Nutmeg
published: Thursday | March 2, 2006

NUTMEG is a spice consisting of the seed of the myristica fragrans, a tropical evergreen tree native to the Moluccas or Spice Islands of Indonesia. Nutmeg has a characteristic, pleasant fragrance and slightly warm taste; it is the actual seed of the tree, roughly egg-shaped and about 20-30 mm long and 15-18 mm wide, while mace is the dried 'lacy' reddish covering or arillus of the seed.

It is used to flavour many kinds of baked goods, confections, puddings, meats, sausages, sauces, vegetables, and such beverages as eggnog. Grated nutmeg has been used as a sachet; the Romans used it as incense. In Jamaica, nutmeg is popular in porridges especially cornmeal porridge. Usually after the porridge is boiled then as a garnish, nutmeg is grated on the top that gives off an appealing flavour. It is also a favourite in a popular Jamaican men's drink called 'strong back' (a mixture of dragon stout with Supligen, nutmeg, peanuts milk and other spices).