Selim Pepper

What is Selim pepper?

Selim pepper grows on Xylopia aethiopica, a tree in the Annonaceae family.

This tree is found mainly along waterways in Guinea and all along the West African coast. It is distinguished by its bean-like pod shape. The pod is up to 2.5 cm long and very fibrous. Inside are the peppercorns. Twenty or so pods group together in clusters on the Xylopia aethiopica. Each pod contains 5 to 8 peppercorns.

The nose reveals notes of nutmeg and coconut. On the palate, it stands out for its freshness and a skilful blend of cubeb, clove, ginger, turmeric and eucalyptus leaf, before revealing its musky notes and light spiciness.

David Vanille's choice: I chose to present this pepper for its originality, both in its pod shape and its atypical aromas.

Harvesting Selim pepper

Selim pepper is an undomesticated variety. Man is content to germinate the seeds and help the young plants develop.

Selim pepper is harvested when the berries are red. When dried, they take on an ebony color. The pods retain their original color.

Did you know? selim pepper is known by many names: "kili pepper", "kiki pepper" or even Guinea black pepper.

The differences between Selim pepper and other Piper Longum peppers

Piper longum" peppers have the appearance of kittens, while Selim pepper resembles a bean pod. As a result, it is harder than a classic long pepper.

The origins of Selim pepper

Selim pepper was long preferred to black pepper, at least until the 16th century. In Europe, it replaced black pepper in times of war. In fact, it wasn't until the 1960s that it once again disappeared from our shelves.

Today, it is once again seducing Europe with its specific taste qualities.

How to use Selim pepper in cooking

Selim pepper can be used in both savory and sweet recipes.

It makes an excellent accompaniment to both white and red meats. In particular, you can use it in beef dishes, on skewers or in stews such as pot-au-feu.

It is also excellent with strong red meats such as game or lamb.

White fish are also a delight with this pepper's bewitching aromatic palette.

Finally, I invite you to create your own pepper oil by infusing 3 Selim pepper pods in olive or sunflower oil. A pepper commonly used in Africa, it can be found in all family dishes: soups, vegetables, fish..

Did you know? selim pepper is one of the components of the Suya spice blend found in Nigeria and Ghana. The blend is composed of ginger, onion, garlic, salt, cayenne pepper and Selim berries.

Our recipe ideas using Selim pepper

Would you like to discover the flavor of this pepper? Here's an easy-to-make 3-course menu featuring this African pepper.

Starter: Vegetable Brick with Selim Pepper

This gourmet vegetarian recipe is also very quick to prepare. Cut a few vegetables into thin strips: carrots, onions, leeks... add a few peas. Sauté a little garlic in a casserole dish, then add the vegetables. Drizzle with oil peppered with African pepper (see above) and season with salt. Garnish your brick pastry sheets and place in the oven.

The dish: Grilled lamb chops

Lamb and Selim pepper are a perfect match. Grill your lamb chops over high heat, then season with pepper and salt. Serve with a panful of home-grown vegetables. Delicious!

Dessert: Bananas flambéed with vanilla

This fruity dessert is best served hot. Flambé a banana. Add pepper sparingly. Serve with homemade vanilla ice cream. Gourmets can add chocolate coulis.

How to store Selim pepper?

Selim pepper should be kept dry and protected from light. I recommend storing it in an airtight container to preserve all its aromas for a long time.