Nutmeg
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) has been reported that the plants have been introduced into Sri Lanka in the beginning of nineteenth century. The nutmeg seed is egg-shaped, about the size of a small walnut, and covered in a lacy red covering called mace, which is another spice.
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What Is Nutmeg?
Nutmeg is actually the hard inner seed found inside the tropical fruit of a nutmeg tree, and it has one of the most unique and recognizable flavours of all spices. The seeds are light brown on the outside, oblong-shaped, and about an inch long. Inside, there are densely packed layers of starchy tissue and fragrant oil. It is warm and woody with hints of pine and clove, very similar to mace, which is part of the same fruit.
Nutmeg Plant and Cultivation
Deep, well drained, loam and sandy clay loam soils rich in organic matter are preferable. Soils with high water-table or liable to water logging are unsuitable. The seedlings are field planted at the beginning of the rainy season. In Nutmeg, there are separate male and female trees but the sex of the trees can be identified only after flowering. In general, about 50% of seedlings will be males. Therefore, the initial spacing may be about 6 m x 6 m and after flowering, they may be thinned out. Male trees do not fruit but are essential for pollination, for which 1 male to 10 female trees is adequate. Plant requires well distributed rainfall of 1,500-2,500 mm. In areas with a pronounced dry spell or sandy soils, the annual rainfall should be higher. The annual average temperature should be 20-30°C without much seasonal or diurnal variation. Persistent strong winds are harmful for the growth of plant. Sheltered valleys and leeward slopes are suitable for cultivate nutmeg. Plant can be grown at elevation up to about 600m in the wet zone. Shade is essential during the first 2-3 years of growth. Thereafter full exposure to sunlight is beneficial.
Nutmeg Description
Nutmeg plant is a spreading evergreen tree reaches up to 15-20 m height. The leaves are alternate, dark green, pinnatinerved. Flowers are generally unisexual and dioecious. However, bisexual flowers of varying sexual composition can also be found. Occasional trees with male and female flowers are also seen in the plantations. Fruits are fleshy drupes, broadly pyriform, drooping with a circumferential longitudinal ridge. Fruit colour turns into yellow during the ripening and the pericarp splits into 2 halves exposing purplish-brown, shiny seed surrounded by a net like red aril. Nutmeg tree yield two spices, nutmeg, which is the kernel of the seed and mace, which is the net-like crimson colored leathery out growth (aril) covering the shell of the seed.
Uses of Nutmeg
Nutmeg is used in both Western and Chinese herbal medicine. It is most popular as a spice in food and drinks, and is also used in cosmetics and soaps. Nutmeg oil is used in perfumes and ointments. In ancient Greece and Rome, where nutmeg was rare and expensive, people thought it stimulated the brain.
Health Benefits of Nutmeg
1 – Appetite & Digestion – For people suffering from a lack of appetite, nutmeg may help. It can also relieve gastrointestinal distress such as bloating by removing excess gas from the body.
2 – Leukemia – This same active ingredient, methanolic, it may also fight against certain leukemia cells.
3 – Liver & Kidneys – It’s believed by some that nutmeg removes toxins that can build up in both areas, which occurs in both organs. Furthermore, nutmeg can help remove stubborn kidney stones, allowing you to pass them naturally.
4 – Brain Health – Nutmeg can be taken to stimulate the brain and to ward off stress and lack of energy. Nutmeg ingredient myristicin can also be effective against Alzheimer’s and other memory-related conditions.
5 – Pain & Inflammation – The Chinese commonly included nutmeg in medicine for patients who were suffering from pain or inflammation. Nutmeg is currently used for a variety of pain, from general aches to arthritis. Some practitioners use the essential oil for rubbing on joints or other parts of the body that are experiencing pain.
6 – For Healthy And Glowing Skin – You can get a healthy and smooth skin with the use of nutmeg. The oil extract of nutmeg is used for making lotions, scrubs and cream. It is an ideal ingredient to enhance the facial beauty.
7 – Removes And Heals Acne – You can make home-made natural scrubs using powdered orange lentil and nutmeg. These scrubs work amazingly when it comes to removing blackheads.
8 – Anti oxidant properties – Nutmegs have antioxidants that are very useful in smooth functioning of the body. Nutmegs provide antioxidants, which prevent free radical formation, capable of triggering unwanted reactions in the body. These reactions may lead to many serious compound formations and may even turn out to be cancerous.
9 – For Shiny And Healthy Hair – Nutmeg oil can be used for hair care. It helps in quick hair growth and adds a lustrous shine. This essential oil is used in various hair products and has numerous advantages.
10 – Reduces Hair Fall – Nutmeg works effectively to tone your hair. It also increases blood circulation in the scalp and helps hair growth. Keeping the hair shiny and silky, it adds volume to the hair.