Grains of Paradise are tasty and flavorful, but these little seeds are also packed with health benefits you may not be aware of. With origins dating back centuries, these superfoods are grown throughout the world and are used to add flavor and color to foods, for medicinal purposes, as well as for consumption as a natural alternative to salt. Read on to learn more about what some of these special grains are known for and the health benefits they provide.
Grains of Paradise are small, round black seeds that are used to add a touch of flavor and color to food. These fruits come from a large family of palms that are native to Central and South America and are very popular for their ability to produce fruit-bearing seeds. With many uses including teas and healthful treats, many use the spice of melegueta pepper for their health benefits. Packed with health-giving nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamins B, C & E, iron, phosphorous and potassium, this exotic spice is perfect to add to your diet for its nutritional value.
Melegueta pepper is native to central and south America and is used to make delicious dark teas in addition to serving the same purpose in the form of a spice in salads, desserts, and mealtimes. The small black seeds have a nutty, pungent flavor that is often compared to nutmeg but does not have the pungency of pepper, making it milder in taste and inviting to most cuisines. Melegueta is a popular addition to salads because of its mild, almost subtle, flavor. It pairs well with mango, avocado and grapes. Rich in calcium, iron, vitamin B, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, manganese and folic acid, the seeds of this spice have been used in many cultures as an important ingredient in many of their recipes for over three centuries.
The African Grains of Paradise include sorghum, millet, emu, ulmus, kangaroo, date palm, pomegranate, quinoa, rocket, hot and wild yam. Each of these grains has unique characteristics that add great flavors to food, whether they are chewy crunchy, salty or sweet. They are used to add a unique flair to a dish, whether they are adding raw or cooked. The grains of paradise are also used in a way that adds even more health benefits to the consumer. For example, the kangaroo grain contains vitamin A and E, which are two very important vitamins to have on your body.
Because of their small size, they are easily included in diets without causing undue calorie intake and use grains of paradise may be used as snacks between meals or in place of sugar or other types of sweets. They are very economical to use and provide a healthy alternative to other sweetening agents that are not good for your health. For example, foods like chocolate, mangoes, and bananas, while good for you in your diet, contain a high amount of calories and other health concerns. The same is true for foods that use sugar as a sweetener, such as cookies and cakes, that are packed full of chemicals and other unhealthy ingredients.
For starters, grains of paradise are generally very inexpensive and the flavor combinations that you can create with them are almost endless. You will enjoy experimenting with different flavors and combinations. You may find a combination of flavors that you did not know existed before. The great thing about adding this spice to your diet is that it is easily added, rather than being a part of a larger meal or recipe. This makes them a great choice for adding into a wide variety of dishes, whether you are looking for a flavorful addition to soups, stews or casseroles and much more.