Postby TriP » May 29th, 2016, 1:17 am
Local Nutmeg
Caribbean spice
Described as a “good and healthy” type of herb, the nutmeg belongs to the tall, spreading or sometimes conical evergreen tree, Myristica fragrans of the family Myristicaceae, which can grow up to 70 feet. The mature fruits on the tree are similar to dangling ornaments, light-coloured balls, yellow or yellow with a flash of crimson—red. The outer fruit resembles an apricot. Inside are found two separate and distinct spice products: the nutmeg, which is the seed kernel, and mace, the red, net-like membrane that surrounds and protects the shell containing the seed. No part goes unused: nutmeg jelly is made from the outer fruit. Clear and aromatic without being too sweet, the jelly is a low-fat, flavourful addition to any meat dish, or can be enjoyed with cheeses or by itself on toast.
Next, the red membrane, mace, is used typically in its dried form. Many recipes for traditional European foods call for mace —in cakes, custards, stews, and soufflés—in small amounts. The kernel needs to dry in its shell for about a week. Then the shell is cracked open to remove the prize: the nutmeg packed with healing, sweet-smelling essential oils. (The shells themselves are not wasted—they can be used as a mulch in gardens, or as a fuel). By-products of nutmeg and mace in the form of oleoresins, butter and essential oil are also valued in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.
Health benefits
Nutmeg offers more than a sweet smell, though.
“Nutmeg has a variety of health benefits and has been used as a healing herb for many centuries. It can help lower blood pressure and soothe a stomach ache as well as stop diarrhoea,” said Dr Guido Marcelle, head of the Produce Chemist Laboratory in Grenada. Dr Denis Noel, who produces the Nutmed Pain Reliever, a herbal therapeutic product, said that one of the interesting health benefits of nutmeg oil was its ability to stimulate the brain because it relieved stress and stimulated mental activity.
“Nutmeg has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat joint and muscle pain. The oil works particularly well for this when it is massaged into the affected area. The herb is an integral part of Chinese medicine where it is used for stomach pain and inflammation, as well as reducing joint swelling,” he said. The spray pain reliever he produces is claimed to reduce muscle pain due to inflammation.
Identifying some of nutmeg's many other benefits, Dr Marcelle said, “It is also great for digestion, as it can get rid of stomach aches, relieve vomiting, diarrhea, encourage an appetite, help with respiratory problems such as a cough from the common cold.” Nutmeg has long been used to prevent and fight plaque. Its essential oil can be found in some of the more expensive toothpastes, because it helps fight bad breath and tooth decay.
Everything in moderation
Over its long history as a part of Grenadian life, a colourful folklore surrounding nutmeg has developed as well. Claims of the folk remedies include its ability to enhance a man's virility, keep away boils, and to treat broken bones and rheumatism. But it is important to keep the facts in mind: while there are many health benefits of nutmeg, be careful not to take it in high doses as research has shown that high doses of the oils can cause hallucinations. Don't worry, though, this will not happen when you add it to your custard or your punch. “Never consume more than 30 grams—that’s around four teaspoons—in a day,” is the doctors’ advice. One whole nutmeg seed yields three to four teaspoons when ground.
The best way to use nutmeg is to grate the amount you need from the whole seed, as it loses the oils—and thus the flavour —quickly after being ground. Nutmeg can be used on almost anything you cook, from soups to ice cream. Sometimes it is rubbed into meat before grilling or steaming in banana leaves. Or you can use it as the perfect finishing touch, sprinkling it on a foamy cup of cocoa or coffee, or on fruits and creamy desserts.
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