Selim Seed (Ethiopian Pepper)
Xylopia aethiopicaA long, thin, slightly curved-podded West African spice; the small seeds inside are used along with the pod. Its smoky-peppery aroma is recognized in West African stews and drinks.
What Are Grains of Selim (Ethiopian Pepper)?
Grains of Selim (sometimes also called "Ethiopian pepper") are the long, thin, slightly curved seed pods of a tree (Xylopia aethiopica) grown in West and Central Africa. The small seeds inside the pod are dried together with the pod and used as a spice.
They have a distinctive aroma resembling a combination of black pepper, pine resin, and mildly smoky notes. They are used in West African cuisine in stews and soups, and in Ethiopia in some traditional coffee and drink preparations.
Nutritional Values of Grains of Selim
100 g of dried grains of Selim contains around 280 kcal of energy; it carries the volatile oil compounds that give it its characteristic aroma. Values are approximate.
How Should Grains of Selim Be Consumed?
Grains of Selim, as a low-calorie spice, are used in small amounts as part of a balanced diet.
This information is general; grains of Selim are a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.
How to Choose Grains of Selim?
Good grains of Selim have whole-curved pods, a dark brown color, and a distinctly smoky smell. Powdery or weak-smelling products should be avoided.
- Pods should be whole and curved
- Color should be dark brown
- Smell should be distinctly smoky
How to Store Grains of Selim?
Grains of Selim are stored in a closed container in a dry, dark place; grinding them just before use better preserves their aroma.
Using Grains of Selim in the Kitchen
Grains of Selim are most often used whole or crushed in West African stews and soups, and in Ethiopia as a flavor component in some traditional drinks.
Are Grains of Selim the Same as Grains of Paradise?
No; they are different plants. Grains of paradise is a separate round-seeded West African spice, while grains of Selim is a different species with long-curved pods; the two are sometimes used together in the same recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are grains of Selim used?
They are usually added whole to stews and soups and removed at the end of cooking, or crushed in a mortar and added to mixes as a powder.
Are grains of Selim available in Turkey?
They are not; they can be found in limited amounts at specialty stores selling West African products and online gourmet spice sellers.
Why are grains of Selim associated with Ethiopian coffee?
They are also known by this association because they are used as a flavor addition in some traditional Ethiopian coffee and tea preparations; their true origin, however, is West Africa.