the spice from a W. African plant, Aframomum melegueta. Where Spanish influence is at work, the spelling in English has sometimes been malagueta or malaguetta. The spice has also been known as grains of paradise or Guinea grains or pepper.
The plant itself is a tall, reedlike herb which bears red or orange fruits 5–10 cm (2–4″) long. Each contains 60–100 brownish seeds, which are aromatic and pungent and which constitute the spice.
Melegueta pepper was unknown to the classical world, but acquired popularity in Europe from the 13th century onwards. This interest, for a long time so strong that the part of W. Africa from which it was shipped was known as the Grain Coast, was already declining in the 18th century and is now slight. However, the seeds continue to be used as a spice and for medicinal purposes in W. Africa, and the pulp surrounding them in the fruits is chewed as a stimulant.
A. granum-paradisi, a related species which also grows in W. Africa, is not, despite its scientific name, regarded as the true grain of paradise. Both species have served as cardamom substitutes.
Alan Davidson was a distinguished author and publisher, and one of the world's best-known writers on fish and fish cookery. In 1975 he retired early from the diplomatic service—after serving in, among other places, Washington, Egypt, Tunisia, and Laos, where he was British Ambassador—to pursue a fruitful second career as a food historian and food writer extraordinaire. Among his popular books are Seafood of South-East Asia, North Atlantic Seafood, and Mediterranean Seafood. In 2003, shortly before his death, he was awarded the Erasmus Prize for his contribution to European culture.
