Grains of Paradise

This pepper comes from the ginger family and was used widely in the 1800’s because of its exotic taste and use in West African cooking. Today it is once again being considered a wonderful black pepper replacement due to carrying a similar peppery taste and being much easier on the digestive tract than table black pepper. It is also becoming a favorite with some well-known chefs who put it in everything from meat rubs to apple pie.

The Grains of Paradise spice has a pleasant warming effect when added to foods and is a common flavoring for gin and some popular beers. Next time you cook, try using it with your favorite spices when making vegetable or casserole dishes.