Nutmeg (Myristica Fragrans)

The Nutmeg Tree is an evergreen aromatic which usually grows up to a height of 15-20 meters. Nutmeg and mace are two distinctly different spices produced from the same tree- the nutmeg being the actual interior nut, while mace is the red lacy covering beneath the outer shell. Although it is now cultivated throughout most of the south Indian states, the tree is a native of Moluccas, an island in the Indonesian archipelago. It thrives in hot and moist climates at low elevations.

Nutmeg and mace are generally classified as baking spices, since both are particularly good in sweet foods.  Nonetheless they are frequently used in soups, preserves, sauces and other savory dishes, often in combinations with dairy products.

In Ayurvedic medicine mace and nutmeg are used due to their valuable medicinal properties and are used in pharmaceutical preparations for dysentery, stomachache, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, malaria, reumatism and leprosy.