Just started using but really fast delivery
Alligator pepper is a West African spice sold as whole, dried pods packed with tiny aromatic seeds. It's known as atare in Yoruba and ose oji in Igbo, and the seeds of its best-known species, Aframomum melegueta, are sold worldwide as grains of paradise. Warm, peppery and slightly citrusy, it's essential for Nigerian pepper soup and a traditional part of kola nut ceremonies.
Why shoppers choose our alligator pepper
- Whole dried pods, the traditional form, with seeds inside for maximum freshness
- Bold, aromatic flavor: peppery heat with hints of citrus, cardamom and ginger
- Buy 1, 2, 5 or 10 to stock up and save
- Ships in about 2 business days across the U.S., or pick up at our Chicago store
How to use alligator pepper
- Crack the pod and remove the seeds.
- Grind or crush the seeds with a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.
- Add to pepper soup, stews, jollof rice, suya spice, marinades or spice rubs. A little goes a long way.
- For ceremonies, the pod is traditionally presented with kola nut to welcome guests.
Alligator pepper vs. grains of paradise
They are the same kind of spice in different forms. Grains of paradise are the loose seeds of Aframomum melegueta, used in Western cooking, gin and craft brewing. Alligator pepper is the West African market name for the whole dried pod, which may be A. melegueta or a close ginger-family relative such as A. daniellii or A. citratum. They are used the same way in the kitchen, and the whole pod keeps the seeds fresher and more aromatic.
Alligator pepper is not grains of selim (Xylopia aethiopica, uda), a different spice from an unrelated tree. Read our full guide: What Is Alligator Pepper? Grains of Paradise, Uses & Benefits.
Popular recipes with alligator pepper
- Nigerian goat meat or catfish pepper soup
- Suya spice (yaji) blends
- Ghanaian light soup and stews
- Spiced tea and traditional drinks
Storage
Store whole pods in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Whole pods keep their aroma for many months; grind the seeds just before use.
Frequently asked questions
What does alligator pepper taste like?
Warm and peppery like black pepper, with floral, citrus and cardamom-like notes and a gentle heat.
Is alligator pepper the same as grains of paradise?
Close to it. Grains of paradise are the seeds of Aframomum melegueta. Alligator pepper is the whole pod, which may be A. melegueta or a closely related species. Both are used the same way in cooking.
Is alligator pepper the same as grains of selim?
No. Grains of selim come from Xylopia aethiopica, a tree in a different plant family, and have a resinous, nutmeg-like flavor.
What is alligator pepper called in Nigeria?
Atare (Yoruba), ose oji (Igbo) and ntuen ibok (Efik and Ibibio).
Where can I buy alligator pepper near me?
In Chicago, pick it up at Yado African & Caribbean Market, 1651 E 87th St, Chicago, IL 60617. Anywhere else in the U.S., order online for fast shipping.
How much alligator pepper should I use?
Start with the seeds of half a pod for a pot of soup, then adjust to taste. It's strong, so a small amount adds plenty of flavor.
Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 4.7 / 5 from 952 reviews.
Do not waste your money by purchasing Soursop Bitters from the sites E### or A##### as it is watered down. I am glad I found this site and this is 100% the real stuff. I have ordered again. I would stand on this because it's the real deal. They're honest and the price is great.
Amazing 10 out of 10! 10 out of 10 out of 10!!!!!
It came in well packed, so no possible breakage. Thank you
You sold and expired products
I got my order on time. I'm so happy! I will be ordering more from them.
I just got it can’t share no experience yet, but I can tell you it taste disgusting
I just got it so I can’t share no experience yet
I love these sugar free cookies. I am a diabetic and was delighted with the delicious no after test of most sugar free products.
This is my second time ordering from this website and I'll definitely be back again ❣️
It’s perfect! Use it in my hygiene routine and even better for bug bites
Smells really good, and already seems to be fading on the first day! Very excited for later results
I use with everything from chicken, rice and noodles
Smells amazing and soft! The scent lasted all day and received a lot of compliments
I have eczema and used the cream for the first. The itching stopped and the outbreak did decrease. I will continue to use the product.
Just one week of use, and here’s how my progress is going! This really works. Make sure not to stop using it abruptly and keep the area hydrated
The cookies got wet, in my opinion; they're dry and have yellow residue on them. Please make sure we protect them properly before shipping them here.
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Store owner replied: I am so sorry to hear that. Please email us at Yadomarket@gmail.com so we can take care of this for you.
I knew this from the Caribbean when I left the country. It's the number one season in the Caribbean I fell in love with the seasoning it's good on everything I will continue to use that only
I tasted this and it's not watered down this has that bitter taste and you know it's real.
Love them, shipping came before due date. Been looking everywhere and couldn't find them. Thanks I'll definitely be ordering more items from here
This is not the brand I order and you showed on the site.
Fast shipping. Great product
The cream is spoiled I need a refund please or send me back good ones
I’ve been craving these since I moved, I’m glad to have found a store that sells it.
Not sure but I wanted to try the product because I heard good reviews from other people, but I’ve never bought from this actual store and it made me break out in hives.
I bought this in Ghana 6 years ago, and was devastated that I couldn't find it anywhere in the US. Its great that I found a site that holds it. Its extremely moisturizing and silky, it makes my skin feel and smell fantastic. It has a strong coco butter scent, but it isn't pure coco butter. So if you're looking for that, this isn't the product for you. Its like a coco butter lotion.
Cocoa butter Hand and Body Cream 460ml by Princess Cocoa Paa
My order arrived on time and was surprisingly well packaged. I was worried because I’ve ordered from other African sellers online, and my packages have arrived broken due to poor packaging or without tracking updates. I used this order as a test, and I’ll definitely be ordering more from Yado soon.
Very good
They sent me what I paid for and on time too. I'll be buying from them henceforth
Really good stuff
Tetmosol Medicated Soap | Treats Scabies, Itching & Skin Infections | Antiseptic Skin Care Soap
I use it in my laundry and a smaller amount in my bathwater. I grew up in the island using this
This is my second bottle I like the overall feeling of wellbeing.
Timely and secure delivery!! Totally satisfied thanks for helping me out. Oh, the spicy mango is absolutely delicious 👌
Pickapeppa Spicy Mango Sauce – Sweet & Spicy Caribbean Flavor
Store owner replied: Thank you so much for the review. The chicken looks delicious 😋
It goes a long way from start to finish!!! One bottle can be shared with another person and still goes a long way.
It arrived in a securely wrapped package. I appreciate that. And timely. Thank you
Delivery on time, smells wonderful and last all day definitely will order again in the future thank you so much
I love it! And I started taking it in 2019. I’m doing so well with it, that my husband is now taking as well. Thank you for this wonderful product!
I love it so much! This the second ordering from this shop and i am so pleased!extremely good quality
Box of Epiderm Cream by Shalina, 30g – Epiderm Cream for Smooth, Even Skin
Delicious 😋
The salad cream was perfect for the potato salad we prepared grate tasting
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