Steenbergs Grains of Paradise

Steenbergs Grains Of Paradise are berries that are used like pepper. Grains of Paradise are a type of cardamom – they are aromatic and their flavour is resinous with hints of pine and camphor, followed by a hot, biting peppery taste.

Grains of paradise are the seeds from a type of cardamom, Amomum melegueta. These are native to  the west coast of Africa, mainly Ghana but south to Congo. Grains of Paradise are the 2mm-wide brown seeds from their fig-shaped orangey fruits. These are Grains of Paradise, which are, also, known as Melegueta Pepper, Ginny Grains or Guinea Grains.

Axel’s Tasting Notes: Grains of Paradise – Aroma: Mildly peppery, then beech nuts, pine-needles and a subtle fruitiness. Flavour: Initially camphorous and slightly peppery, with hint of fruit, then persistent numbing heat.

Food pairing: Chicken, lamb, aubergines, parsnip, squash, tomatoes, couscous, risotto, fruit pies or compôte (apple, pear), fruit salad, spiced beers.