[Grains of Selim, Senegal pepper, Kimba pepper, African pepper,
Moor pepper, Negro pepper, Kani pepper, Kili pepper, Ethiopian pepper;
Djar (Wolof, Senegal); Poivre de Sénégal (French);
Kieng (Cameroon); Hwentea (Ga - Ghana); Chimba (North Ghana);
Xylopia aethiopica | Xylopia striata
similar but larger - both of family Annonaceae]
This spice is totally unrelated to the Pepper Family (Piperaceae) or even the Pepper Order (Piperales). It is used for similar purposes as those peppers, but is much more aromatic. The tree, growing to 70 feet tall, is native to much of Sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal across to Ethiopia, and as far south as Tanzania, with Ghana the largest producer of the spice. It is thought to have originated in Ethiopia, but is particularly important in Senegal on the coast of West Africa.
In Senegal, most dried Selim Pepper is smoked during the drying to give it a deeper flavor. The bark is used medicinally, and the wood is valued for many uses.
During Medieval times, this pepper was exported to Europe - until the king of Portugal outlawed importing any pepper except black pepper, for which he had a monopoly.
More on Annonas.
A major use in Senegal is crushed and mixed with unroasted coffee beans for the coffee drink Café Tuba, for which it is essential. The popularity of this drink has been increasing inside and outside Senegal. It is also used in meat stews, soups, and ground for use in rubs for meat and fish.