Grain of Paradise - Maniguette

Composition: Seed of Paradise - Maniguette. The maniguette is part of the zingiberaceae family (plant of the ginger family). It produces small seeds commonly called "seeds of paradise", which are ground to obtain a spice with a peppery, pungent flavor and punctuated with citrus notes. Known to the Greeks and Romans as a stimulating spice, it was introduced in Western Europe from the 12th century. In the Middle Ages, it was used, among other things, for making Hippocras (tonic wine flavored with spices). Replacing black pepper thanks to its more affordable price, maniguette was one of the main goods exported from the Côte d' West Africa from the 14th century, giving anisi its name to the Côte du Poivre in the Gulf of Guinea. The maniguette loses its popularity from the 17th century to the benefit of black pepper, cloves and nutmeg imported from India. Today, it remains a marginal spice outside of West Africa, Morocco and Tunisia, and contributes to the refreshing flavor and lingering aroma of pastis de Provence (yep!).