Grains of paradise

Maniguette

What it is

Medieval merchants claimed these seeds floated down rivers straight from Eden — marketing bold enough to name a spice, and to name Africa’s “Grain Coast” after the trade. A ginger cousin with pepper’s bite and cardamom’s perfume, it seasoned Europe for centuries before vanishing into gin botanicals.

In the kitchen

Crush it coarsely at the last moment; it flatters lamb, roast chicken and glazed carrots with a warmth black pepper can’t reach.

Goes with

Lamb Chicken Carrot Rice

Also used with

Orris root

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