of ground ginger and cardamom. Flavor is brighter and more citrusy than black pepper alone.

FAQ

Is it hotter than black pepper?
Comparable warmth, but with citrus-ginger highs and a gentle bitter note.

Do I need to toast it?
Toasting quickly unlocks aroma; avoid browning, which can introduce harsh bitterness.

Can I use it in drinks?
Yes—crack and infuse in syrups or spirits; strain before serving for a clean finish.

Merchant contact: Orlandosidee — Spice Shop (see site imprint for full company details). Email: info(at)orlandosidee.de