Nutmeg - All Culinary Uses And Health Benefits

2023 Author: Lynn Laird | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 21:10

Of all the spices in our kitchens, we can always distinguish the flavors and aromas of a few that we associate closely with the holiday season - cinnamon sticks, turmeric powder and nutmeg. We sprinkle them over hot winter drinks like eggnog and use them in baked goods like pumpkin cake. Today, we zoom in on the culinary uses and health benefits of nutmeg. Find out why it's worth having it on hand all year round?

Nutmeg is more than a Christmas spice

Nutmeg is a spice made from the egg-shaped fruit of the nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), an evergreen tree indigenous to Indonesia that is also the source of another popular seasoning - mace. Nutmeg is the inner part (core) of the fruit, while mace is the red layer that covers the core.

In fact, it takes 7 to 9 years after planting for the nutmeg tree to produce its first harvest. To make nutmeg for the seasoning, the "nuts" are gradually dried in the sun over a period of six to eight weeks. During this time, the nutmeg separates from its hard seed coat. The spice is ready when the medulla begins to vibrate in its jerk shell.

Even though they grow on the same tree, nutmeg and mace are rarely used together in a recipe.

Historical

Despite its name, nutmeg is not a real nut. She is originally from the Moluccas Islands, Indonesia, known as the "Spice Islands". It was a valuable spice, considered an important currency for trade and was even the cause of a war that lasted two hundred years. Over the centuries, the Spice Islands have seen great turmoil as the Portuguese, Spanish, English and Dutch all tried to control them to gain a monopoly on the spice market. Why ? Partly because nutmeg was believed to be a miracle cure for plague. This caused prices to rise, creating the "spice war".

Whole vs ground

Nutmeg can be purchased as a whole seed or ground in a container. Grating the balls directly into a recipe will give a fresher, cleaner taste than using store-bought powder. Whole nutmeg is approximately the size of an apricot kernel and lasts a very long time, while powdery nutmeg has a shorter shelf life.

What does it taste like?

Nutty and slightly sweet, nutmeg is an intense spice that has a strong and distinct scent.

Conservation

Store the ground seasoning in an airtight container away from heat, light and moisture. When stored properly, it retains its freshness for about six months.

Uses of nutmeg in cooking

The distinctive flavor of nutmeg is described as sweet, hot and very spicy. Seasoning can be purchased whole or ground. A whole grated "nut" is equivalent to 2 to 3 teaspoons of powder.

Indeed, nutmeg is a quintessential fall spice, frequently found in desserts and seasonal drinks. It can also be used in savory dishes, such as squash soup, and goes well with cream or cheese recipes like vegetable gratins.

Ground or grated, the aromatic spice is most often sprinkled in eggnog, but try it also in hot chocolate, spicy tea or mulled wine. It enhances the flavor of meats such as pork, beef and poultry. In commerce, it is used to season certain charcuterie products.

Many chefs add a twist to quiches and cheese pasta dishes like Fettucini Alfredo. It's the signature seasoning of delicious Swedish meatballs.

Stir a quarter of a teaspoon into 2 cups of pancake, waffle, muffin batter, or coffee and chocolate cakes for an exotic touch.

How to prepare your own spice for fall and winter cakes?

Combine:

• 3 tablespoons of ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons of ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons of ground nutmeg
• 1½ teaspoon ground allspice
• 1½ teaspoon ground cloves

Store in an airtight jar or plastic bag.

How to make nutmeg tea?

Nutmeg, as mentioned earlier, is known for its aromatic value and unique flavor. This makes it a great ingredient for tea. Brewing nutmeg tea is indeed extremely easy. You have to boil water. Then add a pinch of nutmeg powder, pieces of ginger or powder, sugar and your usual amount of tea leaves. The liquid should be brought to a boil again and simmer for a few minutes. Filter and consume. You can also add milk if you want.

Nutmeg Health And Beauty Benefits And Home Remedies To Make With It

Digestion

Nutmeg is high in fiber and can stimulate digestive enzymes and improve digestion. It helps treat nausea, diarrhea, stomach spasms, and reduce gas.

Bad breath

Thanks to its antibacterial properties, nutmeg kills bacteria that cause halitosis or bad breath. It can be found as an ingredient in toothpastes and mouthwashes as it promotes healthy gums and teeth. To benefit from its benefits, rub a pinch on the teeth, then rinse.

Face care

If you are looking for a natural product that can do wonders for your skin, nutmeg is the answer. Applied topically, the brown powder reduces inflammation, acne scars and heals skin irritations. Mix with honey or water and smear the resulting paste on the face, avoiding contact with the eyes.

Nutmeg similarly has the power to improve the overall appearance of the skin by unclogging pores and eliminating blackheads. It is ideal for making a homemade scrub for the body, face or feet.

Relief of arthritis pain

The exotic spice has pain relieving properties similar to menthol that can reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis. Use it in your food or drink to enjoy it. In addition, topical pain relievers containing nutmeg oil are available over the counter.

Anti-stress effect

Nutmeg works as an aphrodisiac, which means it can stimulate nerve cells in the brain. The chemicals in this spice stimulate the release of feel-good hormones in the body, which in turn has a calming effect on the body. Since it improves your mood and acts as a tonic, nutmeg is a great option for reducing stress.

Regulation of blood pressure and blood circulation

The seasoning contains minerals like calcium, potassium, manganese and iron which regulate blood pressure and improve blood circulation.

Liver protection

Nutmeg is rich in myrislignan which is useful in the treatment of liver problems and injuries. Research suggests that the extracts found in it can relieve the inflammation of hepatitis, as well as flush out toxins in the body, especially the liver.

Anti-cancer properties

This spice with its specific aroma can prevent cancer according to some research. The myristicin present there indeed fights the growth of cancer cells and leukemia metastases.

Reduction of cholesterol levels

Consuming nutmeg in the right amount also has a positive effect on bad cholesterol levels.

Hair growth

It is an excellent organic product promoting hair growth. Plus, its antimicrobial properties keep the scalp clean and prevent dandruff. Many shampoos have it as a basic ingredient and you can make your own hair remedy by combining it with coconut oil and honey.

Weightloss

Nutmeg increases metabolism, thus aiding in weight loss.

Sleeping troubles

Having trouble falling asleep? This spice is a good source of magnesium which reduces nervous tension. It also triggers the release of serotonin, helping your body to relax. For this purpose, try drinking a cup of hot milk or tea with a pinch of nutmeg and a little honey before bed.

Dosage and side effects

In fact, nutmeg should be consumed sparingly. When taken in large amounts, it is toxic to the body. In addition, it interacts with certain drugs. To avoid possible side effects, talk to your healthcare professional before using it for medicinal purposes.

Nutmeg contains a substance called myristicin, a narcotic with very unpleasant toxic side effects if taken in excess. On the contrary, ingesting small amounts of the spice is harmless to health, including the amounts required in all cooking recipes. However, be aware that consuming more than one teaspoon of ground nutmeg at a time may cause hallucinations, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and irregular heartbeat within one to six hours of consumption. The effects can last for several hours and, when the amount is too great, can lead to organ failure.

Pregnant women need to be careful enough with the seasoning as they risk birth defects or miscarriage. When mixed with other drugs, nutmeg can affect the way the latter are processed by the liver. On rare occasions, such a combination is even associated with death.