Maniguette , a fascinating spice known since ancient times, is also celebrated under the names “seed of paradise” or “guinea pepper”. This plant, which belongs to the rich botanical family Zingiberaceae, shares close relationships with ginger and turmeric. Native to the coastal regions of West Africa, such as Ghana, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Ivory Coast, maniguette is an important element of the African pharmacopoeia and an essential part of daily cooking, particularly in Ethiopia.
History and Origins The maniguette was introduced to Europe in the 13th century by Arab merchants, who transported it across the Sahara to Tripoli, before transporting it to the European continent. Its evocative nickname, “seed of paradise”, testifies to its exotic origin and the value attributed to it. During Antiquity, the Greeks and Romans already used the maniguette, recognizing its stimulating properties.
Botanical Description The maniguette (Aframomum melegueta) is a perennial herbaceous plant that can reach two meters in height. It produces brown pods containing numerous small, angular and hard seeds, red-brown in color, measuring approximately 3.5 mm in diameter. These seeds are distinguished by their peppery taste, enhanced with nuances of ginger, cardamom and lemon, and are often used to spice up mulled wines.
Use and Cultivation In Africa, maniguette is often prized for its aphrodisiac virtues and constitutes a basic element in daily cooking. It is also appreciated for its medicinal properties. The cultivation of maniguette requires a subtropical climate and it is generally cultivated at the edge of forests, where it finds ideal conditions for its development.
Trade and Influence Maniguette gave its name to the Côte de la Malaguette, also known as Côte du Poivre, from where this spice was formerly exported. It played a major role in the spice trade and influenced cuisines around the world. Even today, it is very popular for its unique taste and its multiple uses in cooking, to mix it with timut berry or black pepper from Madagascar. Did you know that the spiciness of the pepper comes from its pericarp and the spiciness of the handle from its heart.
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