Didim - seed of peace (pods)

Didim or jinndim is an 8-10 cm long cardamom-like fruit box. 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 flavour, that of mandarin.

The didim is closely related to paradise grain and mbongô, both of which we supply. For the time being we offer didim in the form of a fruit box - i.e. to peel it yourself, a guarantee of freshness, and fun to do. The pod is leathery and, unlike the mbongo pod, is not so easy to open. The mbongô pod is parchment-like, and you peel it without having to use tools. With the didim it is useful to make a notch with a sharp knife. As with any cardamom, peel the fruit just before use.

Didim is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae), and is also known by names such as African jujube, seed of peace 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, at 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 over 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 - the Aframomum camerounais - like all gingers grows in a warm, moist environment and likes some shade. The rhizome (rhizome) grows just below the ground. 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 seem to come straight out of the ground, but are on pedicels. They are 15 cm long and light purple and soon fall off to give way to large reddish-brown pods (10 cm). These contain red-brown seeds in a jelly-like liquid.

Odor and taste

Didim is a spice scented with forest and wet wood. At first it tastes mainly woody - to be associated with liquorice -  afterwards a pleasant citrus note emerges, from mandarin.

After opening the seed pod, the grains are released from their parchment casing. This is most convenient when you rub the seeds back and forth under the open hand on an unvarnished wooden cutting or chopping board. The seeds are eaten 'out of hand', ground or crushed.

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

Attributes:

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

Assortment

• only available in pouch
  
• standup pouches contain 45, 60, 150 and 300 grams respectively
• larger quantities on request

• time didim at the last minute to maximize the scent
• keep the pods in a dark, dry and cool place
• best beforeSeptember2025(09/25)
• the best before date is an indication