Spice
Grains of Paradise
Grains of paradise are the seeds of Aframomum melegueta, a West African spice with peppery heat and cardamom-citrus notes. Once a medieval European pepper substitute, they now appear in craft brewing, rubs, and specialty spice blends. Crush lightly before use to release oils.
Also known as: Melegueta, Atare, Grains of Paradise
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Cuts & parts
Breeds & varieties
A sample of named types with their own origin and culinary profiles.
Characteristics
Preparations
Provenance
Sources
Traits
Nutrition and pairings
Nutrition
Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.
Nutrition Facts
Per 100 g edible portion
Amount per 100 g
- Total Fat 8.6 g
- Saturated Fat 2.39 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Monounsaturated Fat 2.33 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 3.88 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Sodium 37 mg
- Salt 0.09 g
- Total Carbohydrate 50.4 g
- Dietary Fibre 23.7 g
- Total Sugars 5.09 g
- Complex / starch 14.6 g
- Protein 9.78 g
- Water 26.2 g
- Energy 318 kcal
- Water 26.2 g
- Carbohydrates 50.4 g
- Sugars 5.09 g
- Monosaccharides 3.56 g
- Disaccharides 1.52 g
- Starch 14.6 g
- Amylose 3.65 g
- Amylopectin 10.9 g
- Digestible Starch 12.4 g
- Resistant Starch 1.46 g
- Fibre 23.7 g
- Soluble Fibre 8.3 g
- Insoluble Fibre 15.4 g
- Protein 9.78 g
- Plant Protein 9.29 g
- Fat 8.6 g
- Saturated Fat 2.39 g
- Monounsaturated Fat 2.33 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 3.88 g
- Vitamins 93 mg
- Vitamin A 20 µg
- Vitamin B1 — Thiamine 0.1 mg
- Vitamin B2 — Riboflavin 0.15 mg
- Vitamin B3 — Niacin 1.92 mg
- Vitamin B5 — Pantothenic Acid 0.47 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.28 mg
- Vitamin B7 — Biotin 2.8 µg
- Vitamin B9 — Folate 36.8 µg
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Vitamin E 1.8 mg
- Vitamin K 26.7 µg
- Minerals 275 mg
- Major Minerals 269 mg
- Trace Minerals 6.5 mg
- Salt 0.09 g
- Sodium Chloride 0.09 g
Vitamins
vitamin-c: 2 · vitamin-a: 20 · vitamin-b1-thiamine: 0.1 · vitamin-b2-riboflavin: 0.15 · vitamin-b3-niacin: 1.92 · vitamin-b5-pantothenic-acid: 0.47 · vitamin-b6: 0.28 · vitamin-b7-biotin: 2.8 · vitamin-b9-folate: 36.8 · vitamin-e: 1.8 · vitamin-k: 26.7 ·
Minerals
Sodium: 36.97 · Potassium: 186 · Calcium: 46 · Iron: 1.1 · Zinc: 0.4 · Iodine: 5 ·
Dried spices are concentrated plant tissue—fibre-heavy by weight, used in gram doses.
History
West African coastal peoples used melegueta pepper as a local hot spice.
Medieval Europe imported grains of paradise via trans-Saharan and Mediterranean trade.
True black pepper availability reduced European reliance on grains of paradise.
Craft food and beer revivals restored grains of paradise to specialty pantries.