Grains of Paradise (Aframomum melegueta)

Native to West Africa, these ginger family flavor pods are slightly spicy, citrusy peppercorns with juniper, lavender notes. Known as “Alligator Pepper” and "Melegueta Pepper", the herb makes for a unique black pepper alternative, with a cardamom twist that doesn’t irritate the digestion system as much as traditional pepper. Popular with brewers and pickling fans, the spice adds a complex finish to a simple salt and pepper format.  They’d even been recommended, back in the day, to add to stale smelling wine in order to rekindle the peppery notes of the bottle