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''Aframomum melegueta'' is a species in the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. This spice, commonly known as grains of paradise, Melegueta pepper, alligator pepper, Guinea grains, ''fom wisa'', or Guinea pepper, is obtained from the ground seeds; it imparts a pungent, peppery flavour with hints of citrus. Although it is native to West Africa, it is also an important cash crop in the Basketo district (Basketo special woreda) of southern Ethiopia.〔("Southern Nations Nationalities and People’s Region (SNNPR) Livelihood Profiles: Regional Overview" ), FEWS NET (January 2005), p. 27 (accessed 18 May 2009)〕 The Pepper Coast (or Grain Coast) is a historical coastal region named after this commodity. ==Characteristics== ''A. melegueta'' is a herbaceous perennial plant native to swampy habitats along the West African coast. Its trumpet-shaped, purple flowers develop into 5- to 7-cm long pods containing numerous small, reddish-brown seeds. The pungent, peppery taste of the seeds is caused by aromatic ketones; e.g., (6)-paradol (systematic name: 1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-decan-3-one). Essential oils, which are the dominating flavor components in the closely related cardamom,〔'Grains of paradise' are listed among the unofficial varieties of ''Cardamum Seed'' in the 25th ed. of the ''Dispensatory of the United States of America'' (1955) p. 257, Paul E. Beichner notes, in "The Grain of Paradise" ''Speculum'' 36.2 (April 1961:302-307) p 303. Beichner suggests the miraculous ''greyn'' of ''The Prioress's Tale'' was grains of paradise.〕 occur only in traces. The stem at times can be short and usually shows signs of scars and fallen leaves. The average leaves are usually 35 cm in length and 15 cm wide, with a well-structured vascular system. The flowers of the herbaceous plant are described as "handsome" aromatic, with an orange-colored lip and rich pinkish-orange upper part. The fruits contains numerous, small, golden red-brown seeds. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Aframomum melegueta」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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