Delicooks

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) is a spice from a very aromatic evergreen tropical tree (12 -18 meters in height ), native to the Spice Islands (Maluku archipelago, Indonesia) where it is harvested to this day. It also grows in Grenada and the West Indies, India, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Java, Sumatra, Papua New Guinea, Colombia and Brazil.

The fruit is found in the female trees and is protected by a thin, yellow or reddish skin. When ripe it bursts open, revealing another fleshy scarlet layer, from which nutmeg is obtained. Within this second layer or ring, called mace, is where the nutmeg is to be found.

A single tree can produce between 1,000 and 2,000 seeds per year, for about 70 years.

Mild aphrodisiac

Nutmeg is considered to be a mild aphrodisiac. In Muslim country’s it is customary to use as such. In Ayurvedic medicine, nutmeg is recommended for headaches, fevers or bad breath.

The essential oil obtained from the distillation of ground nutmeg is used for the topical treatment of rheumatic pain or as a cough syrup. In the food industry, nutmeg is used as an additive and flavoring in syrups and cola drinks. And in the perfume and cosmetics business, it is added to toothpaste, colognes, lotions and soaps. But above all, it helps eliminate intestinal gas.

Curiosities. Psychedelia
Nutmeg does not produce, in small doses, noticeable effects in the body. But from 7 grams upwards it can produce hallucinogenic visual effects and sensations similar to those of marijuana. However this is not advisable as the effects are unpleasant, lasting more than 24 hours after the initial rush and can damage the liver.

In the kitchen
It is the quintessential spice in Italian pasta: tortellini, ravioli or cannelloni ... and a staple of bechamel sauce. As a spice, it is widely used in desserts, puddings, creams and cakes and in mashed potatoes and with Brussels sprouts.

Nutmeg can be found in whole seeds, dark brown or white (bleached) in color, or ground. It is preferable to buy whole seeds, keep them in containers with tight-fitting lid and grate (with a small grater) when needed. It’s best to keep the whole nut in a tightly sealed glass container with a small grater.

Mace is also used as a spice: usually sold as powder, it is similar but stronger in flavor and is often recommended in the preparation of savory dishes.

Nutmeg can be used whole or in powder, in bechamel sauces and in fish and seafood recipes, chutneys, soups, puddings and cakes (such as cheesecake and lemon pie).

In general it can be found in a wide variety of dishes: soups and vegetables (such as broccoli and spinach), in pasta, custards, souffles, fruit purees, crackers, puddings, scrambled eggs, cheese and eggs, as well as in a variety of cakes. It is also used to flavor alcoholic beverages such as "egg nog" an English drink made with beer and eggs.

Mace has an orange color similar to that of saffron, and is often used to enliven dishes. In Bavarian cuisine, it is used in the production of the white sausages "weisswurst”. Both nutmeg and mace are used to flavor stews, potatoes, meats, soups, sauces and baked foods.

In Indian cuisine nutmeg is used almost exclusively in sweets and in just a few curries. In contrast, Japanese curries  frequently include nutmeg as an ingredient.