Nutmeg
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) is a spice derived from the seed of an evergreen tree. Closely related to mace, it has a warm, aromatic flavor used in both sweet and savory dishes.
- Also Known As: Jaiphal (Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi, Punjabi), Jathikka (Malayalam), Jathikai (Tamil), Jajikai (Telugu), Zaaphal (Kashmiri), Jaiphala (Oriya), Jaiphal (Urdu), Jatiphala (Sanskrit)
- Foreign Names: Jouza at-Teeb (Arabic), Dou kou shu (Chinese), Nootmuskaat (Dutch), Muscade (French), Muskatnu (German), Moschokarido (Greek), Pala (Indonesia), Noce moscata (Italian), Moscada (Spanish)
Ideal for use in sweet and savory dishes, baked goods, confectioneries, sauces, and beverages.
Description
Nutmeg and Mace are two distinct spices produced from the fruit of an evergreen tree typically 9–12 meters high. Nutmeg is the dried seed kernel of the fruit, while mace is the dried reticulated aril covering the seed. The trees are usually unisexual, with male flowers in clusters and female flowers often solitary. The fruit is spherical, pale yellow, and bursts open when mature, exposing the bright red mace that covers the shiny black seed called nutmeg.
Origin & Distribution
The nutmeg tree is indigenous to the Moluccas, with major cultivation in Indonesia and Granada. Smaller-scale cultivation occurs in Sri Lanka, India, China, Malaysia, Zanzibar, Mauritius, and the Solomon Islands. Nutmeg thrives in warm, humid climates from sea level up to 600 m MSL, on well-drained soils ranging from sandy to clayey loams and red laterite soils. An annual rainfall of 250 cm is ideal.
Uses
Both nutmeg and mace are widely used as condiments, especially in sweet dishes. Ground nutmeg is commonly used in the food processing industry and as a standard seasoning in many Dutch dishes. Nutmeg oleoresin is used in meat products, soups, sauces, baked foods, confectioneries, puddings, and vegetable dishes. The fleshy outer cover of the fruit can be crystallized, pickled, or made into jellies. Mace is used in savory dishes. Nutmeg is also valued for its stimulant, carminative, astringent, and aphrodisiac properties. Excessive doses can have a narcotic effect. Nutmeg oil is used in cosmetics and toiletries.
Indian Names
Hindi: Jaiphal
Bengali: Jaiphal
Gujarati: Jaiphal
Kannada: Jayikai
Kashmiri: Zaaphal
Malayalam: Jathikka
Marathi: Jaiphal
Oriya: Jaiphala
Punjabi: Jaiphal
Sanskrit: Jatiphala
Tamil: Jathikai
Telugu: Jajikai
Urdu: Jaiphal
Foreign Names
Arabic: Jouza at-Teeb
Chinese: Dou kou shu
Dutch: Nootmuskaat
French: Muscade
German: Muskatnu
Greek: Moschokarido
Indonesia: Pala
Italian: Noce moscata
Spanish: Moscada
