Didim - peace seed (seeds)

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 irregularly shaped seeds have a remarkable citrus flavor, that of mandarin.

Also available unpeeled

The didim is closely related to grain of paradise and mbongô, both of which we supply. Didim is also 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 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 box.

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 .

The seeds are eaten 'out of hand', ground or mortared. Didim is delicious with lamb dishes, zucchini, potatoes and eggplant.

Features:

• 100% seeds of the Aframomum camerounais
• origin: West Cameroon

Assortment

• available in glass and stand-up pouch
• glass jar contains 45 grams
• 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 seeds in a dark, dry and cool place
• best before  November 2026 (11/26)
• the expiration date is an indication