grains of paradise

Friendly

Grains of Paradise

Definition:
"Grains of paradise" refers to the seeds of a West African plant known scientifically as Aframomum melegueta. These seeds have a strong, spicy flavor that is similar to black pepper, and they are often used as a spice in cooking and baking.

Usage Instructions:

• "Grains of paradise" is a noun and is often used in culinary contexts. You can use it when talking about spices or cooking.
• It is generally used in the plural form (grains) because it refers to multiple seeds.

Example Sentence:

• "I sprinkled grains of paradise on my dish to give it an extra kick of flavor."

Advanced Usage:

In advanced culinary discussions, "grains of paradise" might be mentioned in the context of spice blends, gourmet cooking, or when discussing the history of spices in different cuisines. For example: - "Chefs are increasingly incorporating grains of paradise into their recipes to explore new flavor profiles."

Word Variants:

There are no direct variants for the term "grains of paradise," but you might encounter related terms like "paradise seed" or "melegueta pepper."

Different Meanings:

While "grains of paradise" primarily refers to the spice, it may also evoke ideas of exoticism and adventure due to its West African origins. However, there are no widely recognized alternate meanings.

Synonyms:

• Melegueta pepper
• Alligator pepper (another common name for the seeds)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs associated with "grains of paradise," but you might come across phrases related to spices or cooking in general, such as: - "Spice things up" (to make something more exciting) - "Add a pinch of something" (to add a small amount of an ingredient)

Additional Notes:

Grains of paradise are not commonly found in every grocery store but can often be found in specialty spice shops or online. They are used not only in savory dishes but also in some beverages, like certain types of beer and cocktails, to give a unique flavor.

Academic

Noun

1. West African plant bearing pungent peppery seeds

Synonyms

• Guinea grains
• Guinea pepper
• melagueta pepper
• Aframomum melegueta