Selim Pepper

What is Selim pepper?

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

This tree is mainly found along the rivers in Guinea and all along the West African coast. It is distinguished by its pod shape, similar to that of a bean. This one measures up to 2.5 cm length and is very fibrous. Inside are the peppercorns. About twenty pods are grouped 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 is distinguished by its freshness and a clever blend of cubeb, clove, ginger, turmeric and eucalyptus leaf before revealing its musky notes and its light spiciness.

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

The harvest of Selim pepper

The Selim pepper is a variety little domesticated. The man is satisfied to make germinate seeds and to help in the development of the young plants.

Selim pepper is harvested when the berries are red. During the drying, they take an ebony color. The pods keep their initial color.

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

The differences between the Selim pepper and another Piper Longum

The peppers called "Piper longum" have the appearance of a kitten, the Selim pepper has the particularity to resemble 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 was used as a substitute for black pepper in times of war. Moreover, it is only in the 1960s that it disappears again from our shelves.

Today, it seduces Europe again by its specific gustatory 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. It would guarantee them a good health.
• Cosmetic : in Ghana and Ethiopia, it is used in the composition of soap.
• Lucky charm: in black Africa, Selim berries are used to purify or remove the curse from houses.

In Tunisia, it is used to chase away misfortune.

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

How to use Selim pepper in cooking?

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

It will form a very nice association with meats, whether white or red. You can integrate it in your beef-based preparations, in the form of a skewer or a simmered dish such as a pot-au-feu.

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

White fishes are also at the feast with this pepper with its bewitching aromatic palette.

Finally, I invite you to create your own pepper oil by infusing 3 pods 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? selim pepper is one of the components of the Suya spice blend found in Nigeria and Ghana. The composition of this mixture is: ginger, onion, garlic, salt, cayenne pepper and Selim berries.

Our recipe ideas with Selim pepper

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

The starter: Vegetable Brick with Selim pepper

This vegetarian and gourmet recipe is also very quick to make. Cut some vegetables into thin strips: carrots, onions, leeks... add some peas. Brown a little garlic in a casserole dish, add the vegetables. Sprinkle with a little oil peppered with African pepper (see above) and salt. Garnish your brick sheets and put them in the oven.

The dish: Grilled lamb chops

Lamb and Selim pepper are a great combination. Grill your lamb chops over high heat, then add pepper and salt. Accompany them with a pan of homemade vegetables. Delicious!

The dessert: Bananas flambéed with vanilla

This fruity dessert is served hot. Flambé a banana. Add pepper in moderation. Serve with homemade vanilla ice cream. The greediest will 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 so that it retains all its flavors for a long time.