I come to expect that if I look pretty enough, every fruit, plant, herb and edible thing of the earth is in some way going to fascinate me, even shock me. Knowing these things gives me a deep appreciation for the rich culinary treasures we enjoy. Come please, explore with me the rugged facts of the lovely and coveted aromatic spice, nutmeg .
A Heated History
There are several species of nutmeg trees, but the most widely known and harvested is Myristica Fragrans. This evergreen tree is native to Run, a tiny island in the Bandas , also called the Spice Islands in the Molucca Province of Indonesia. During the Middle Ages, Run was the exclusive source of nutmeg, and the Arabs were the sole proprietors. They already knew of its value not only for flavor, but it & # 39; s powerful healing components. So, they kept their source secret and sold nutmeg to the Venetians at a scandalous price.
Thereafter, the Portuguese offered their own valuables as trade with the Bandanese for nutmegs.
Less friendly relations ensued when the Dutch followed the Portuguese. They traded poor items for the rich spice, and then tricked the rulers ( orang kaya , lit., "rich men") into signing a treaty that "the eternal" monopoly on nutmegs. The Bandanese were not so easily forced. One fateful day they summoned the Dutch General and 40 of his "a meeting" and then killed them.
The Bandanese were massacred, the survivors enslaved. The British Futura for Control. The Brits stand their their ground in in I 'll spare most of the grueling details that ensued as the Dutch used extreme force to gain control. Run until a very famous deal was stuck.
England wanted New Amsterdam, aka Manhattan, which belonged to Holland. Holland wanted all of the nutmeg trade, with their eyes fixed on Run. Therefore, in the 17th century, Manhattan, NY traded for a spice and the Dutch gained full control of Run & # 39; s fruit.
That they transplanted the great nutmeg evergreens. Today Grenada is also called the Isle of Spice. s one largest exporters of nutmeg. The fruit has become so important to the nation & # 39; s depicted on their flag.
Classification
The nutmeg fruit is a drupe along with its sisters the coconut, peach, almond and olive, and mangoes, cherries and apricots, too. Drupes are also called "stone fruit" because of center, beyond the peel ( exocarp ) and the edible flesh ( mesocarp The bright strips hugging the seed is another another spice called mace. The two are called twin spices since their flavors, fragrances and chemical properties have only subtle differences.
The effects upon nursing babies are unclear. Nursing mothers are urged to avoid risk and consume (WARNING: Pregnant or breastfeeding women SHOULD NOT exceed the small amounts of nutmeg found in food without consultation from a qualified health professional. nutmeg minimally or as recommended by a qualified health professional.
Overdose can result in vomiting, heart palpitations, hallucination, delerium and death.
TREATMENT TYPES
Nutmeg is administrated as a powder or oil; and pill, tablet or capsule. Common medical treatments involve the former two. Chinese medicine often uses powder, pills or capsules. and fill with oil or powder according to their recommended dose.
Powder
Egypt cooked or sprinkled in food. When cooking, add only in the final throes to preserve nutrient value and flavor .
Oil
It's a safe ("the GRAS list"). Essential oil of nutmeg is on that list, but be careful. It & # 39; s potent. A tiny amount, even one drop, can flavor Consuming with a qualified professional. Use as directed. a total pot of soup or batch of cookies.
USES
Oral Health & Hygiene:
Nutmeg is antibacterial and antimicrobial. For bad breath, apply the oil to gums or ingest with a teaspoon of honey.
It's a powerful analgesic. The oil contains eugenol, commonly used as a dental treatment to treat toothaches. Apply a drop of the oil the gums surrounding the aching tooth.
Digestive Aid:
For a safe start, add up to 1 tsp of the powder, growing by by treat a diarrhea, gas, nausea, indigestion, hiccups and to increase appetite. t tsp. increments according to taste or desired potency. Enjoy in juice, sprinkle on food, or ingest with a carrier of your choice such as honey or maple syrup. OR, add a couple drops of the oil to your choice of carrier. It 's best not to ingest or apply nutmeg oil alone.
Mild Sedative / Sleep Aid:
If you tend to have trouble sleeping, studies show that exposure to computers late in the day can actually keep our motors artificially revved. Turn off the device, enjoy a warm cup of nutmeg creme, and think good thoughts.
Skincare:
To treat eczema, make a paste of nutmeg and some water. Apply gently.
Nutmeg has fantastic anti-inflammatory powers. Useful honey-cinnamon-nutmeg combo. The best way to start is to try spot treatments. of the bee poop.
Tinning is normal. Leaving on for 30 minutes. Rinse gently with warm water as you would any exfoliator. Can be done once or at most twice per week.
Muscular Pain & Rheumatoid Arthritis:
There is a calender and anti-inflammatory, lending itself well to soothe joints joints, sore muscles, pain of arthritis and even gout. There is too much problematic (I like sweet almond oil) to make your massage oil. There Be careful. Overdoing it can cause stinging on sensitive skin. Warm slightly if you are wonderful if you have a coup of sweet almond oil with a few drops of nutmeg. like and rub luxuriously over painful areas.
Chest Cold Remedy:
Add a egg white to make the "plaster," wrap with a fleece or cotton cloth and apply to chest.
INTERESTING FACT!
Memory & Alzheimer & # 39; s Disease:
Modern researchers discovered that an enzyme inhibitor known as myristicin, found in nutmeg, has been shown to decrease the enzyme connected with Alzheimer & # 39; s Disease and may help improve memory.
I hope you 'll enjoy nutmeg in a myriad ways, because of variety is really the spice of life!
