Didim - peace seed (pods)

Didim or djinndim is an 8-10 cm long cardamom-like pod. This cardamom grows in Cameroon, in the national park. Karup in the damp environment of the Kemo Waterfalls. The 'pods' harbor irregularly shaped seeds with a remarkable citrus flavor, that of mandarin.

The didim is closely related to grains of paradise and mbongô, both of which we supply. The pod is leathery and, unlike the mbongô pod, is not as easy to open. The mbongô pod is parchment-like and can be peeled without the need for any tools. With the didim, it is helpful to make an incision with a sharp knife. Just like with any cardamom, peeling Grind the seeds just before use.

Didim is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae), and is also known by names such as African jujube, peace seed, or in French, 'graines de la paix'. It has been an important fruit in Bamikele culture for centuries. The Bamikele live primarily in western Cameroon, at some distance from Penja (known for the penja).pepperThe Bamikele are said to have migrated westward from Egypt for religious reasons and settled in the Tikar region, subsequently spreading across large parts of western Cameroon.

In the annual Ndop ritual, the didim is indispensable as a symbol of reconciliation. This is where the commonly used name 'seed of peace' comes from, although 'graines de bénédiction' would be more appropriate.

The plant – Aframomum camerounais – grows, like all gingers, in a warm, humid environment and prefers some shade. The rhizome grows just below the surface of the ground. The plant grows to about 2 meters tall and has elongated and pointed leaves, like bamboo. Trumpet-like flowers form close to the ground; they appear to emerge directly from the soil but stand on stalks. They are 15 cm long and light purple and soon fall off to make way for large reddish-brown pods (10 cm). These contain reddish-brown seeds in a jelly-like fluid, which is entirely absent in the dried fruit.

Scent and taste

Didim is a spice smelling of forest and wet wood. It tastes primarily woody at first – associated with licorice – Afterwards, a pleasant citrus note of mandarin emerges..

After opening the seed pod, the seeds are released from their parchment binding. This is done most easily by rubbing the seeds back and forth under your open hand on an unvarnished wooden cutting or chopping board. The seeds are eaten 'straight from the hand', ground, or crushed.

Didim is delicious with lamb dishes, zucchini, potatoes, and eggplant.

Features:

• 100% seed pods of Aframomum camerounais (unpeeled)
• origin: West Cameroon

Assortment

• Only available in a stand-up pouch (the seed pods are too long for our pots)
  
• Larger quantities on request

General advice

• Add Didim at the last moment to maximize the scent
• Store the pods in a dark, dry, and cool place.
• best before November 2027 (11-2027)
• The expiration date is an indication.

Batch number

The batch number helps us trace which supply an item originated from. It is listed on the packing slip and the invoice.