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MELEGUETA pepper - grains of paradise.

MELEGUETA pepper - grains of paradise.

Regular price $12.80 USD
Regular price Sale price $12.80 USD
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Melegueta Pepper - Grains of Paradise from West Africa

Melegueta pepper, also known as grains of paradise, is a rare West African spice offering complex flavor combining pepper heat with cardamom and ginger notes. This exotic melegueta pepper (Aframomum melegueta) from the ginger family delivers sophisticated taste prized by medieval Europeans and modern chefs alike. Our premium 50g jar of melegueta pepper brings authentic West African flavor to gourmet kitchens worldwide.

What is Melegueta Pepper?

Melegueta pepper, called grains of paradise, is not true pepper but rather seeds from a plant in the ginger family native to West Africa. This melegueta pepper was highly valued in medieval Europe as a pepper substitute and luxury spice. The small reddish-brown seeds deliver complex flavor - peppery heat combined with aromatic cardamom and warm ginger notes - making it a favorite among culinary enthusiasts seeking exotic flavors.

Learn more about grains of paradise and West African spice traditions.

Melegueta Pepper Flavor Profile

This melegueta pepper offers extraordinary, complex flavor:

  • Pepper Heat - Pungent, peppery warmth similar to black pepper
  • Cardamom Notes - Aromatic, slightly sweet cardamom character
  • Ginger Undertones - Warm, spicy ginger aromatics
  • Citrus Hints - Subtle lemon-like brightness
  • Floral Aromatics - Delicate flower notes throughout
  • Complex Heat - Multi-layered spiciness, not one-dimensional

Medieval Spice Trade History

Melegueta pepper has fascinating historical significance:

  • Medieval Europe - Highly prized luxury spice in 14th-15th centuries
  • Pepper Substitute - Used when black pepper was scarce or expensive
  • Grain Coast - West African coast named after this valuable spice trade
  • Royal Courts - Favored by European nobility for exotic flavor
  • Forgotten Centuries - Fell out of favor after black pepper became common
  • Modern Revival - Rediscovered by contemporary chefs and mixologists

Read about medieval spice trade and historical culinary traditions.

Culinary Applications for Melegueta Pepper

This versatile melegueta pepper enhances countless dishes:

  • Gourmet Cooking - Elevate sauces, marinades, spice rubs
  • Craft Cocktails - Essential in gin, aquavit, and exotic cocktails
  • Moroccan Cuisine - Traditional ingredient in ras el hanout spice blend
  • Roasted Vegetables - Add complexity to root vegetables, squash
  • Grilled Meats - Enhance lamb, beef, game with exotic heat
  • Baking - Surprising addition to gingerbread, spice cakes
  • Pickling - Use in pickling spice blends for unique flavor
  • Chocolate - Pair with dark chocolate for sophisticated desserts

How to Use Melegueta Pepper

Maximize the flavor of melegueta pepper with these techniques:

  • Grind Fresh - Use whole seeds in spice grinder or mortar just before use
  • Toast Lightly - Brief dry-toasting enhances aromatic complexity
  • Use Sparingly - The complex flavor is potent - start with small amounts
  • Cocktail Infusions - Muddle or infuse in spirits for botanical complexity
  • Spice Blends - Essential in ras el hanout and exotic spice mixes
  • Finishing Spice - Grind fresh over finished dishes for aromatic punch

Melegueta Pepper in Craft Cocktails

Melegueta pepper is experiencing revival in mixology:

  • Gin Botanical - Traditional ingredient in some gin recipes
  • Aquavit - Scandinavian spirit often features grains of paradise
  • Craft Cocktails - Muddle in exotic drinks for complex spice notes
  • Bitters - Essential in homemade aromatic bitters
  • Infused Spirits - Create unique vodka or gin infusions

Recipe Ideas with Melegueta Pepper

Ras el Hanout Spice Blend

Create authentic Moroccan spice mix with melegueta pepper:

  • 2 tsp melegueta pepper (grains of paradise), ground
  • 2 tsp coriander seeds
  • 2 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp cardamom pods
  • 1 tsp black peppercorns
  • 1 cinnamon stick, broken
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ½ tsp allspice
  • ¼ tsp cloves

Toast whole spices, grind together. Use in tagines, couscous, grilled meats. The melegueta pepper adds authentic complexity!

Grains of Paradise Gin Cocktail

Make exotic cocktail with melegueta pepper:

  • 2 oz gin
  • ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
  • ½ oz honey syrup
  • 4-5 melegueta pepper seeds, lightly crushed
  • Tonic water

Muddle melegueta pepper with honey syrup, add gin and lemon, shake with ice, strain, top with tonic. The complex spice notes are amazing!

Spiced Lamb with Melegueta Pepper

Create gourmet dish with melegueta pepper:

  • 1kg lamb shoulder or leg
  • 2 tbsp melegueta pepper, ground
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary
  • Salt to taste

Mix melegueta pepper, garlic, oil, rosemary, salt. Rub on lamb, marinate 2 hours, roast until tender. The pepper-cardamom-ginger notes are incredible!

Product Specifications

Size: 50g / 1.76 oz in premium glass jar
Origin: West Africa
Botanical Name: Aframomum melegueta
Also Known As: Grains of paradise, Guinea grains, alligator pepper
Family: Ginger family (Zingiberaceae)
Form: Whole small reddish-brown seeds
Flavor: Complex pepper heat with cardamom and ginger notes
Best Uses: Gourmet cooking, cocktails, spice blends, grilled meats, baking
Storage: Keep in airtight jar in cool, dry place
Shelf Life: 24 months whole seeds

Explore More Rare & Exotic Spices

Complement your melegueta pepper with these varieties:

Browse our complete Kampot Pepper & Worldwide Spices Collection for more premium spices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is melegueta pepper?

Melegueta pepper, also called grains of paradise, is a rare West African spice from the ginger family (Aframomum melegueta). It offers complex flavor combining pepper heat with cardamom and ginger notes.

How do I use melegueta pepper?

Grind melegueta pepper fresh and use in gourmet cooking, craft cocktails, spice blends (ras el hanout), grilled meats, or baking. Toast lightly before grinding for enhanced aromatics.

What does melegueta pepper taste like?

Melegueta pepper has complex flavor: peppery heat combined with aromatic cardamom notes, warm ginger undertones, subtle citrus hints, and floral aromatics. It's multi-layered and sophisticated.

Is melegueta pepper the same as black pepper?

No. Melegueta pepper (grains of paradise) is from the ginger family, not true pepper. It offers more complex flavor than black pepper with cardamom and ginger notes.

Why is it called grains of paradise?

Melegueta pepper was called "grains of paradise" in medieval Europe because it was a highly prized, exotic luxury spice that seemed to come from paradise (West Africa's Grain Coast).

Can I use melegueta pepper in cocktails?

Yes! Melegueta pepper is excellent in craft cocktails, especially gin-based drinks. Muddle the seeds or infuse in spirits for complex botanical notes. It's traditional in some gin and aquavit recipes.

Where does melegueta pepper come from?

Melegueta pepper is native to West Africa, particularly the region historically called the Grain Coast (named after this valuable spice trade). It grows in tropical West African countries.

How should I store melegueta pepper?

Store melegueta pepper whole seeds in an airtight jar in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Whole seeds maintain their complex aromatics for up to 24 months.

Shipping & Delivery

Shipped from our Estonia warehouse for fast European delivery (3-7 business days). Free shipping on orders over €49 (EU) or €79 (Worldwide). All melegueta pepper orders are carefully packaged to preserve the aromatic seeds.

Also explore our Gourmet Salts Collection to complement your spice collection.

Contact us at shop@spicenslicemarket.com for bulk orders, wholesale inquiries, or questions about our exotic spice products.

Return & Refund Policy

We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return.

To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.

To start a return, you can contact us at shop@spicenslicemarket.com. Please note that returns will need to be sent to the following address: [INSERT RETURN ADDRESS]

If your return is accepted, we’ll send you a return shipping label, as well as instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted.

You can always contact us for any return question at shop@spicenslicemarket.com.

Damages and issues
Please inspect your order upon reception and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged or if you receive the wrong item, so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right.

Exceptions / non-returnable items We accept returns within 30 days of delivery for unused items in original packaging.
Start a return: support@spicenslicemarket.com with your order number.
Non-returnable: opened perishable goods. Refunds to original payment method.

Certain types of items cannot be returned, like perishable goods (such as food, flowers, or plants), custom products (such as special orders or personalized items), and personal care goods (such as beauty products). We also do not accept returns for hazardous materials, flammable liquids, or gases. Please get in touch if you have questions or concerns about your specific item.

Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns on sale items or gift cards.

We accept returns within 30 days of delivery for unused items in original packaging.
Start a return: support@spicenslicemarket.com with your order number.
Non-returnable: opened perishable goods. Refunds to original payment method.

Exchanges
The fastest way to ensure you get what you want is to return the item you have, and once the return is accepted, make a separate purchase for the new item.

European Union 14 day cooling off period
Notwithstanding the above, if the merchandise is being shipped into the European Union, you have the right to cancel or return your order within 14 days, for any reason and without a justification. As above, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.

Refunds
We will notify you once we’ve received and inspected your return, and let you know if the refund was approved or not. If approved, you’ll be automatically refunded on your original payment method within 10 business days. Please remember it can take some time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund too.
If more than 15 business days have passed since we’ve approved your return, please contact us at shop@spicenslicemarket.com.

We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return.

To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.

To start a return, you can contact us at shop@spicenslicemarket.com. Please note that returns will need to be sent to the following address: [INSERT RETURN ADDRESS]

If your return is accepted, we’ll send you a return shipping label, as well as instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted.

You can always contact us for any return question at shop@spicenslicemarket.com.

Damages and issues
Please inspect your order upon reception and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged or if you receive the wrong item, so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right.

Exceptions / non-returnable items
Certain types of items cannot be returned, like perishable goods (such as food, flowers, or plants), custom products (such as special orders or personalized items), and personal care goods (such as beauty products). We also do not accept returns for hazardous materials, flammable liquids, or gases. Please get in touch if you have questions or concerns about your specific item.

Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns on sale items or gift cards.

Exchanges
The fastest way to ensure you get what you want is to return the item you have, and once the return is accepted, make a separate purchase for the new item.

European Union 14 day cooling off period
Notwithstanding the above, if the merchandise is being shipped into the European Union, you have the right to cancel or return your order within 14 days, for any reason and without a justification. As above, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.

Refunds
We will notify you once we’ve received and inspected your return, and let you know if the refund was approved or not. If approved, you’ll be automatically refunded on your original payment method within 10 business days. Please remember it can take some time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund too.
If more than 15 business days have passed since we’ve approved your return, please contact us at shop@spicenslicemarket.com.

We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return.

To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.

To start a return, you can contact us at internationexports01@proton.me. Please note that returns will need to be sent to the following address: For returns, please contact us first at internationexports01@proton.me. We will coordinate the return process with our suppliers and provide you with the appropriate return address and instructions. Return shipping costs are the customer's responsibility unless the item was damaged or incorrect.

If your return is accepted, we’ll send you a return shipping label, as well as instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted.

You can always contact us for any return question at internationexports01@proton.me.

Damages and issues
Please inspect your order upon reception and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged or if you receive the wrong item, so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right.

Exceptions / non-returnable items
Certain types of items cannot be returned, like perishable goods (such as food, flowers, or plants), custom products (such as special orders or personalized items), and personal care goods (such as beauty products). We also do not accept returns for hazardous materials, flammable liquids, or gases. Please get in touch if you have questions or concerns about your specific item.

Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns on sale items or gift cards.

Exchanges
The fastest way to ensure you get what you want is to return the item you have, and once the return is accepted, make a separate purchase for the new item.

European Union 14 day cooling off period
Notwithstanding the above, if the merchandise is being shipped into the European Union, you have the right to cancel or return your order within 14 days, for any reason and without a justification. As above, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.

Refunds
We will notify you once we’ve received and inspected your return, and let you know if the refund was approved or not. If approved, you’ll be automatically refunded on your original payment method within 10 business days. Please remember it can take some time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund too.
If more than 15 business days have passed since we’ve approved your return, please contact us at internationexports01@proton.me.

Shipping Policy

Shipping Policy

Processing time:
• Orders ship within 1–2 business days (Mon–Fri, excluding holidays).
• You’ll receive an email with tracking as soon as your order leaves our facility.

Free Shipping thresholds
• United States: Free at $50+
• Canada: Free at $70+ CAD
• European Union: Free at €100+
• Middle East: Free at US$100+
Note: Free shipping applies to eligible products only (see “Heavy/Bulky items” below).

Flat rates & service levels (shown at checkout)
United States

• Standard: $5.99 (est. 3–5 business days)
• Express: $13.99 (est. 2–3 business days)
• Premium: $22.99 (est. 1–2 business days)

Canada (CAD)
• Standard: $9.99 CAD (est. 5–10 business days)
• Express: $17.99 CAD (est. 3–6 business days)

European Union (EUR)
• Standard: €6.99 (est. 3–7 business days)
• Express: €10.99 (est. 2–4 business days)

Middle East (USD)
• Standard: US$15.99 (est. 6–12 business days)
• Express: US$28.99 (est. 3–6 business days)

Kampot Pepper Wholesale – Middle East (export from Rouen, France):

0–10 kg: $74
10.01–20 kg: $109
>20 kg: “Contact us for a freight quote”

*Transit times are estimates from carriers and may vary by destination, weather, and peak season volume.*

Heavy/Bulky items (Emergency Food)
• Emergency Food buckets and similar heavy/bulky items ship on special heavy-service rates and are excluded from Free Shipping.
• Exact rates are shown at checkout based on destination and weight/dimensions.

Where we ship
• We currently ship to the US, Canada, the EU, and select Middle East destinations. If your country isn’t available at checkout, contact us and we’ll do our best to help.

Duties, taxes & import fees (international orders)
• Orders outside your market may be shipped DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid). Local duties, VAT, or brokerage fees—if any—are the customer’s responsibility on delivery.

PO boxes & military addresses
• Many items can ship to PO Boxes and APO/FPO/DPO addresses via postal services. Heavy/Bulky items may require a street address.

Address changes & order edits
• If you need to change your shipping address or cancel, email support@spicenslicemarket.com immediately. We’ll do our best, but we can’t modify orders that have already been processed.

Tracking & delivery
• Tracking updates can take up to 24–48 hours to appear.
• If tracking shows “delivered” but you can’t find the package, please check with household members and neighbors, and wait one business day. Then contact us—we’ll assist with a carrier trace.

Lost, delayed, or damaged shipments
• If your order arrives damaged, email photos of the packaging and product to support@spicenslicemarket.com within 48 hours of delivery so we can help.
• For delays beyond the estimated window, we’ll work with the carrier to resolve it.

Refused/undeliverable packages
• Packages returned to us as refused or undeliverable may be refunded minus the original shipping cost and any return shipping/handling fees charged by the carrier.

Partial shipments
• To speed delivery, we may ship items separately at no additional cost. You’ll receive tracking for each shipment.

Holiday & peak season note
• High order volumes and carrier constraints can extend processing and transit times. We recommend ordering early during peak periods.

Questions?
• Email us anytime at support@spicenslicemarket.com. We’re happy to help.

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