Myristica fragrans

Myristica fragrans is a species of evergreen tree indigenous to the Banda Islands in the Moluccas (or Spice Islands) of Indonesia. It is important as the main source of the spices nutmeg and mace.

Description

The Myristica fragrans tree is a large evergreen, typically growing to a height of 10–20 meters. The leaves are dark green and glossy, arranged alternately on the branches. The flowers are bell-shaped and pale yellow, and the fruit is a fleshy drupe, similar in appearance to an apricot. When the fruit matures and splits open, it reveals the nutmeg seed surrounded by a bright red, net-like aril that is the source of mace.

Cultivation and uses

Myristica fragrans is commercially grown for its fruit, which is harvested for two spices: nutmeg, which comes from the seed, and mace, which comes from the seed covering. The tree is also grown for its essential oil, which is used in perfumery and in traditional medicines.

Nutmeg has a distinctive pungent fragrance and a warm slightly sweet taste; it is used to flavor many kinds of baked goods, confections, puddings, meats, sausages, sauces, vegetables, and beverages such as eggnog. Mace is often preferred in light dishes for the bright orange, saffron-like hue it imparts.

History

The Myristica fragrans tree has been cultivated for centuries in its native Indonesia, and was introduced to other parts of the world, including the Caribbean and Grenada, during the colonial period. The spices nutmeg and mace were highly prized in medieval cuisine, and were at one time worth more than their weight in gold.

See also

• Spice trade
• History of Indonesia
• Medieval cuisine