If your spice rack is in a rut, try adding Grains of Paradise into the mix. These tiny seeds pack a punch that will titillate your taste buds with exotic flavor.
Grains of Paradise are small seeds that grow in the wilds of West Africa. The name derives from the legend of medieval spice traders who, in an attempt to charge a larger fee, claimed that the grains were grown only in the Garden of Eden. The story seemed far-fetched to us…until we popped a seed in our mouth. The heat of black pepper is prominent, but the intense taste of cardamom and citrus is even more intense.
The exotic nuances of Grains of Paradise make it a prime candidate for Moroccan spice mixes like Ras al Hanout and West and North African dishes. The seed is also used to flavor some beers, like Sam Adams Summer Ale, and even aquavit.
Grains of Paradise can be found at specialty grocery stores, like Whole Foods, and from several online retailers like The Spice House.
• Find them: Grains of Paradise, $9.48 to $29.99 at The Spice House
Do you ever cook with Grains of Paradise? What do you put them in?
Andrea Christine Bearce is a freelance writer and former executive pastry chef based in Austin, Texas. She has a degree in Classic Culinary Arts from the French Culinary Institute in New York City.
Related: Help! Looking for a Better Spice Storage Solution
(Image: The Spice House)
How To Cook Fluffy, Tasty Quinoa
Perfect Summer Cocktail Recipe: Honey Bourbon Lemonade
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Elizabeth Apron fro...
100 DIY Ideas for the 3-Day Weekend
Danielle's Charming, Classic Walk-Up
I've used Grains of Paradise in homebrewed beer and they were super tasty. Added a nice spiced note.
Been intrigued by this spice ever since seeing Alton Brown use it in his apple pie recipe. I had never heard of it before. Still haven't used it, but I plan to pick some up the next time I make a trip to my favorite spice market.
A guest on Bobby Flay's Grill It used it, too. Hmmm. I'll have to try.
I've tried it out in some fruity desserts (including apple pie) after seeing Alton Brown use it, and it's always been excelent. It's a great spice to replace the normal nutmeg and/or cinnamon staples.