Ground nutmeg 100g

Ground nutmeg 100g

Talisman with a fiery, spicy flavor

Nutmeg has something magical about it. As a spice, ground nutmeg or mace goes well with potatoes, vegetables, and much more, but nutmegs are also visually striking. They are still considered talismans today. Origin: Nutmegs were already known in antiquity. However, whether they were used as a spice back then is doubtful. It is likely that nutmegs were primarily used in cultic rituals.

Nutmeg, which grows on gigantic trees, likely originated in the Indonesian spice islands, the Moluccas. However, nutmeg also thrives in New Guinea, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Brazil.

Characteristics and cultivation

Nutmeg grows on trees. In the wild, these trees can reach up to 15 meters in height. Cultivated trees are kept at around six meters to facilitate harvesting. Nutmeg cultivation is a lengthy process, as the trees only begin to produce nuts after eight years. Nutmegs, however, are not the fruit itself, but rather the kernels of the fruit. The fruit resembles an apricot. After nine months of ripening, the fruit splits open, releasing the kernel. Harvesting nutmeg is extremely labor-intensive. The pulp must be removed, followed by the removal of the red aril, the mace (nutmeg flower), and finally, the nutmegs must be dried.

Aroma and Use

Nutmegs are characterized by a fiery, spicy flavor.

Traditionally, nutmeg is used in potato dishes, vegetable stews, but also in sauces, fish, and meat. For this purpose, nutmeg is ground.

Medicine

Nutmeg has long been attributed with magical properties. It is worn as an amulet around the neck or used as a talisman. It is believed to protect against ulcers. Folklore also claims that nutmeg helps with boils. In fact, mace has a positive effect on the entire stomach and digestive system and helps with flatulence.

However, nutmeg can have hallucinogenic effects in doses of more than 5 grams per meal (per person).

Tip

Nutmeg is a spice that should be used sparingly. If too much is used, it can impart a slightly soapy taste. As a general rule, nutmeg should only be added shortly before the end of the cooking time, as heat causes a loss of aroma.

Mace (nutmeg flower) can be used as a substitute for nutmeg as a spice. It has a slightly more delicate flavor.