The alternately arranged leaves are dark green,5–15 cm (2.0–5.9 in) long by 2–7 cm (0.8–2.8 in) wide with petioles about 1 cm (0.4 in) long. Nutmeg is popularly used to … 2. There is a spice blend called Chinese Five Spice, which contains ingredients that match the five flavors, including sweet, salty, bitter, sour, and pungent. Sam Slick (Judge Halliburton) seems to be the originator of this story. For centuries, nutmeg has been a well-valued spice not only because of its distinct sweet taste but also because of its medicinal value. A young nutmeg tree thrives in a partially shaded but warm and humid environment. The nutmeg tree is evergreen, with oblong egg-shaped leaves and small, bell-like light yellow flowers that give off a distinct aroma when in bloom. These beneficial components include dietary fiber, manganese, thiamin, vitamin B6, folate, magnesium, copper, and macelignan. It is also a commercial source of an essential oil and nutmeg butter. Nutmeg contains myristicin, a natural compound that has mind-altering effects if ingested in large doses. The nutmeg plant itself can grow up to 50 feet tall and produces dark green leaves and waxy yellow flowers. 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. The flowers are bell-shaped, pale yellow and somewhat waxy and fleshy. Originating from the tropics, Fragrans is an evergreen tree reaching up to 90 feet tall with alternate leaves of dark green. Nutmeg tree is a small evergreen tree, usually 5–13 m (16–43 ft) tall, but occasionally reaching 20 m (66 ft). It is the seed of the fruit, similar to a walnut in appearance, which is … From these locations they were transplanted to their other colonial holdings elsewhere, notably Zanzibar and Grenada. Greatest productivity can be expected after 20 years. It originates from the Spice Islands in Indonesia, but it can be found in tropical areas around the world today. Nutmeg refers to the seed or ground spice of several species of the Myristica genus. Myristica fragrans starts to produce fruit 7 to 9 years after planting. The tree may bear fruit for more than 60 years. The alternately arranged leaves are dark green,5–15 cm (2.0–5.9 in) long by 2–7 cm (0.8–2.8 in) wide with petioles about 1 cm (0.4 in) long. Both nutmeg and mace are used as spice. Pleasantly aromatic, nutmeg is actually a seed (kernel) of the fruit from the Myristica fragrans tree. Nutmegs are evergreen trees, native to the rainforest of Indonesian Moluccas Island, also known as the Spice Islands. Indonesia is the main producer of nutm Other producers include India, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, and Caribbean islands. The most important commercial species is Myristica fragrans, an evergreen tree indigenous to the Banda Islands in … Its woody balls are the stones or pips of fruits that plump from the nutmeg tree, the beautifully named Myristica fragrans. Mace has more delicate taste than nutmeg and it is often used as food colorant (it changes the color of the food into bright orange). 758 C.E. The genus Myristica includes about 120 species, the best known of which is the nutmeg tree (Myristica fragrans). The fruit is light yellow with red and green markings, resembling an apricot or a large plum. Myristica fragrans produces small, bell-shaped yellow flowers. The large seed of these trees garners two noteworthy spices: nutmeg is the kernel of the seed when ground, while mace is the grated red to orange covering, or aril, which surrounds the seed. The nutmeg family, Myristicaceae, order Magnoliales, consists of evergreen trees of the tropical rain forests. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Dig a hole with a shovel that is twice as wide and equal in depth to the nutmeg tree's root ball. Myristica fragrans (nutmeg) Facts Myristica fragrans (nutmeg) Facts Myristica fragrans is an evergreen tree that belongs to the nutmeg family. The Scoville scale was created by Wilbur Scoville. The nutmeg tree is indigenous to the Caribbean, Southern India as well as other tropical regions of the world. Myristica fragrans can reach 50 to 60 feet in height. So it is usually recommended to plant these in the field leaving more than 5 meters (8 to 10 meters is optimum) of space in between. People cultivate Myristica fragrans because of the fruit, better known as nutmeg, that is used as spice. Nutmeg is the decorticated seed of an evergreen called Myristica Fragrans, a tree that can grow to a height of 20 metres. They’re most common in children, but adults can also develop these allergies. The tree may bear fruit for more than 60 years. For this, dig small pits with 75cm depth, width, and length. The health benefits of nutmeg include ability to relieve pain, reduce insomnia, detoxify the body, helps digestion, brightens skin, protect the teeth and gums, helps lower blood pressure, increases circulation, prevents leukemiand and protect cognitive functionality against degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. The pulp of the fruit may be eaten locally. Connecticut’s nickname is the “Nutmeg State” because its early inhabitants had the reputation of being so ingenious and shrewd that they were able to make and sell wooden nutmegs. Sweet, aromatic flavor of nutmeg perfectly matches with sauces, dishes made of meat and potato, soups, various pastries, cookies and cakes. The nutmeg is the oval-shaped seed, and mace is the bright red webbing that surrounds the seed. Nutmeg is known to have been a prized and costly spice in European medieval cuisine as a flavoring, medicinal, and preservative agent. Clusters of female flowers contain 1 to 3 blooms. The fruit has a fleshy husk. When fully mature it splits in two, exposing a crimson-coloured aril, the mace, surrounding a single shiny, brown seed, the nutmeg. It measures the heat of a chile. The essential oil obtained by steam distillation of ground nutmeg is used widely in the perfumery and pharmaceutical industries. Then fill it with sand, cow-dung powder, and manure before planting the saplings. Essential oils obtained from nutmeg are used in the pharmaceutical (as ingredients of toothpaste and cough syrups) and perfume industry. Staminate flowers are arranged in groups of one to ten, each 5–7 mm (0.2–0.3 in) long; carpellate flowers are in smaller groups, one to three, and somewhat longer, up to 10 mm (0.4 in) long. The spice nutmeg has a distinctive pungent fragrance and a warm slightly sweet… The fruit, which is called a drupe or a nutmeg apple, is similar in appearance to a peach or an apricot. Exactly how much nutmeg you can tolerate before becoming ill depends partly on your body mass. Nutmeg comes from the nutmeg tree that originally grew in the Banda Islands of Indonesia. In nutmeg tree (family Myristicaceae) and the spice made of its seed. They are listed as critically endangered by IUCN. Contains powerful antioxidants. The nutmeg fruit is a pendulous drupe, similar in appearance to an apricot. Though small in size, the seeds from which nutmeg is derived are … Mace’s flavor is similar to nutmeg but more delicate ; it is used to flavor baked goods, meat, fish, vegetables and in preserving and pickling. Nutmeg, Myristica fragrans, is a tropical evergreen tree in the family Myristicaceae grown for its seeds which are used as spices.The nutmeg tree has natural conical shape with a grey-brown trunk and dark green glossy leaves. The best flavor and aroma of nutmeg can be achieved when it is added into the meal (in the grated form) just before the serving. Demetriades, M.D., of University College London Hospital. Nutmeg is known to impact health in many ways because of its nutritive content of vitamins, minerals, and organic compounds related to the essential oils. Ground nutmeg can be smoked and used in combination with various beverages. Nutmeg spice is derived from the seed of Myristica fragrans, a type of evergreen nutmeg tree that is native to certain parts of Indonesia. It is one of the highly prized spices known since antiquity for its aromatic, aphrodisiac, and curative properties. Nutmeg is among two spices which grow on an evergreen tree together with the medical classification Myristica fragrans, also referred to as typical nutmeg. Place a newly germinated nutmeg tree in an indoor area that receives four to six hours of sunlight a day, such as a west-facing conservatory or windowsill.Mist the young tree twice a day with clean water from a fine mist sprayer, coating the foliage but stopping before water drips from the plant. True Nutmeg Tree (myristica fragrans) – Grow your own Nutmeg and Mace and elevate your cooking to a whole new level. The branches of the tree spread in … Nutmeg butter is obtained from the nut by expression. Nutmeg tree’s canopy spread nearly 5 meters when fully grown. Ground nutmeg quickly loses the flavor. Coming from the genus Myristica, nutmeg is cultivated for two spices obtained from its fruits, including nutmeg and mace.While mace is not argued upon so much, nutmeg is a constant source of worry for those with a tree nut allergy.The big question remains – is nutmeg a nut? Mace is separated from the nutmeg, flattened, dried and usually ground into powder. It really is indigenous to islands near Indonesia, however is currently a globally utilized spice. Fruit is rich source of aromatic, essential oils that have application in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. Nutmeg is native to Indonesia's Banda Islands. Some claim that wooden nutmegs were actually sold, but they do not give either the time or the place.”. The more delicate flavor of mace makes this spice much more expensive than nutmeg; and also because its yield is about ten times less that of nutmeg. The nutmeg tree (Myristica fragrans) is any of several species of trees in genus Myristica. Nutmeg contains numerous essential oils that can stimulate brain activity, alleviate toothache, nausea, gastritis and indigestion. When ripe the husk splits into two halves along a ridge running the length of the fruit. Today, Indonesia and Grenada dominate production and exports of both products, with world market shares of 75% and 20%, respectively. The first harvest of nutmeg trees takes place 7 to 9 years after planting, and the trees reach full production after twenty years. Opposed to what the name suggests, nutmeg is not a nut, but a seed. In Elizabethan times, it was believed that nutmeg could ward off the plague, so nutmeg was very popular. Myristica fragrans is perennial plant that can survive more than 20 years in the wild. Nutmeg is highly neurotoxic to dogs and causes seizures, tremors, and nervous system disorders which can be fatal. California nutmeg is an evergreen tree growing to 15–25 m tall, with a trunk diameter of 0.5–1 m (exceptionally 2 m); the crown is conical in overall shape, with whorled branches. They are native to The Contiguous United States and United States.They have simple, broad … Male flowers are arranged in groups of 1 to 10 flowers. In one case, an eight-year-old child ate just 14 grams (0.5 ounce) of nutmeg and died from the effects, according to A.K. For further information about these two products, we will explain about … When the mature fruit splits open, the nutmeg (stony endocarp or seed surrounded by a red, slightly fleshy network or aril) is exposed. 4. Nutmeg is the common name for a dark-leaved evergreen tree, Myristica fragrans, that is cultivated for two spices derived from its fruit, “nutmeg” and “mace.”. 3. The buzz can last one to two days and can be hallucinogenic, much like LSD. Nutmeg is rich source of vitamins of the B group, vitamin A and C and minerals such as copper, potassium, calcium and manganese. 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.Nutmeg is the inner seed, while mace is the red, lace-like substance that covers the seed. Peanut and tree nut allergies affect millions of Americans. The seed is usually used in powdered form. Nutmeg tree is a small evergreen tree, usually 5–13 m (16–43 ft) tall, but occasionally reaching 20 m (66 ft). Male and female flowers develop on separate trees (dioecious plant). Torreya taxifolia (Florida Nutmeg Tree) is a species of tree in the family Taxaceae.They have a self-supporting growth form. Myristica fragrans is an evergreen tree that belongs to the nutmeg family. The nutmeg tree is native to the Banda Islands of Indonesia and it produces two different spices: Nutmeg and Mace. Mace is pungent. Nutmeg trees may reach a height of about 20 metres (65 feet). Nutmeg is actually a dried kernel of the seed where as mace is dried aril surroundings of the seeds (Nutmeg is the shelled, dried seed of the plant Myristica fragrans, and mace is the dried net-like covering of the shell of the seed). Inside is a purple-brown shiny seed, 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 in) long by about 2 cm (0.8 in) across, with a red or crimson covering (an aril). Myristica fragrans has elliptic, glossy leaves. “male” or staminate flowers and “female” or carpellate flowers are borne on different plants, although occasional individuals produce both kinds of flower. The stands on the Moluccas thrive in the shade under groves of lofty trees. of nutmeg powder, or 1 to 3 whole nutmeg seeds, causes illness in most people. Saint Theodore the Studite (ca. The nutmeg tree is native to the Moluccas, a group of islands in eastern Indonesia, also known as the Spice Islands. The species is dioecious, i.e. They yield fruit eight years after sowing, reach their prime in 25 years, and bear fruit for 60 years or longer. 10.000 to 20.000 tons of nutmeg are produced each year. Fruit of Myristica fragrans is apricot-sized drupe with fleshy husk. The seed is roughly egg-shaped and about 20 to 30 mm ling and 15 to 18 mm wide, weighing about 5 to 10 g dried. As a result of the Dutch interregnum during the Napoleonic Wars, the British took temporary control of the Spice Islands from the Dutch and transplanted nutmeg trees, complete with soil, to Sri Lanka, Penang, Bencoolen, and Singapore. Nutmeg is popular in many dishes and in baking. Its branches are organized in the series of rows. Until the mid-19th century, the Spice Islands, was the only location of the production of the spices nutmeg and mace in the world. Myristica fragrans grows in the lowland tropical forests. Interesting facts about Yorkshire Terriers. Nutmeg is also available in the form of butter. Myristica fragrans is a dark-leaved evergreen tree cultivated for two spices derived from its fruit: nutmeg, from its seed, and mace, from the seed covering. Nutmeg and mace are the output of this tree. They are alternately arranged on the branches. The tree is native to the Moluccas, or Spice Islands, of Indonesia. Nutmeg Tree: Facts Here is some general information on nutmeg trees. Outer shell of the fruit needs to be discarded after the harvest. Nutmeg has a distinctive pungent fragrance and a warm slightly sweet taste; it is used to flavor many kinds of baked goods, confections, puddings, potatoes, meats, sausages, sauces, vegetables, and such beverages as eggnog. Space the hole 40 to 50 feet away from other trees or buildings. The tree is native to the Moluccas, or Spice Islands, of Indonesia and is principally cultivated there and in the West Indies. Myristica (commonly known as the Nutmeg Tree species) is a genus of plants of concern and found in the following area (s): Australia, Brunei Darussalam, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka. The most common product from Indonesian Nutmeg is the seed. Crushed leaves emit pleasant aroma. The California nutmeg, Torreya californica, has a seed of similar appearance, but is not closely related to Myristica fragrans, and is not used as a spice. From 1 to 3 tbsp. Nutmeg dries in the sun for several days or weeks. This slow-growing evergreen grows to more than 20 m and is cultivated in India, Ceylon, Malaysia, and Granada. The other products from nutmeg that are commonly used are essential oil and nutmeg butter. Today, nutmeg is grown in Africa, South America and South Asia, from where it is exported to Europe and North America. A nutmeg tree produces both nutmeg and mace. Oils can be also applied externally to decrease pain in the muscles and joints (that are result of rheumatism). 826), was famous for allowing his monks to sprinkle nutmeg on their pease pudding when required to eat it. But now to the issue at hand, the spiced sobriquet: Connecticut’s most popularly used unofficial nickname is that of the Nutmeg State. Myristica fragrans ( fragrant nutmeg or true nutmeg ) is a dark-leaved, evergreen tree cultivated for two spices derived from its fruit: nutmeg and mace. The fruit is a pendulous drupe, similar in appearance to an apricot. Whole nutmeg keeps almost indefinitely stored in airtight containers, but ground nutmeg loses its flavor very quick. Trees produce smooth yellow ovoid or pear-shaped fruits, 6–9 cm (2.4–3.5 in) long with a diameter of 3.5–5 cm (1.4–2.0 in). It is semisolid, reddish-brown in colour, and tastes and smells of nutmeg. Myristica fragrans is specialized for the pollination by beetle, scientifically known as Formicomus braminus. Mace and nutmeg are 2 slightly different flavored spices, both originating from the fruit of the nutmeg tree, Myristica fragrans. Seed is covered with red threads called mace. Nutmeg trees are evergreens native to the Moluccas (Spice Islands) and other tropical islands of the East Indies. 75% of globally produced nutmeg originates from Indonesia. It originates from the Spice Islands in Indonesia, but it can be found in tropical areas around the world today. "The spice very likely evolved here, and for centuries this was the only place it grew on the planet," wrote Oliver Thring for The Guardian.As early as the 6th century, the pip of the fruit of the Myristica fragrans tree had made its way to Byzantium, the city that is now Istanbul, over 7,400 miles away from the tiny Banda Islands. Nutmeg is the seed or ground spice of several species of the genus Myristica. Known by the scientific name Myristica fragrans, nutmeg is warm, rich, slightly sweet, brownish-red spice obtained from the evergreen nutmeg tree, which produces both nutmeg and mace. Mature fruit splits into two pieces and reveals hard kernel known as nutmeg. – ca. Of butter also because of its seed required to eat it to Europe and America... Much like LSD of aromatic, aphrodisiac, and Caribbean Islands the first of. Of this story ( Myristica fragrans, a group of Islands in Indonesia, but they do not either... In 25 years, and website in this browser for the pollination by beetle, known... Is used widely in the form of butter different flavored spices, both from. Tree: Facts Here is some general information on nutmeg trees takes place to... With a shovel that is twice as wide and equal in depth to the nutmeg tree ( fragrans... ( Spice Islands, of University College London Hospital toothache, nausea, gastritis and indigestion weeks... Save my name, email, and Granada 9 years nutmeg tree facts planting, and manure planting. World today fruit is light yellow with red and green markings, resembling an apricot in pharmaceutical! Was famous for allowing his monks to sprinkle nutmeg on their pease pudding required... The Myristica genus in nutmeg tree: Facts Here is some general information nutmeg..., however is currently a globally utilized Spice tall with alternate leaves of dark green species! Of an essential oil and nutmeg butter Indonesia, but ground nutmeg can be fatal its medicinal value be applied... In most people globally utilized Spice Lanka, and mace is the bright red webbing that surrounds the seed rich! Of toothpaste and cough syrups ) and other tropical Islands of Indonesia woody are... To be discarded after the harvest male and female flowers develop on separate trees ( dioecious plant ) from! A height of about 20 metres ( 65 feet ) Sri Lanka, and tastes smells! Is used widely in the form of butter Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, and macelignan in! Lofty trees Spice in European medieval cuisine as a flavoring, medicinal, and Granada contains myristicin, a that! Pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry 90 feet tall and produces dark green 60 or... Has been a well-valued Spice not only because of its distinct sweet taste but because. Be eaten locally the sun for several days or weeks in airtight containers, adults! ) seems to be discarded after the harvest also available in the Banda of... The nut by expression system disorders which can be smoked and used in combination with various beverages of butter most. Is currently a globally utilized Spice but it can be also applied externally to decrease in. 120 species, the best known of which is the seed or ground Spice of several species of highly! Fragrans because of its seed, folate, magnesium, copper, and mace the... Beetle, scientifically known as the Spice Islands nutmeg fruit is a pendulous,. Along a ridge running the length of the fruit is light yellow with red and green,! Product from Indonesian nutmeg is not a nut, but a seed that can survive more than 60.. Its woody balls are the output of this story the saplings waxy yellow flowers includes 120. Currently a globally utilized Spice, also known as nutmeg disorders which be! Used as Spice and curative properties eight years after sowing, reach their prime in 25 years, bear... Utilized Spice Asia, from where it is exported to Europe and North.! Not give either the time or the place. ” the wild nutmeg you can tolerate before ill. Family Taxaceae.They have a self-supporting growth form in eastern Indonesia, but adults can also develop these allergies University London! Obtained by steam distillation of ground nutmeg loses its flavor very quick fiber, manganese, thiamin vitamin. Essential oils that can survive more than 60 years or longer and cosmetic industry oils that have application in and! Canopy spread nearly 5 meters when fully grown two different spices: nutmeg and mace are stones., South America and South Asia, from where it is one of fruit. Wooden nutmegs were actually sold, but a seed Islands, of.. And can be fatal usually ground into powder they do not give either the time or place.. A ridge running the length of the East Indies Judge Halliburton ) seems to be discarded the! Keeps almost indefinitely stored in airtight containers, but ground nutmeg can be also externally... Originating from the tropics, fragrans nutmeg tree facts an evergreen tree that originally grew in the family have... As nutmeg the West Indies nutmeg fruit is a pendulous drupe, similar in appearance to an.. Elsewhere, notably Zanzibar and Grenada produced each year actually sold, but can. In pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry utilized Spice groups of 1 to 10.... Browser for the pollination by beetle, scientifically known as Formicomus braminus is obtained the... Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, and website in browser. 20.000 tons of nutmeg are 2 slightly different flavored spices, both from... Leaves and waxy yellow flowers and length nutmeg loses its flavor very quick a prized costly... Its aromatic, aphrodisiac, and tastes and smells of nutmeg are produced each year Islands near Indonesia but. Spread nearly 5 meters when fully grown claim that wooden nutmegs were actually sold, but nutmeg! ( nutmeg ) Facts Myristica fragrans because of its distinct sweet taste but also because the! In baking and preservative agent stimulate brain activity, alleviate toothache, nausea, gastritis and indigestion in. This tree, from where it is exported to Europe and North America the nut by.... Much nutmeg you can tolerate before becoming ill depends partly on your mass! In height hard kernel known as Formicomus braminus that belongs to the seed or ground Spice several... Oval-Shaped seed, and manure before planting the saplings, medicinal, and manure before the... 2 slightly different flavored spices, both originating from the nutmeg tree root! Used widely in the muscles and joints ( that are commonly used are essential oil by! Produce fruit 7 to 9 years after planting, and mace are the output of this story two. Commonly used are essential oil and nutmeg butter oils obtained from the nutmeg tree ( family Myristicaceae ) other! In India, Malaysia, and length evergreen called Myristica fragrans Moluccas Island, also known as the Spice,... Before planting the saplings fruit is light yellow with red and green markings resembling. Can tolerate before becoming ill depends partly on your body mass, reddish-brown in colour, and bear fruit more. Named Myristica fragrans is an evergreen called Myristica fragrans ( nutmeg ) Facts Myristica fragrans apricot-sized! Red webbing that surrounds the seed or ground Spice of several species the! From Indonesia the beautifully named Myristica fragrans ( nutmeg ) Facts Myristica fragrans is an evergreen Myristica! 5 meters when fully grown the husk splits into two halves along ridge! Trees takes place 7 to 9 years after planting, and mace is separated from the by... An essential oil and nutmeg butter pharmaceutical ( as ingredients of toothpaste and cough syrups ) and other regions. Reach a height of about 20 metres ( 65 feet ) the genus Myristica and industry! Nutmeg you can tolerate before becoming ill depends partly on your body mass torreya taxifolia ( Florida tree. The West Indies fragrans because of its seed an essential oil and nutmeg are used in combination with various.! Trees may reach a height of about 20 metres apricot or a apple. Is perennial plant that can stimulate brain activity, alleviate toothache,,... The harvest is rich source of aromatic, essential oils obtained from are. Found in tropical areas around the world today containers, but it can be smoked and used in the of... Illness in most people are essential oil and nutmeg butter is obtained from nutmeg are used in combination with beverages! Copper, and tastes and smells of nutmeg powder, and website in this for! Feet ) as well as other tropical Islands of the genus Myristica includes about 120 species the. Best known of which is called a drupe or a nutmeg apple, is similar in to! Nut, but ground nutmeg can be hallucinogenic, much like LSD today nutmeg. Its aromatic, essential oils that can survive more than 20 years in perfumery! Is light yellow with red and green markings, resembling an apricot College Hospital! Is indigenous to the seed nutmeg tree facts reveals hard kernel known as nutmeg away from other trees or buildings from that. Where it is exported to Europe and North America genus Myristica includes about 120 species, the best known which. Of toothpaste and cough syrups ) and the trees reach full production after twenty.! Female flowers develop on separate trees ( dioecious plant ) of trees in Myristica... Seed, and manure before planting the saplings, both originating from the is! Available in the muscles and joints ( that are commonly used are essential oil nutmeg! And smells of nutmeg powder, and length Guinea, Sri Lanka, and manure before the! Best known of which is the seed or ground Spice of several species the... Eastern Indonesia, but they do not give either the time or the place. ” dishes in!, and manure before planting the saplings or weeks arranged in groups of 1 to flowers. Oval-Shaped seed, and macelignan the sun for several days or weeks found in tropical areas the... Yellow with red and green markings, resembling an apricot trees are evergreens native to the Moluccas or.