Nutmeg can be purchased in two forms: ground or whole. Ground nutmeg is easily found in the spice section of the grocery store. It has been milled into a rough powder form and, although convenient, tends to lose its flavor and aroma quickly. For this reason, ground nutmeg is generally sold in very small quantities.
How many types of nutmeg are there?
About 100 species, including: Myristica argentea. Myristica fragrans.
Is there a difference between nutmeg and ground nutmeg?
What really distinguishes whole nutmeg from its ground counterpart is the potent flavor. Whole nutmeg is stronger tasting and has considerably more flavor.
Where does the best nutmeg come from?
Today, most of the premium nutmeg spice comes from Grenada and Indonesia. Grated nutmeg spice is used to flavor everything from many desserts to cream sauces, in meat rubs, eggs, over veggies (like squash, carrots, cauliflower, spinach, and potatoes) as well as a dusting over morning coffee.
How can you tell the quality of nutmeg?
High-quality nutmeg should be oil-rich, whole, unbroken and without stalks, and must not contain any woody, brittle nutmeg. It should be reddish-brown to brown in colour and the head should be light brown and closed.
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 ).
What is a single nutmeg called?
When nutmeg is fully mature, it splits in two, exposing a crimson-colored aril, the mace, surrounding a single shiny brown seed. The fleshy arils surrounding the nutmeg seed are the source of the spice mace.
Does whole nutmeg expire?
Generally, you can assume that well stored whole nutmeg seeds will keep freshness for about 4 years, while ground nutmeg for about two years. That’s, of course, for the best quality. Provided that water won’t get to the spice, it should last well beyond that period, and in reasonably good shape.
How long is nutmeg good for?
Whole nutmeg lasts 3 to 4 years, while ground nutmeg keeps for about 2 years. The spice usually comes with a best-by date on the label, and that’s a good starting point. You can safely assume that its quality should be alright for at least a year past that date if you store it properly.
Can ground nutmeg be used instead of whole nutmeg?
Yes! If your recipe calls for whole nutmeg, you may use ground nutmeg if you have it on hand. Use 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg for 1 whole nutmeg. Whether it’s a good idea depends on the recipe!
How much nutmeg do I take to sleep?
According to Ayurveda, you should add a pinch of nutmeg to a glass of warm milk and have it before sleeping. You can also add in some almonds and a pinch of cardamom for added benefits.
Which country produces the most nutmeg?
Indonesia
Indonesia is the largest world producer of nutmeg and mace and accounts for three-quarters of world production and export. Grenada is the second largest producer and exporter.
Do you peel 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. For maximum potency, grate only as much nutmeg as you need to use immediately.
Is there fake nutmeg?
Over time, Yankee peddlers developed a reputation for selling fake nutmegs made of carved wood. Customers unfamiliar with the native form of the spice decided they had been sold a counterfeit or “wooden nutmegs” after futilely trying to grind the unusually hard seed instead of the hard-aromatic seed of the nutmeg tree.
Does nutmeg induce sleep?
A little nutmeg has been shown to aid sleep, both in duration and quality.
Is nutmeg a fruit or nut?
Nutmeg is not a nut but it is a mega spice and as such pose no risk to persons who have nut allergies. Nutmeg is actually a fruit with a single seed which makes it a drupe, similar to an apricot.
Does nutmeg raise your blood pressure?
Nutmeg is packed with antioxidants and has a slew of anti-inflammatory properties, which have been shown to help reduce blood pressure and improve heart health.
Does nutmeg help with erectile dysfunction?
Nutmeg oil is considered to be one of the most potent oils for improving the condition of erectile dysfunction. This essential oil increases blood circulation in the body and is also a well-known aphrodisiac.
Can you eat nutmeg everyday?
How much nutmeg is safe per day? While there are no specific guidelines on how much nutmeg you should have per day, its recommended that you should not exceed 1 to 2mg a day. Studies suggest that toxic reactions occur when taken at 5g and above.
Is nutmeg a spice or herb?
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.
Why does nutmeg smell so good?
Eugenol, though found in smaller quantities in nutmeg, is one of the major volatile components of the seed and is used for making vanillin and also as a substitute for cloves (next week’s smell!) in perfume-making.