Nutmeg, (Myristica fragrans), tropical evergreen tree (family Myristicaceae) and the spice made of its seed. 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. The fleshy arils surrounding the nutmeg seed are the source of the spice mace.

The tree on which this fruit is grown can get up to 70 feet tall and as wide as 25 feet at maturity. Trees can be grown from seed or the more common practice is to reproduce by graft. To grow from seed, planting must be done shortly after harvesting because they have very low viability.

Strangely enough, these seeds take a long time to germinate, sometimes upwards of 5 weeks. Most trees will not begin to flower until they are at least 8 years old at, which time it will be determined if it is a male or female tree. This is the main reason why grafted trees are preferred because 8 years is long time to wait to find out if you have a tree that will bear fruit. rees that are grafted from a female tree will start producing in 3 years and will reach maximum production in 15 to 25 years. What is great about this tree is that it will continue producing for nearly 50 years so you can see that nutmeg production is a very long term investment but luckily maintenance is very low once the trees are established.

Benefits of Nutmeg and Mace

• Contains powerful antioxidants
• Has anti-inflammatory properties
• May boost libido
• Has antibacterial properties
• May benefit heart health.
• May boost libido
• Could boost mood.
• May improve blood sugar control.

Precautions

Though nutmeg is unlikely to cause harm when consumed in small quantities, taking it in high doses may cause adverse side effects. It contains the compounds myristicin and safrole. When ingested in large amounts, they can cause symptoms like hallucinations and loss of muscle coordination. Interestingly, nutmeg is sometimes taken recreationally to induce hallucinations and cause a “high” feeling. It’s often mixed with other hallucinogenic drugs, which increases the risk of dangerous side effects

Conclusion

Nutmeg is a spice found in many kitchens worldwide. Its warm, nutty flavor pairs well with many foods, making it a popular ingredient in sweet and savory dishes alike. Aside from its many culinary uses, nutmeg contains powerful anti-inflammatory plant compounds that act as antioxidants. These may improve mood, blood sugar control, and heart health, though more research is needed on these effects in humans. Be careful to enjoy this warming spice in small amounts, as large doses can cause serious side effects.