Grains of Paradise

Grains of paradise is an peppery spice native to North Africa. It has with notes of cardamom, coriander, citrus, ginger, nutmeg, and juniper. It can be used in place of black pepper for a more complex flavor.

Grains of paradise were an important spice in 15^th century Europe, when spices were high in demand, but the sea route to India has not yet been discovered.

• In these times, grains of paradise were a common substitute for black pepper.
• The West African coast got its name "pepper coast" because the grains of paradise were traded there.
• The were called "Grains of Paradise" because they were thought to be an aphrodisiac in the Middle Ages.

Grains of paradise had been an uncommon and difficult to find spice until Sam Adams started using them in their Summer Ale. Now they are available at most spice shops, brewing supply stores, and on the internet.