Nutmeg is the seed of the evergreen tree, Myristica fragrans. The inner seed is enveloped by a bright red aril known by spice traders as mace. If you stroll past a nutmeg tree on a sunny beach, you may spot the yellow, peach-like fruits drooping high in the branches.
What part of the plant is used for nutmeg?
seed
Nutmeg is a spice made from the seed of the nutmeg tree (Myristica fragrant), a native Indonesian evergreen tree that is the source of two popular spices: nutmeg and mace. Nutmeg is the inner seed, while mace is the red, lace-like substance that covers the seed.
Is nutmeg a seed or fruit?
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.), belonging to the family Myristicaceae, is a spice seed from the fruit of a tropical evergreen tree.
Is nutmeg a root?
The word nutmeg comes from Latin roots. Nutmeg is a seed that grows from tall nutmeg trees. The seeds dry in the sun for weeks until it can be used for our common recipes like pumpkin pie or eggnog. It can be a sweet or savory holiday spice and can be found almost anywhere.
What does nutmeg look like as plant?
The tree has narrow, oval leaves and bears male or female yellow blossoms. The fruit is 2 inches (5 cm.) long covered by an outer husk, which splits apart when the fruit is ripened.
What does nutmeg do for a man?
Some animal studies show that nutmeg may enhance sex drive and performance. In one study, male rats that were given high doses of nutmeg extract (227 mg per pound or 500 mg per kg of body weight) experienced significant increases in sexual activity and sexual performance time compared to a control group ( 13 ).
Does nutmeg have a shell?
Take your whole nutmeg and crack the shell open by smashing it. I find that pressing the nutmeg on a wood cutting board with the flat edge of a knife the best way to crack the shell. Peel away the shell completely from the nutmeg.
Is nutmeg a nut or seed?
No! Although the word nutmeg contains the word “nut,” it is not related to peanuts or tree nuts. It is a dried seed, which is ground to make a spice.
Why is it called nutmeg?
Why do they call it a nutmeg when a footballer kicks a ball through his opponent’s legs? It’s rhyming slang for legs. Through the nutmegs, through the legs – you’ve been nutmegged.
What is the fruit of the nutmeg tree called?
The fruit is a pendulous drupe, similar in appearance to an apricot. When fully mature it splits in two, exposing a crimson-coloured aril, the mace, surrounding a single shiny brown seed, the nutmeg.
Is nutmeg a berry?
The fruit of the nutmeg tree is a rounded fleshy berry which splits into two halves when it ripens. The seed inside is shiny dark brown and oval in shape. The seed coat is covered by lacy red aril which is attached at the base of the seed.
Can you eat nutmeg fruit?
Nutmeg is the rarest of spices. Its woody balls are the stones or pips of fruits that plump from the nutmeg tree, the beautifully named Myristica fragrans. You can eat the fruit, too, if you’re lucky enough to get it: in Sulawesi they sugar it, then dry it in the sun so it partially ferments.
What does nutmeg do for a woman?
Even according to Ayurveda, this spice helps in calming the nervous system and improves blood circulation to the reproductive organs. This is the reason why it has been deemed as women’s viagra.
Who discovered nutmeg?
1512 Portuguese explorers ‘discover’ the source of nutmeg and establish themselves on and around the Banda islands, stocking up on mace, nutmeg, and cloves.
What is nutmeg called in French?
muscade f
muscade f. My mother adds nutmeg and other spices to the recipe. Ma mère ajoute de la muscade et d’autres épices à la recette.
What does a nutmeg seed look like?
Whole nutmeg seeds are oval, brown and about an inch long, with a nutty aroma and taste—but they don’t pose a risk to people with nut allergies.
Can I eat raw nutmeg?
Nutmeg is safe in small amounts. However, as little as 2 teaspoons or 5 grams can cause some symptoms of toxicity. At larger amounts, symptoms become worse and serious complications or death can occur.
Why does nutmeg make you sleepy?
A natural chemical called trimyristin found in nutmeg is responsible for inducing sleep, relaxing your tired muscles and nerves and set in a sense of calm.
How much nutmeg do I take to sleep?
Taking over 6 grams of nutmeg will be a powerful sedative. If you do this during waking hours, you may feel extremely fatigued. I’ve recommended up to 10 grams of nutmeg for insomnia and didn’t see any ill effects (besides the much-needed sedation).
Do you remove shell from nutmeg?
You do not need to peel, cut or toast whole nutmeg seeds before preparing them. Grate the nutmeg with a microplaner, the smallest holes of a standard cheese grater or a specialized nutmeg grinder.
What does a nutmeg sea shell look like?
The Common Nutmeg (Cancellaria Reticulata) is a type of sea snail found in the western Atlantic Ocean. The shell has a lattice pattern and varies in color from cream and orange to brown. As these are natural seashells they will have minor wear and variances. Also, be aware that colors may vary from monitor to monitor.