Grains of paradise

Grains of paradise seeds are about the size of cardamom seeds and the flavor is spicy, warm and slightly bitter. The seeds are used to flavor food and in some regions they are chewed to "warm" the body. To use Crush some with garlic and vinegar, and then rub over chicken, pork or lamb before roasting. Can be used as a substitute for pepper.

Other less common names for this spice include: Ginny Grains, Ginny Papper, Graines, Greater Cardamom, Grenes, Guinea Grains, Guinea Seeds

There are some suitable substitutes for grains of paradise: Per teaspoon needed substitute:

• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• OR> 1/2 teaspoon sansho powder (prickly ash powder)
• OR> 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom + 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper