History Nutmeg is considered to be one of the most tragic spices in history. Bloody wars have been waged over the control of this spice and many have died in an attempt to gain control of its production. It was considered a very rare and precious ingredient for a long period of time.
Emperor Henry VI spread nutmeg all over the streets of Rome before his coronation to create a sweet smelling environment. Nutmeg was fashionable among the wealthy because it was believed to induce hallucinations. Wealthy gentlemen would use nutmeg grinders to grind this spice into alcoholic drinks. Nutmeg was also baked into the pastries, pies, and cakes.
Only a small group of traders knew where the spice was actually from and they sold it for very large sums. First, nutmeg is actually not one spice, but two; mace is derived from the nutmeg fruit, as it is the outer covering of the nutmeg seed. These two spices have a long and interesting history— traveling from Indonesia to England—and because of their high value, wars were fought to control trade. The nutmeg tree is evergreen, with oblong egg-shaped leaves and small, bell-like light yellow flowers that give off a distinct aroma when in bloom.
The fruit is light yellow with red and green markings, resembling an apricot or a large plum. As the fruit matures, the outer fleshy covering which is candied or pickled as snacks in Malaysia bursts to reveal the seed. The seed is covered with red membranes called an aril, which is the mace portion of the nutmeg. The seed is then dried for up to 2 months until the inner nut rattles inside the shell.
The shell is then removed to reveal the valuable egg-shaped edible nutmeg. Second-rate nuts are pressed for the oil, which is used in perfumes and in the food industry. Botanically known as Myristica fragrans , the nutmeg tree originates in Banda, the largest of the Molucca spice islands of Indonesia.
The English word nutmeg comes from the Latin nux , meaning nut, and muscat , meaning musky. Explorers rang in the 16th century with bigger and better ships, and the known world for these explorers expanded with each expedition.
Spices were embraced for their medicinal properties above all else. The Dutch would eventually take control of both the trade and the city of Malacca.
Unfortunately, expansion in trade made spices more readily available, which in turn caused prices to plummet. The Dutch response was to destroy large plots of existing sources with fire in a bid to increase profits.
Soon after, the French would plant their own trees on islands they controlled in the Indian Ocean. In our modern world, nutmeg is valued as a potently aromatic spice. Components found in its essential oil include myristicin anti-inflammatory , camphene antifungal , geraniol antioxidant , and borneol antibacterial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory. It also contains numerous fatty substances, protein, starch, and traces of potassium and calcium.
Therapeutically, it is said that using nutmeg as a seasoning can stimulate the cardiovascular system, lower blood pressure, improve focus, reduce joint pain, alleviate inflammation, and calm the occasional upset stomach. A dash in a glass of warm milk can be used to counteract overactive bowels, whereas mixing the same amount into a hot cup of peppermint tea can help to calm an upset stomach.
Fortunately, either choice makes for a satisfying treat. If you prefer to gratify your palate, try mixing four or five drops of essential oil into a teaspoon of honey, and add this to warm milk or tea. When used topically, a nutmeg oil blend can serve the same purpose in relieving sore joints and muscles, possibly providing more immediate relief.
Carrier oils are numerous and should be chosen according to personal preference. Other favorites include jojoba, hazelnut, and walnut. Read more about cooking with essential oils. As a result, the spice is commonly used in a number of different toothpastes. It is also utilized to provide relief from toothache pain. Simply place a drop of oil onto a cotton swab and dab it on the gum area surrounding the culprit. Repeat when necessary. The health information in this article is not intended to assess, diagnose, prescribe, or promise cure.
Consult with your health care professional before using essential oils for your health and wellness. Do not use this remedy for infants, young children, or pregnant women. Healthy adults should use caution as well. You should not consume more than ten drops of essential oil or two tablespoons of the spice in a twenty-four hour period. High doses can be toxic. So, how do we choose exactly which nutmeg to purchase while perusing the aisles in our local markets, spice shops, or grocery stores?
Fortunately, the spice comes ready to use in a variety of different products that are perfect, affordable, and easily used in our day to day lives. Whole Nutmeg Tin available on Amazon. When you purchase the ground variety, something is lost.
In this case, you lose the indescribably pleasant, spicy, sweet aroma of freshly ground nutmeg. They keep indefinitely. In addition, they are easily ground by using the fine side of a cheese grater best for sprinkling spices into a hot drink , or a coffee grinder I have a grinder purchased specifically for things other than coffee. I have been considering picking up a Moscata Nutmeg Grater, as its reviews on Amazon are outstanding. Many people view nutmeg as nothing more than a baking spice, such as for gingerbread and other goods.
Well, they would be wrong. Pumpkin pie is one of my favorite holiday desserts, but think about that glorious, roasted butternut squash , thick and creamy pumpkin soup, eggnog, or a delicious hot buttered rum while sitting around the fire.
An irreplaceable part of pumpkin spice mixes, nutmeg is also a tasty addition to foods like chai tea, or even fresh blackberry or pumpkin spice scones. Throw a pinch into your white sauce for some extra zest, or enhance the flavor of meat-based dinners with the same. Fruit salads become true desserts, and the world of hot beverages just might become your favorite mode of experimental adventure. Winter gatherings continue, and evenings spent with loved ones are countless.
A nice warm cup of mulled wine or buttered rum promotes feelings of well-being, comfort, and a joining of spirits. Hot beverages create an ease so often lost in the midst of our busy lives. In the Middle Ages, mulling was popular for its health benefits, not to mention a belief in its power as an aphrodisiac. Today, science has proven that many of these beliefs were in fact accurate.
Documentation states that red wine promotes sleep, helps to lower cholesterol, potentially helps to decrease the risk of certain cancers, works as an anti-inflammatory, and supports heart and brain health, when consumed in moderation. There are countless recipes available for mulling wine, as well as any number of pre-prepared mulling kits that include nutmeg — along with its other characteristic warming spices. Classic old-fashioned cake donuts are principally spiced with nutmeg or mace.
Nutmeg pairs well with savory dishes too. As a baking spice, nutmeg is often found alongside cinnamon, cloves, anise, allspice, cardamom, and ginger. In savory situations, nutmeg is commonly blended with cumin, black pepper, coriander, sage, thyme, chile peppers, mustard seed, and turmeric.
Sage pairs especially well with nutmeg, as showcased by our Bronzeville Rib Rub. Cheeses also pair well with nutmeg, parmesan being a standout example. Since pumpkins, squash, and nutmeg are often synonymous with each other, the following recipe takes these flavors and shifts your expectations in a deliciously savory way. This pasta dish can be a meal on its own, but could be prepared with scallops, pork, or mushrooms. If you have a favorite recipe that calls for nutmeg, question about spices, or spicy anecdote, we want to know about it.
Email us at spices thespicehouse. I would not dream of Christmas baking or making eggnog without using freshly grated nutmeg. My sister lives in Connecticut. And it is called The Nutmeg State. I just assumed that there must be nutmeg trees grown there.
However, after reading this, would nutmeg trees even grow there?
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