melagueta pepper
Noun 1. A West African plant bearing pungent peppery seeds: The melagueta pepper is a plant (Aframomum melegueta) native to West Africa. Its seeds are small, reddish-brown, and have a sharp, peppery, and slightly citrusy flavor. It is also commonly known as grains of paradise, Guinea grains, or alligator pepper.
The term "melagueta pepper" is used to refer to the plant itself or, more commonly, to its dried seeds used as a spice. * The chef imported melagueta pepper to add an authentic West African heat to the stew. * Melagueta pepper was a highly valued spice in Europe during the Middle Ages, often used as a substitute for black pepper.
- Historical/Culinary Context: In historical texts, "melagueta pepper" often refers specifically to the spice traded from the Grain Coast (modern-day Liberia). In modern culinary writing, it is noted for its complex flavor profile that includes notes of pepper, cardamom, and citrus.
- The recipe calls for a pinch of ground melagueta pepper to replicate 14th-century flavors.
- Grains of Paradise: The most common alternative name for the seeds of the melagueta pepper plant.
- Guinea Grains: Another historical name for the spice.
- Alligator Pepper: A name used in some regions, particularly Nigeria.
- Aframomum melegueta: The botanical (Latin) name for the plant species.
- Grains of paradise (primary synonym)
- Guinea pepper (less common)
While "melagueta pepper" contains the word "pepper," it is not related to plants in the Piper (black pepper) or Capsicum (chili pepper) genera. It is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). Its name originates from the historical Melegueta Coast in Africa.
-
West African plant bearing pungent peppery seeds
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
