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.
When was nutmeg introduced in Grenada?
Nutmeg, dubbed “black gold” by locals, was introduced from the East to Grenada in 1843. Currently accounting for around nine per cent of Grenada’s total harvested area, the crop provides income to approximately 30 per cent of the island’s population.
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.
How did nutmeg get to the Caribbean?
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.
Does nutmeg come from Granada?
Grenada is reputed for its nutmeg. Nutmeg is even featured on the flag of this small nation. Selected from the highest altitude plantations on this volcanic island where nutmeg trees are said to be able to “smell the sea.” The nuts are dried in their shell and remain well protected until they are to be used.
What country is known for nutmeg?
Indonesia is the largest world producer of nutmeg and mace and accounts for three-quarters of world production and export.
What spices is Grenada known for?
Nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, bay leaves, and turmeric are some of the spices you can find on this island which is a top exporter of these products. So spicy is this island, that there’s even a little nutmeg on its flag!
Is nutmeg native to the Caribbean?
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.
Which country is a major producer of nutmeg in the Caribbean?
Grenada
On the southern end of the Caribbean, Grenada is one of the smallest independent countries in the Western Hemisphere. The country is made up of three main islands—Grenada (the largest) plus Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
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!
Who discovered nutmeg?
A Brief Nutmeg Timeline
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 state grows the most nutmeg?
The nation is one of the largest producers of the crop worldwide, with the Angalay-Kalady belt in Kerala being the main cultivation area. Large-scale production also takes place in Tamil Nadu State, while farmers in Karnataka and the southern part of Maharashtra grow the crop in smaller quantities.
What are some fun facts about Grenada?
Interesting facts about Grenada
- Christopher Columbus discovered the island in 1498 and named it Concepcion.
- Grenada boasts of having the world’s first underwater sculpture park.
- Grenada produces many spices and therefore is also called “Island of Spice”.
- Civilians in the country can’t wear camouflage in any form.
What spice is native to Grenada?
Nutmeg
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. Grenada has it’s own Nutmeg Spice Festival, such is its importance in culture and industry here.
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 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 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 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.
Who is the most famous person from Grenada?
Top 10 Most Famous People from Grenada
- Kirani James. Kirani James during 2011 World championships Athletics in Daegu photo by Erik van Leeuwen Wikimedia.
- Kurt Felix. Kurt who was born in 1988 has been a Grenadian athlete.
- Kithson Bain.
- Sonika.
- Mighty Sparrow.
- Andrea St. Bernard.
- Nelon Pascal.
- Peter David.
Which island is known as Spice Island?
the Moluccas
The Indonesian archipelago of the Moluccas (or Maluku Islands), commonly referred to as the Spice Islands, lies on the equator north of Australia and west of New Guinea.
What spices are native to the Caribbean?
There are many spices that are considered to be Caribbean spices; these add depth to delicious Caribbean food and can be used in both sweet and savory recipes.
- Allspice. Allspice is a dried berry that is the fruit of a small evergreen tree.
- Nutmeg.
- Cinnamon.
- Cloves.
- Star Anise.
- Ginger.
- Black Pepper.
- Cayenne Pepper.