Selim Pepper

What is Selim pepper?

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

This tree is mainly found along the rivers in Guinea and all along the West African coast. It can be distinguished by its pod shape, similar to that of a bean. It is up to 2.5 cm long and very fibrous. Inside are the peppercorns. About twenty pods are grouped in clusters on the Xylopia aethiopica. Each pod contains 5 to 8 peppercorns.

On the nose, there are notes of nutmeg and coconut. On the palate, it is distinguished by its freshness and a clever blend of cubeb, clove, ginger, turmeric and eucalyptus leaf before revealing its musky notes and light spiciness.

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

The harvest of Selim pepper

Selim pepper is a variety that is not very domesticated. Man is content to germinate seeds and help young plants to develop.

Selim pepper is harvested when the berries are red. During drying, they take on an ebony colour. The pods retain their original colour.

Did you know that? Selim pepper is known under many names: "kili pepper", "kiki pepper" or even under the name of Guinea black pepper.

The differences between Selim pepper and another Piper Longum

The peppers known as "Piper longum" have the appearance of a kitten, the Selim pepper has the particularity of resembling a bean pod. Therefore, it is harder than a classic long pepper.

The origins of Selim pepper

Selim pepper has long been preferred to black pepper, at least until the 16th century. In Europe, it replaced black pepper during periods of war. In fact, it was not until the 1960s that it disappeared from our shelves again.

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

Other uses of Selim pepper

Selim pepper is used in different ways:

• Remedy: In West Africa, it is made into herbal teas for young mothers and their infants. This would ensure their good health.
• Cosmetic: In Ghana and Ethiopia, it is used in soap.
• Lucky charm: In Black Africa, Selim berries are used to purify or unbewitch houses.

In Tunisia, it is used to chase away misfortune.

As for the wood of Xylopia aethiopica, it is very resistant and was used to make crossbows and arrow bows. Today, it is appreciated by cabinetmakers to make common carpentry objects.

How to use Selim pepper in cooking?

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

It will form a very beautiful association with meats, whether white or red. You will be able to integrate it in your beef-based preparations, in the form of a skewer or a stewed dish such as a stew.

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

White fish are also at the festival with this pepper with its bewitching aromatic palette.

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

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

Our recipe ideas with Selim pepper

Would you like to discover the flavour of this pepper? Here is a simple 3-course menu that will put this African pepper in the spotlight.

The starter: Brick of vegetables with Selim pepper

This vegetarian and gourmet recipe is also very quick to make. Cut some vegetables into thin strips: carrots, onions, leeks, etc. Add a few peas. Sauté a little garlic in a casserole, add the vegetables. Sprinkle with a drizzle of African pepper oil (see above) and salt. Garnish the brick pastry and put it in the oven.

The dish: Grilled lamb chops

The lamb and Selim pepper combine wonderfully. Grill your lamb chops over high heat, then season with pepper and salt. Accompany them with a pan of homemade vegetables. Delicious.

Dessert: Bananas flambéed with vanilla

This fruity dessert can be eaten hot. Fire up a banana. Pepper in moderation. Serve with homemade vanilla ice cream. The most greedy will add chocolate coulis.

How to store Selim pepper?

Selim pepper can be kept dry and away from light. I recommend that you store it in an airtight container so that it keeps all its aromas for a long time.