Alligator Pepper / Atare – per 100g

Description

Alligator pepper is one of West Africa’s most culturally significant spices. Known as atare or ataare in Yoruba, osu in Igbo, and grains of selim or Guinea pepper in English, it belongs to the ginger family (Aframomum daniellii or A. melegueta — not to be confused with grains of paradise, which is a related but different spice).

The small, peppery seeds are intensely aromatic, with a warm, spicy heat and hints of cardamom and eucalyptus. They are used in cooking and hold deep cultural significance in Yoruba tradition — alligator pepper is offered at naming ceremonies, weddings, and important gatherings.

Key features:

• Also known as atare, ataare, osu, grains of selim, Guinea pepper, mbongo spice
• Essential Yoruba ceremonial spice — used at naming ceremonies and celebrations
• Used in pepper soup, Banga soup, and traditional spice blends
• 100g pack, sourced weekly from Nigeria
• Intense flavour — use sparingly

How to use:
Crack the seed pods to release the small seeds inside, or grind whole. Add to pepper soup spice blends, Banga soup, or any traditional Nigerian spice mix. A pinch adds warmth and aromatic depth. In ceremonies, whole pods are offered and chewed as a traditional greeting.