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.
When did nutmeg come to Europe?
There is evidence that both nutmeg and mace were discovered as early as the 1st century A.D. when Roman author Pliny speaks of a tree bearing nuts with two flavors. Later, Emperor Henry VI had the streets of Rome fumigated with nutmegs before his coronation.
How did nutmeg get to Europe?
During the Spice Trade, also in the sixth century, nutmeg was brought by Arab merchants to Constantinople. They kept the origins secret and quantities low in order to raise prices. As with most expensive foreign goods, the elite became obsessed, and the spice became even more popular in Europe.
When was nutmeg first used?
The earliest evidence of use of nutmeg comes in the form of 3,500 year old potsherd residues from the island of Pulau Ai, one of the Banda Islands in eastern Indonesia.
Where did nutmeg come from originally?
nutmeg, (Myristica fragrans), tropical evergreen tree (family Myristicaceae) and the spice made of its seed. The tree is native to the Moluccas, or Spice Islands, of Indonesia and is principally cultivated there and in the West Indies.
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 ).
Why was nutmeg so expensive in 17th century?
Thought to have the power to cure everything from the plague to flatulence to the common cold, nutmeg was “the most coveted luxury in seventeenth-century Europe, a spice held to have such medicinal properties that men would risk their lives to acquire it.”‘
Why didn’t Europe have spices?
The spices that were in demand at the time were not native to Europe, and were not traded as plants that could just be tossed into the ground and propagated in Europe.
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.
Which country produces best quality nutmeg?
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.
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.
Is nutmeg good for health?
Nutmeg is a rich source of antioxidants, which help protect against the signs of aging and serious conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and liver disease. Nutmeg oil is used in several dental products.
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.
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.
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.
What does nutmeg oil do in the bedroom?
Nutmeg essential oil has mild sedative properties. It can help improve sleep by decreasing activity of stress-related enzymes. If you struggle to drift off to sleep, try a few drops of nutmeg massaged into your feet or diffused at your bedside.
Was nutmeg worth more than gold?
In the 17th century, nutmeg was worth more than its weight in gold. A ship safely returned with its hold full of spices could do for an able-bodied seaman back then what an options package at AOL does for an employee today.
What was the most valuable spice in the Middle Ages?
saffron
More than half of all medieval English and French recipes call for saffron, the most costly of all medieval and modern spices (or herbs).
What was the most valuable spice?
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. The Saffron crocus is a member of the Iridaceae family.
Why did Europeans want spices so bad?
One of the major motivating factors in the European Age of Exploration was the search for direct access to the highly lucrative Eastern spice trade. In the 15th century, spices came to Europe via the Middle East land and sea routes, and spices were in huge demand both for food dishes and for use in medicines.