Seed spice
Uziza Seed
West African pepper
Piper guineense
A peppery seed spice used in soups and seasoning blends.
Ingredient record
Names & identity
Names can vary by language, market and region. Only reviewed names are displayed here.
| Nigerian/common name | Uziza Seed |
|---|---|
| English/common name | West African pepper |
| Botanical name | Piper guineense |
| IgboSouth-eastern Nigeria | UzizaAlso spelt OzizaThis page covers the dried fruit or seed sold as a spice. |
| YorubaSouth-western Nigeria | IyereAlso spelt Ata iyereName reported for Piper guineense; market usage should still be checked against the product form. |
| Also known as | Ashanti pepper, Benin pepper, Guinea pepper |
What is Uziza Seed?
Uziza seed is the dried fruit of Piper guineense, an African pepper vine. It gives a peppery, aromatic bite to soups and spice mixtures. The seed and leaf come from the same plant but are handled as distinct ingredients.
What is Uziza Seed called in English?
West African pepper is a useful broad description. Ashanti pepper and Guinea pepper also appear in English-language references, but those common names can be used inconsistently in trade.
Flavour & identification
What does it taste like?
Peppery, earthy and aromatic
What does it look like?
The dried fruits are small, dark and textured, resembling peppercorns. Correct identification matters because several small, dark spices are sold under overlapping market names.
Using Uziza Seed in Nigerian cooking
How is it used?
Grind before adding to soups or spice mixtures.
Which dishes use it?
Pepper soup
Nsala and other aromatic soups
Spice blends
How do you prepare it?
Grind the dried fruits before use. Toast only briefly if desired, since overheating can flatten the peppery aroma.
How much should you use?
Add a small pinch to a pot, taste after simmering and build gradually. Freshly ground uziza can be assertive.
Whole vs ground
Whole dried fruits retain aroma longer. Ground uziza disperses easily but should be kept airtight and used sooner.
Buying, storing & substituting
How to store it
Store whole seeds dry and airtight.
Possible substitutes
Black pepper can replace some heat but not uziza's full aroma. It is not a direct botanical substitute.
Supporting research
Ingredient research
Animal and laboratory studies have explored anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity of Piper guineense seed or fruit extracts. These results do not demonstrate clinical benefit in humans and do not establish an effective or safe medicinal dose. Culinary use should be discussed separately from concentrated extracts.
Sources & further reading
Reviewed by Nigerian Spices editorial desk, 27 August 2026.
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