Nutmeg

Nutmeg

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Nutmeg is a seed which can be ground into a powdery form. The seed comes from a fruit from the Myristica tree. The interesting thing about nutmeg is there is a red covering found on the seed which is known as mace, another spice.


Origin: Nutmeg trees are grown in tropical climates - The Spice Islands in Indonesia, the Caribbean island of Grenada and Kerala, India which is well known for its spice trade. 

Recipes: Nutmeg is a warm, aromatic spice with many uses. 

It can be used to spice up baked goods such as carrot cake loaf. 

In Indonesia, nutmeg is used in many traditional dishes such as the Soto Ayam, a warm soup.


In other cuisines, nutmeg is used to flavor meats, vegetables and drinks.

In European and Dutch cuisine, nutmeg is used to add spice to vegetables such as brussel sprouts, cauliflower and string beans. Delish lists sweet and savory recipes using nutmeg.

Nutmeg is well-known spice sprinkled on egg nog, mulled wine and cider and also a great spice used in cocktails! Now we're talking or should I say drinking.

Nutmeg can be used in cocktails such as Brandy Alexander.

In Caribbean Islands such as Grenada, nutmeg is used in traditional mixed drinks as rum punch or Painkiller. Lol – having one of these in your hand will surely take the pain away!

For the freshest flavor, you can grate your own nutmeg nut. There’s even a nifty nutmeg spice grater.


Cures:
Nutmeg is rich in potassium, calcium, iron and manganese to help improve your immune system. It is also known to help relieve constipation, bloating, gas or diarrhea.

Nutmeg contains many essential volatile oils such as myristicin, elemicin, eugenol and safrole. According to the book DK Healing Foods, "Its (nutmeg) volatile oils have anti-inflammatory properties that make it useful for treating joint and muscle pain." Just a few drops of the essential oil on the affected area can treat inflammation, swelling, joint pain, muscle pain and sores.

Nutmeg’s warm flavor has a calming effect. A sprinkle of nutmeg in warm milk can help you relax and enjoy sweet night’s rest.

Beauty Secrets:
Nutmeg has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties to help remove blackheads, treat acne and clogged pores. It can be used as a scrub in oatmeal for fresh clean skin. How lovely to find these uses in your spice cabinet.

Nutmeg has to be taken in small doses because larger doses can cause nausea, hallucination and palpitations. In some countries, it is often smoked for these intoxicating effects.

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