Tag: West african spices

Native to West Africa, the seeds known as grains of paradise come from the *Aframomum melegueta* plant, a member of the ginger family. This spice, prized since medieval times, is recognized for its complex flavor that offers a milder, more nuanced heat than black pepper.

African nutmeg, scientifically known as *Monodora myristica*, is not the same as true nutmeg, which comes from the tree *Myristica fragrans*. Despite sharing a common name, these two spices originate from entirely different botanical families and offer distinct flavor profiles for culinary use.