Herb & Spice Companion

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HERB & SPICE COMPANION

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NUTMEG

Myristica fragrans

Flavors: pungent, warm,

bittersweet, woody, with clove

Nutmeg is the fruit of a tropical tree native to the Banda Islands (or Spice Islands) of

Indonesia. Like a plum or peach, the fruit contains a hard seed at its center, and it’s this

seed that gives us the scrumptious, powerful spice we call nutmeg. The nutmeg shell

is covered with a red webbed coating, an aril or placenta—this is mace, another spice

entirely with distinct uses in cooking.

Mace is subtler and sweeter than nut-

meg, with hints of citrus and cinnamon.

Whole nutmeg seeds are sold

at specialty markets and health-food

stores, and they’re worth seeking out

for the superior flavor of freshly ground

nutmeg. Pre-ground nutmeg holds up

well, too, so it’s a fine alternative. Spice

shops sell mace in ground form and,

sometimes, in larger segments called

“blades,” which are preferred.

In the Garden

Nutmeg loves tropical climates with plenty of rainfall and humidity. The trees are dioe-

cious, or single-sexed, meaning they need both male and female specimens in order

to bear fruit; unfortunately, the tree’s gender isn’t revealed until it’s 5 years old, so the

best way to begin a nutmeg crop is to plant several trees and hope there is a male in

the mix. The tree begins producing fruit after 5 to 8 years, but it’ll continue offering

up delicious spices for another 50. If growing indoors, position the plant where it will

receive lots of sunlight.

Size: Up to 60 feet tall

Container: At least 2 feet in diameter and 20 inches deep

Light: Partial sun or light shade in the first few years, then full sun

HEALTH BENEFITS

Nutmeg has been used traditionally

to treat digestive troubles like gas,

nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and

to soothe toothaches and sores in the

mouth. Its mild calming effect can be

helpful for anxiety and insomnia, while

its essential oil contains compounds

believed to wield antioxidant and anti-

inflammatory powers.

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