The nutmeg tree is native to the Banda Islands or Spice Islands, of Indonesia. After the British took over the Moluccas in 1796, nutmeg cultivation began to spread to other neighboring East Indian islands, and arrived in the Caribbean island of Grenada in 1943. From Grenada, it made its way to other Caribbean islands.
Where does nutmeg come from in the Caribbean?
This article is more than 2 years old. Little Grenada or “Spice Island” is only 134 square miles, but is responsible for more than 20 per cent of the world’s nutmeg production— second only to Indonesia, which produces around seventy five per cent of nutmeg globally.
How did nutmeg spread?
Middle Eastern traders brought Nutmeg and mace to Southern Europe in the sixth century, and they were well-known by the twelfth century from Italy to Denmark. The Portuguese found Nutmeg trees in the Molucca Islands, and dominated the Nutmeg and mace trade until the Dutch overcame it in 1602.
How did nutmeg get to Grenada?
The nutmeg tree ( Myristica fragrans ), which grows to 75 feet at maturity, was introduced to Grenada in the middle 1800s by local planters returning from Indonesia, where they had been taken to help expand cocoa production.
Is nutmeg grown in the Caribbean?
On the southern end of the Caribbean, Grenada is one of the smallest independent countries in the Western Hemisphere.
Who brought nutmeg to Grenada?
In 1714 cocoa, coffee and cotton were brought to the island and in 1782, King George III’s botanical advisor Sir Joseph Banks introduced nutmeg to Grenada. There were two key reasons for this: Grenada’s soil was ideal for growing nutmeg; Grenada was closer to Europe than the Dutch East Indies.
What island is known for nutmeg?
Grenada, that island in the sun – the spicy one known and loved for its wide variety of spices like nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, and more.
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.
What is the most expensive spice in the world?
saffron
By far, the most valuable spice in the world today is saffron. The dried stigmas of the saffron crocus plant can be purchased as saffron threads. A kilo of saffron costs, depending on the quality, 3,000-14,000 Euros.
What was nutmeg originally used for?
Historically, grated nutmeg was used as a sachet, and the Romans used it as incense. Around 1600 it became important as an expensive commercial spice in the Western world and was the subject of Dutch plots to keep prices high and of English and French counterplots to obtain fertile seeds for transplantation.
What spice is Grenada famous for?
nutmeg
As the world’s third-largest export of nutmeg, this condiment is what gives Grenada its reputation as the isle of spice. Locally referred to as Grenada’s black gold, you can be sure that this popular spice to be found in every home or traditional Grenadian cooking.
What food is Grenada famous for?
Oil down is Grenada’s national dish, so pop it at the top of your list of foods to try. The iconic, one-pot stew is a staple for locals, featured at festivals, parties, and gatherings within the community.
Why is Grenada known as the Isle of spice?
It has been an important part of the Caribbean for centuries, having earned the name “the Spice Island” for its wealth of nutmeg, allspice, clove and cinnamon. While spices are still important to Grenada’s commerce, the island is getting fresh attention for its tourism and nature-based attractions.
Where is the best nutmeg from?
Indonesia. The Banda Islands in Maluku Province, Indonesia, are the earliest known nutmeg cultivation areas in the world. The islands are also known as Spice Islands. Indonesia is the world’s top producer of nutmeg, making up about 50% of the world’s production.
Why was nutmeg so valuable?
So, why was nutmeg so valuable? Well, Krondl likens it to the iPhone of the 1600s. It was fashionable among the wealthy. It was exotic and potent enough to induce hallucinations — or at least a nutmeg bender, as detailed in this account from The Atlantic.
Is nutmeg grown in Jamaica?
Grenada is perhaps better known for nutmeg than Jamaica, however, you can find nutmeg trees growing all over the island. The seed from the tree (Myristica fragrans) is called nutmeg and the red aril covering the seed is called mace.
Where does nutmeg come from originally?
Nutmeg originated in the Banda Islands of Indonesia, and was discovered by the Portuguese in 1512. The importance of the nutmeg seed was propagated by the Dutch. The name nutmeg is derived from the Latin nux muscatus, meaning “musky nut.” In India, nutmeg is known as Jaiphal.
What fruit is Grenada known for?
Mango is one of the most prolifically growing fruits in Grenada. More mango are eaten around the world everyday than any other fruit – so if you haven’t tried one then you are obviously missing out!
Can you drink the water in Grenada?
The drinking water in Grenada is safe to drink for the most part, since it is chlorinated. However, during and after periods of heavy rain the quality control of the water is sometimes lacking. This is particularly true in the city of St. George’s.
What Caribbean island is known for spices?
Grenada
Grenada – Spice Isle of the Caribbean
Nutmeg and mace production has been part of Grenada’s history for over 100 years. The island was the second major international exporter in the world, after Indonesia.
What country does Grenada belong to?
Grenada (/ɡrəˈneɪdə/ ( listen) grə-NAY-də; Grenadian Creole French: Gwenad /ɡwiˈnaɪd/) is an island country in the West Indies in the Caribbean Sea at the southern end of the Grenadines island chain.
Grenada.
| Grenada Gwenad (Grenadian Creole French) | |
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| Recognised regional languages | Grenadian Creole English Grenadian Creole French |