Nutmeg
| Type | Seed and ground spice |
|---|---|
Nutmeg is the seed, or the ground spice derived from the seed, of several tree species of the genus Myristica;[1] fragrant nutmeg or true nutmeg (M. fragrans) is a dark-leaved evergreen tree cultivated for two spices derived from its fruit: nutmeg, from its seed, and mace, from the seed covering. It is also a commercial source of nutmeg essential oil and nutmeg butter. Maluku's Banda Islands are the main producer of nutmeg and mace, and the true nutmeg tree is native to the islands.[2][3]
Nutmeg and mace, commonly used as food spices, have been traditionally employed for their psychoactive and aphrodisiac effects, though clinical evidence is lacking.[4] High doses can cause serious toxic effects including acute psychosis, with risks heightened during pregnancy and with psychiatric conditions.[4]
Conifers of the genus Torreya, commonly known as the nutmeg yews, have edible seeds of similar appearance, but are not closely related to M. fragrans, and are not used as a spice.
- ^ "Nutmeg and derivatives (Review)". Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. September 1994. Archived from the original on 30 October 2018. Retrieved 29 October 2018.
- ^ Monk, Kathryn; De Fretes, Yance; Reksodiharjo-Lilley, Gayatri (2012). Ecology of Nusa Tenggara and Maluka. Vol. 4. New York: Tuttle Pub. p. 10:3 (Changes in Agriculture). ISBN 9781462905065. OCLC 795120066.
The islands of Lontor, Banda Neira and Ai have supported extensive nutmeg and kenari (Canarium indicum) plantations since the 1600s.
- ^ Zumbroich, Thomas J. (2005). "The Introduction of Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) and Cinnamon (Cinnamomumverum J. Presl)) to America / La introducción de la nuez moscada (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) y de la canela (Cinnamomum verum J.S. Presl) en América". Acta Botanica Venezuelica. 28 (1): 156.
- ^ a b "Nutmeg". Drugs.com. 2009. Archived from the original on 2020-12-16. Retrieved 2017-05-04.