Grains of Selim

Xylopia aethiopica

spice

Smoked black pods tasting of nutmeg, resin and pepper, pounded into soups and café touba.

Origin

West Africa

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

The pods are pounded whole, seeds and all, or simmered in the dish and then removed; one or two are enough.

Did you know?

It is what gives café touba, in Senegal, its spicy taste.