Myristica fragran is a plant species that belongs to the Myristicaceae family of the plant kingdom. The fruits of the Myristica fragran is used to obtain two different species called nutmeg and mace. Myristica fragran is the only plant which produces two other spices from the same fruit of plant. Two separate parts of the fruit are taken separately to produce the spices. Fruit of the Myristica fragran plant contains a hard pit and a lacy reddish membrane. The hard pit of the fruit is taken as the nutmeg while the lacy membrane is taken as the mace. The lacy reddish membrane is the covering that surrounds the hard pit of the fruit.
Myristica fragran is a plant species native to the Moluccas, which is located in the east of Indonesia. This plant is considered an evergreen spice where the spices can be obtained throughout the year. For many years nutmeg and mace have been regarded as expensive spices due to their numerous benefits. The fruits of the nutmeg plant are fleshier, and the ridges are longitudinal. When the nutmeg fruit is ripe, the color changes to yellow, and the surrounding pericarp will burst into two spices while exposing the seed to the outside. These seeds are surrounded by red- colored aril.
The mace always provide a fruity flavor than that of nutmeg, and mace is usually used in flavoring many recipes. Besides that, mace contains essential oils, giving its unique taste and aroma.
Since ancient times, nutmeg has become the most expensive spice globally. There is evidence that the Roman culture priests used nutmeg as incense. Besides that, mainly nutmeg has been used as a flavoring agent, preservative, and home medication.
Until the 19th century, nutmeg was mainly cultivated only within the Spice Islands within Indonesia. This region was served as a clove destination too. The high demand for spices creates a bloody war between the Asian spice traders and the colonial powers. As a result, nutmeg and mace were introduced to Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Malaysia. There is evidence to prove that the nutmeg was introduced before the nutmeg introduction by the merchants who traveled to Sri Lanka along the Silk Road.
Nutmeg grows prosperously in the wet zone. Therefore it is cultivated around the central region, including Kandy, Matale, and Kegalle districts. The cultivation of nutmeg in Srilanka has dominated around 2788hectares. 80% of the total nutmeg cultivation can be found within the Kandy district. Same as the unique features of Ceylon tea and other Ceylon spices, the nutmeg also contains a unique chemical composition to provide its specificity. This unique composition provides its flavor and spicy nature.
5% of the global nutmeg demand will be covered by Ceylon nutmeg. We mainly export Ceylon nutmeg to India, the USA, Pakistan, and Germany. Mace is the next spice derived from the same plant, covering around 7% of the global demand.
Although the nutmeg is naturally available as whole fruit, the majority use the grounded form of nutmeg and mace. Other than that, essential oil are extracted from steam distillation. Different nutmeg forms have many different usages in several industries, such as the pharmaceutical industry, perfume industry, and food/beverage industry.
The powdered form of nutmeg and mace is primarily used as a flavoring agent in the bakery and beverage industries. More than nutmeg, mace is composed of a sweet-spicy taste, and the chief usage of mace is to add flavor to foods, coffee, and tea.
Essentials oils from nutmeg are also used in the manufacturing of cola drinks. Other than that, nutmeg is famous in the toothpaste industry, cough syrup production, and aromatherapy. Nutmeg and mace are two medications widely used within Ayurveda medicine for many years. Butter produced by the nut is yellowish in color and semisolid in nature. Nutmeg butter is used primarily used in the cosmetic industry, and they treat skin rashes and irritations. As a result, many soap and cream manufacturing agents use extracted oils to manufacture their skincare products.
The antifungal, antidepressant properties of the nutmeg and mace are utilized to get medicinal benefits. The carminative properties of the nutmeg are used in treating digestive issues. Other than that, these products are rich in nutritious ingredients that can provide essential vitamins and minerals to the body. The antioxidant properties of the nutmeg can be used in removing the collected free radicals. The use of antioxidants regularly can reduce the risk of getting chronic diseases.
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