Grains of Paradise are indigenous to the west coast of Africa. It is a relative of both ginger and cardamom, this is what gives it its peppery and unique flavor. Grains of Paradise were used in Europe much the same way black pepper is used and it was also added to make gin. Grains of Paradise became popular when pepper became expensive and when the cost of pepper subsided Grains of Paradise became less knownTry one of West Africa's best kept secrets!