Nutmeg Spice
You might have been using nutmeg spice to add flavor to some of your recipes, but are you aware of its health benefits and side effects? Read on to know more about nutmeg spice.
Do you add nutmeg spice to add flavor to your recipes? We get the nutmeg spice from the seed kernel from the hard egg-shaped seed of the evergreen nutmeg tree. The scientific name for the most common type of nutmeg tree is Myristica fragrans. The nutmeg tree is native to Banda Island. The tree is mostly found in Indonesia. The fruit of the nutmeg tree is sour, therefore, it is not used in the recipes. It is from the seed kernel that both nutmeg and mace are procured. Nutmeg is the seed of the fruit and mace is the dark orange lacy covering that encloses the nutmeg. Read more on Thai herbs and spices.
History of Nutmeg Spice
The nutmeg spice has had a long and exotic history. It was known for its culinary and curative powers for a long time. During the middle ages the Banda Islands were the only source for the nutmeg. The trade in the nutmeg was entirely dominated by the Arabs who sold it to the Europeans at exorbitant rates. The Arabs then, never revealed that the Banda Islands were the source of the world’s nutmeg supply. However during the 15th century, the Portuguese discovered this source of supply. It was a root cause of the so-called “Clash for Spices” between the Dutch and the British during the 17th century. As of today, around 12,000 tons of the nutmeg is produced in a variety of locations from Grenada to Indonesia, to Sri Lanka to India. The USA, European Union and Japan are major buyers of the nutmeg.
Nutmeg Spice in Cooking Nutmeg spice is a popular ingredient for cooking and is used in a variety of dishes throughout the world. Nutmeg is often described as having a warm, spicy and sweet flavor akin to a mixture of black pepper and cinnamon. In Malaysia, it is a preferred ingredient to create the Ais Kacang (a pickle) and the Lau Hang Peng which is a form of iced tea containing nutmeg. In the Mediterranean and the Middle East, the nutmeg spice is used in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies. The Dutch add the nutmeg spice to a variety of vegetables like brussel sprouts, cauliflower and string beans. Germans use the nutmeg spice in their meats, potato and baked dishes besides soups and sauces. The French use the nutmeg in their omelets, souffles and a variety of cheese based sauces. Black pepper is often substituted by nutmeg spice to give a stronger and richer essence to sausage mixtures, curries, stews, lamb, chicken and veal. In the Caribbean, it is a popular topping on a variety of exotic drinks like the “Bushwacker,’ the “Painkiller” and the ever popular “Barbados Punch Rum.’ A number of tea bars have also popularized the nutmeg spice by way of its inclusion in the spiced tea. Spiced Tea is believed to be not only refreshing but also a healthy alternative with its blend of rejuvenating spices. Nutmeg spice is a popular ingredient in desserts. Read more on nutmeg substitute
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How to Store Nutmeg
Nutmeg has a strong fragrance along with a slight tangy flavor. If you want the savory flavor of nutmeg, add it once you have finished cooking. Nutmeg spice is added to baked goods like pies and muffins, custard, white sauces, eggnog and several other recipes. As far as storing nutmeg is concerned, you need to know that once grated, nutmeg loses its flavor quickly, so it is advisable to buy whole nutmeg and store it in an airtight container in a cool dark area, away from sunlight.
Nutmeg Spice Health Benefits There is more to the nutmeg spice than it’s sweet and spicy flavor. Nutmeg spice health benefits are many, so if you have been adding it to your recipes, that will surely help you in getting rid of several health problems. A small dosage of the nutmeg oil could also be taken to get relief from flatulence, diarrhea and indigestion. Nutmeg also releases seratonin which will make you feel relaxed and give relief from stress. It is also known for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Though the health benefits are many, but that doesn’t justify taking it in huge amounts. So, avoid its overuse and use it in moderation. Don’t ever take more than two tablespoons, you might start hallucinating. Nutmeg spice contains myristicin and an overdose might cause dangerous side effects like hallucinations and delusions. An overdose of nutmeg can be very harmful for pregnant women. In case you suffer from food allergies
, you need to take care. In case you have a nutmeg spice allergy, make sure you avoid it completely. It does make your food savory but why invite trouble if you are allergic to it. You could use nutmeg spice substitutes to add flavor to your food. Read more on
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Now you know about health benefits and side effects of nutmeg. So, use sweet and spicy nutmeg to add flavor to your food, but use it in moderation. Eat healthy food and take care!
