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AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA - ALLIGATOR PEPPER. Synonym Amomum melegueta. Common name Grains of paradise, nengrekondre pepre, alligator pepper, guinea grains, graines de paradis, atar, paradies kõrner, grani de Meleguetta, paradijs korrels, Grana paradise, poivre de Guinée, malaguette, Malagettapfeffer, grani de paradiso. Family Zingerberaceae (Ginger family). Overview Alligator pepper is a tropical perennial growing up to 5' tall; originally from West Africa; brought over to Surinam by the slaves. The trumpet-shaped, purple flowers develop into 5 - 7 cm long grayish - brown, wrinkled dried pods (capsules) containing the numerous very small seeds. These are almost oval in shape, hard, shiny, and have a reddish-brown color. It has lanceolate leaves up to 9" long. The numerous seeds are borne in grayish - brown capsules. The important part of this plant is the seed; the small (3-4 mm =1/8") reddish - brown seeds have a pungent aroma with a pepper - like heat. This much sought after spice is tempered with, among others, flavors reminiscing of hazelnut, butter and citrus. The essential oil from grains of paradise consists of two sesquiterpenes, humelene and caryophyllene and the oxides of these. It has an exotic tropical scent and flavor and is used for the production of beer, wine and spirits, and the flavoring of vinegar. It is used in the Surinam cuisine to flavor dishes such as vegetables (okra and tomatoes recipes), soups (lentil and chicken) and fish recipes. The rhizome of the plant is used medicinally and is also is an important part from the diet of Western lowland gorillas in Africa. Medicinal applications As a purgative, galactogogue (to increase production of breast milk), anthelmintic- and hemostatic agent (purifies the blood). It is also effective against schistosomiasis (bilharzia). Further is it used against intestinal infections, infestations, to calm indigestion and heartburn. The seeds of Aframomum melegueta possess potent anti-inflammatory activity with a favorable gastric tolerability profile. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, sterols, triterpenes, and oils, while the methanol fraction contains alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, sterols, and resins. The pungent, peppery taste of the seeds is caused by aromatic ketones such as (6)-paradol; essential oils occur only in traces. Hardiness USDA zone 9 - 11. Propagation Seeds and rhizomes. Culture Full sun / partial shade; well drained soil. It needs high humidity. Plant in frost free spots. |