The story
From medieval spice traders claiming that the spice grew only in Eden, in order to inflate prices. Cf. French graines de paradis.
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
grains of paradise
Today it means: The seeds or seed capsules of Aframomum melegueta, used as a medicine and spice, especially as a substitute for black pepper and in flavoring alcoholic beverages. Full definition →