Grains of Selim

grains of Selim (also known as kimba pepper), the seeds of a shrubby tree, Xylopia aethiopica, found in Africa. The seeds have a pleasant musky flavour and are used as a pepper substitute. The pods are crushed and added whole to soups or stews, then removed before serving. The spice may be called Guinea pepper, African pepper, and Ethiopian pepper, thus potentially confusing it with Piper guineense (see ashanti pepper) and melegueta pepper.