All About Nutmeg & Mace
- 6 years ago
All About Nutmeg & Mace
Myristica fragrans
Plant Family: Myristicaceae
Origin: Native to the Banda Islands in the Moluccas (or Spice Islands) of Indonesia.
- Nutmeg is the seed, and Mace is the aril that covers it.
- Nutmeg grows inside a Drupe that splits open and reveals the Aril around the seed. The Aril is removed (mace) and them the seed is split open to reveal the actual nutmeg.
- Nutmeg is not a nut and does not pose a risk to people with nut allergies.
- Around the early 1600's nutmeg became an expensive in demand spice in Europe and was the root of conflict that pitted the Portuguese and the Dutch (who controlled trade ) against the English and French who wanted to obtain fertile seeds for transplantation.
- Because of this the nutmeg trees and seeds were closely guarded and those sold whole were dipped in lime to prevent them from being planted elsewhere.
- Nutmeg and Mace are used everywhere in Savoury and sweet dishes. It’s sprinkled on veggies, put in haggis and pumpkin pie.
- Whole nuts are preferable to ground nutmeg, as flavour deteriorates quickly. Whole nuts will keep indefinitely and can be grated as required.
- Mace works especially well with milk dishes like custards and cream sauces.
- It enhances and accentuates other spices.
- Mashed potato and other root vegetables can be given an incredible lift with nutmeg.
Myristica fragrans
Plant Family: Myristicaceae
Origin: Native to the Banda Islands in the Moluccas (or Spice Islands) of Indonesia.
- Nutmeg is the seed, and Mace is the aril that covers it.
- Nutmeg grows inside a Drupe that splits open and reveals the Aril around the seed. The Aril is removed (mace) and them the seed is split open to reveal the actual nutmeg.
- Nutmeg is not a nut and does not pose a risk to people with nut allergies.
- Around the early 1600's nutmeg became an expensive in demand spice in Europe and was the root of conflict that pitted the Portuguese and the Dutch (who controlled trade ) against the English and French who wanted to obtain fertile seeds for transplantation.
- Because of this the nutmeg trees and seeds were closely guarded and those sold whole were dipped in lime to prevent them from being planted elsewhere.
- Nutmeg and Mace are used everywhere in Savoury and sweet dishes. It’s sprinkled on veggies, put in haggis and pumpkin pie.
- Whole nuts are preferable to ground nutmeg, as flavour deteriorates quickly. Whole nuts will keep indefinitely and can be grated as required.
- Mace works especially well with milk dishes like custards and cream sauces.
- It enhances and accentuates other spices.
- Mashed potato and other root vegetables can be given an incredible lift with nutmeg.