grains of paradise

== English == === Alternative forms === grains of Paradise, grains o' paradise === Etymology === From medieval spice traders claiming that the spice grew only in Eden, in order to inflate prices. Cf. French graines de paradis. === Noun === grains of paradise pl (normally plural, singular grain of paradise) The seeds or seed capsules of Aframomum melegueta, used as a medicine and spice, especially as a substitute for black pepper and in flavoring alcoholic beverages. 1743, William Ellis, supplement to The London & Country Brewer, 2nd ed., p. 288: When I found it [Two-Penny Drink] left a hot Tang behind it, it gave me just Reason to believe they had used Grains of Paradise, or long Pepper, both which will save Malt. (uncommon) Aframomum melegueta itself, a herbaceous perennial plant native to the swamps of the West African coast. ==== Synonyms ==== (Aframomum melegueta): guinea grains, Guinea pepper, malagueta or melegueta; alligator pepper, malagueta pepper, cardamom (now improper) ==== Translations ==== === References === Aframomum melegueta on Wikipedia.Wikipedia Aframomum melegueta on Wikispecies.Wikispecies Category:Aframomum melegueta on Wikimedia Commons.Wikimedia Commons “grains of paradise”, in OneLook Dictionary Search. “grain, n.”, in OED Online ⁠, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1900.