Nutmeg Whole

$5.79$292.40

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Description

Nutmeg nutrition facts

Pleasantly aromatic, nutmeg is actually seed kernel of fruit-nutmeg. It is one of the highly prized spices known since antiquity for its aromatic, aphrodisiac, and curative properties. Nutmegs are evergreen trees, native to the rain forest Indonesian Moluccas Island; also known as the Spice Islands.

Botanically, the plant belongs to Myristicaceae family of medium to large trees. Its scientific name is: Myristica fragrans.Besides M. fragrans, several other species of Myristica grown all over the tropical regions including M. argentea, M. malabarica (Indian), and M. fatua. Although they are similar in appearance to M. fragrans, they, however, have less intense flavor and aroma and command less price.
This spice tree is a large evergreen plant that thrives well under tropical climates. A fully-grown tree may reach about 50-60 feet in height and is the source of nutmeg and mace, two invaluable spices. The nutmeg fruit, indeed, is a drupe about the size of an apricot which up on ripening splits-up to reveal single, centrally situated oval shaped hard kernel popular as “nutmeg spice.” This seed kernel is closely enwrapped by crimson-red, lacy or thread like arils known as “mace.” Both spices feature a similar warm, sweet aromatic flavor.

Processing

Nutmeg tree yields up to three times in a season. Once harvested from the tree, its outer coat or husk is removed and discarded. Just underneath the tough husk is the golden-brown color aril, known as “mace,” which firmly enveloping around the nutmeg kernel. Mace is gently peeled-off from its kernel surface, flattened into strips, dried, and sold either as whole (blades) or finely ground powder. Nutmeg kernel is then dried under the sun for several days to weeks. At larger commercial set-ups, this process is accomplished rather more rapidly over a hot drier machine until the whole nutmeg rattles inside the shell.

Its shell is then cu-open and a single, shriveled nutmeg kernel is then taken out. Finally, nuts are dipped in lime-water in order to prevent insect infestation and seed germination.

Health benefits of nutmeg

  • Nutmeg and mace spice contains many plant-derived chemical compounds that are known to have been anti-oxidant, disease preventing, and health promoting properties.
  • The spicy nut contains fixed oil trimyristin and many essential volatile oils such as which gives a sweet aromatic flavor to nutmeg such as myristicin, elemicin, eugenol and safrole. The other volatile-oils are pinene, camphene, dipentene, cineole, linalool, sabinene, safrole, terpeniol.
  • The active principles in nutmeg have many therapeutic applications in many traditional medicines as anti-fungal, anti-depressant, aphrodisiac, digestive, and carminative functions.
  • This spice is a good source of minerals like copper, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, zinc and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese and copper are used by the body as co-factors for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Iron is essential for red blood cell production and as a co-factor for cytochrome oxidases enzymes.
  • It is also rich in many vital B-complex vitamins, including vitamin C, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin A and many flavonoid anti-oxidants like beta-carotene and cryptoxanthin that are essential for optimum health.

Medicinal uses

  • Since ancient times, nutmeg and its oil were being used in Chinese and Indian traditional medicines for illnesses related to the nervous and digestive systems. The compounds in this spice such as myristicin and elemicin have been soothing as well as stimulant properties on brain.
  • Nutmeg oil contains eugenol, which has been used in dentistry for toothache relief.
  • The oil is also used as a local massage to reduce muscular pain and rheumatic pain of joints.
  • Freshly prepared decoction with honey has been used to relief of nausea, gastritis, and indigestion ailments.

Selection and storage

Once at home, store whole nuts as well as ground powder inside an airtight container and place cool, dark and dry place, where it can stay for several months.In the stores, one can get the nutmeg kernel as well as its fine powder. Try to buy whole nuts instead of its powder form since oftentimes it may be adulterated with other inferior quality nutmeg varieties. Choose well-sealed pack, from the authentic brands from reputable selling company, which mentions its package and expiry dates.

Culinary uses

Both nutmeg as well as mace is used in cooking recipes. Mace has delicate flavor and gives saffron like color to the food items. Whole kernels generally preferred over powdered form since they possess more essential oils, which thus, give rich flavor and freshness to recipes. In general, completely dried kernels are either grated or milled just before being added at the last minutes of cooking.

Here are some serving tips:

  • Nutmeg and mace are being employed in sauces, soups, and in confectionary.
  • Aromatic mace spice is especially used as a colorant and flavoring agent in sweets, pie, cakes, donuts, etc.
  • The spice is also being used as one of the common ingredients in curry powder to marinate meat and vegetable dishes in many Asian countries.

Safety profile

  • Consumption of nutmeg in large doses may cause lack of concentration, sweating, palpitations, body pain and in severe cases, hallucination and delirium.
  • In very small doses, it may be used safely in pregnancy and lactation.

Additional information

Quantity

100gm, 1kg, 250gm, 500gm, 50gm, 5kg

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