Nutmeg comes from the seed of the Myristica fragrans tree. Indonesia produces the majority of the worlds nutmeg. The spice flavors many dishes, both savory and sweet, in cuisine across the globe.
It is sold either ground or in whole seeds. Â Both nutmeg butter and nutmeg essential oil are also widely available. Â
In addition to being delicious, nutmeg offers many health benefits. However, you should never consume more than is ordinarily used in food preparation. In large quantities, nutmeg can induce hallucinations. It is highly toxic and can even be fatal.
Nutmeg is a rich source of antioxidants, which help protect against the signs of aging and serious conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and liver disease.
Nutmeg oil is used in several dental products. The spice has antibacterial properties that have proven particularly effective against oral pathogens that cause disease and bad breath.
One study found that nutmeg acted as a potential antidepressant in male rats, and the spice has been used for its invigorating properties in folk medicine.
A little nutmeg has been shown to aid sleep, both in duration and quality. However, higher quality, human studies are needed to validate this effect.
Nutmeg is rich in fiber, which helps keep the digestive system healthy and prevent blood sugar from spiking.
Nutmeg is safe in small amounts. However, as little as 2 teaspoons or 5 grams can cause some symptoms of toxicity. At larger amounts, symptoms become worse and serious complications or death can occur.Â
Cases of nutmeg poisoning generally involve either people who try to use the spice as a recreational hallucinogenic or young children who take it unaware.
The spice nutmeg has a distinctive pungent fragrance and a warm slightly sweet taste; it is used to flavour many kinds of baked goods, confections, puddings, potatoes, meats, sausages, sauces, vegetables, and such beverages as eggnog.
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How to Use Nutmeg
Whole nutmeg can be freshly ground and added to dishes with a microplane or grater, but the spice is also available already ground.Â
Nutmeg is a common ingredient in many cuisines, including European and Indian. There are many ways to add nutmeg to your diet, including:
- Add it to coffee, hot chocolate, tea, or warm milk
- Use it to season vegetables such as cauliflower and sweet potato
- Sprinkle over oatmeal or other breakfast cereals
- Sprinkle over fruit for an added kick
- Bake with it. Nutmeg is a key ingredient in many baked goods
- Add to seasonal beverages such as eggnog, mulled cider, and mulled wine
- Use it in fall dishes, such as ones that feature pumpkin or other winter squashes
- Try cooking dishes from Southern and Southeastern Asia or visit a new restaurant that offers the cuisine. The spice comes from Indonesia, and it features prominently in the food from this part of the world
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FAQ
What are common uses for nutmeg?
Is nutmeg used in sweets?
What common foods contain nutmeg?
What products are made from nutmeg?
What is nutmeg used for?
Nutmeg is not just used as a culinary spice. In Ayurvedic and Iranian medicinal practices, it is administered as an astringent, digestive aid, and to help with insomnia. Monodora myristica is also known as Ehuru, Calabash, or African nutmeg and was once considered to be a substitute for Indonesian nutmeg.
How can one best ingest the medical benefits of nutmeg?
One of the biggest medical effects of nutmeg is that it prevents cellular damage. Therefore, it is a protector for chronic disease and heart health.
Can nutmeg be used as a spice?
Two other species of genus Myristica with different flavors, M. malabarica and M. argentea, are sometimes used to adulterate nutmeg as a spice. Mace is the spice made from the reddish seed covering ( aril) of the nutmeg seed.
What is a nutmeg sachet used for?
The fleshy arils surrounding the nutmeg seed are the source of the spice mace. Glasses of Christmas eggnog surrounded by some of the drink’s ingredients—eggs, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Historically, grated nutmeg was used as a sachet, and the Romans used it as incense.