The most important species commercially is the Common or Fragrant Nutmeg Myristica fragrans, native to the Banda Islands of Indonesia; it is also grown in the Caribbean, especially in Grenada. Other species include Papuan Nutmeg M. argentea from New Guinea, and Bombay Nutmeg M.
Are there different kinds of nutmeg?
In addition to being the source of the spices nutmeg and mace, Myristica fragans (common or true nutmeg) also is commercially important as a source of an essential oil and nutmeg butter. Other nutmegs in the genus, such as the Papuan nutmeg, M. argentea, and the Bombay nutmeg, M.
How can you tell good nutmeg?
Quality nutmeg has a warm brown closer to the reddish tint. It can contain a little dark inclusions – these are parts of the nut in which the essential oil has appeared. Quality nutmeg has a characteristic strong aroma.
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.
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!
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 ).
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.
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.
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.
Can I use dried nutmeg instead of fresh?
There is no exact standard of conversion between fresh and preground, but to give you an idea, you might only need 1/4 tsp of freshly ground nutmeg where you might need a whole teaspoon of preground – and you’ll probably get more flavor from that 1/4-tsp.
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.
What spice is closest to nutmeg?
Mace
Mace is the closest spice to nutmeg because they’re sort of one and the same; “mace” is the term for the ground-up powder of nutmeg’s hard, outer seed coating.
Is Cardamom the same as nutmeg?
What is the Difference Between Nutmeg and Cardamom? The nutmeg comes from an evergreen tree while cardamom comes from an herb. With nutmeg, the fruit is harvested from the tree and the seed is extracted. The seed is often covered in a reddish lacy covering.
What’s a good substitute for nutmeg?
8 Great Substitutes for Nutmeg
- Mace. Mace is the best option if you’re looking for a replacement for nutmeg, as both spices come from the Myristica fragrans tree.
- Garam masala.
- Allspice.
- Cinnamon.
- Pumpkin pie spice.
- Apple pie spice.
- Ginger.
- Cloves.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Is nutmeg made of wood?
Nutmeg is the common name for a dark-leaved evergreen tree, Myristica fragans, that is cultivated for two spices derived from its fruit, “nutmeg” and “mace.” Nutmeg is produced from the dried, ripe, inner seed and mace from the seed coat (arillus) that separates the seed from its outer husk.
Why was nutmeg used so much in the 18th century?
Nutmeg became popular among the 17th and 18th century upper class and started being used more for culinary purposes to flavor alcoholic beverages, such as punch, wine and cider.