Didim - peace seed (pods)

Didim or djinndim is an 8-10 cm long cardamom-like fruit pod. This cardamom grows in Cameroon, in the Karup National Park in the humid environment of the Kemo Falls. The 'pods' contain irregularly shaped seeds with a remarkable citrus flavor, that of mandarin.

The didim is closely related to grain of paradise and mbongô, both of which we supply. The pod is leathery and, unlike the pod of mbongô, is not so easy to open. The mbongô pod is parchment-like, and you can peel it without having to use any tools. With the didim it is useful to make a score with a sharp knife. As with any cardamom peel, grind the seeds just before using.

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 mainly live in the west of Cameroon, some distance from Penja (known for the penja pepper). The Bamikele are said to have moved west from Egypt for religious reasons and settled in the Tikar region, later 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 'peace seed' comes from, although 'graines de bénédiction' would be more appropriate.

The plant - the Aframomum camerounais - grows like all ginger-like plants in a warm, moist environment and likes some shade. The rhizome (rhizome) grows just underground. The plant grows to about 2 meters high and has elongated and pointed leaves, like bamboo. Trumpet-like flowers form close to the ground, which appear to emerge directly from the ground, but are 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 red-brown seeds in a jelly-like fluid, which is completely absent in the dry fruit.

Smell and taste

Didim is a spice that smells of forest and wet wood. It initially tastes mainly woody - associated with licorice - then a pleasant citrus note emerges, of mandarin .

After opening the seed pod, the kernels are released from their parchment mounting. This is easiest to do if you rub the seeds back and forth under your open hand on an unvarnished wooden cutting or chopping board. The seeds are eaten 'out of hand', ground or mortared.

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

Features:

• 100% fruits of the Aframomum camerounais (unpeeled)
• origin: West Cameroon

Assortment

• only available in stand-up pouch
  
• stand-up pouches contain 45, 60 and 150 grams respectively
• larger quantities on request

• grind didim at the last minute to maximize the scent
• store the pods in a dark, dry and cool place
• best before  August 2025 (08/25)
• the expiration date is an indication