What does nutmeg contain? All about natural Viagra

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Most of us know nutmeg as a very aromatic spice, without which it is completely unthinkable to imagine some authentic culinary dishes. But not everyone knows what this plant looks like and what properties it has, besides its bright smell.

Brief description and area

Nutmegs grow on trees of the same name, which are also called “nutmeg”. The Latin name of the tree is Myrīstica.

Today myristica grows in almost all areas with a tropical climate, including Africa and South America, but on an industrial scale it is grown primarily on the territory of former British colonies - the islands of Mauritius, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Grenada, New Guinea, Malay archipelago and also in India.

The tree is relatively short, its average height is 9-12 m, and the leaves are similar in shape, location and structure to the leaves of the lemon tree. The flowers are bisexual, yellow.

The fruit is a drupe, the size of a small apricot. When it is fully ripe, its skin cracks in the same way as the familiar walnut fruit.

Did you know? The story of a person’s acquaintance with the nutmeg is quite interesting. This tree originally grew only in a tiny region of Indonesia (the Spice Islands, or the Moluccas, mainly the island of Rune), from where Arab merchants brought its fragrant fruits to Europe and sold them for big money. At the beginning of the 16th century, the Portuguese conquistadors reached the territory of Indonesia, and from that moment on, they almost completely captured the market for tropical spices for at least a whole century. Subsequently, the Portuguese monopoly was destroyed by the Dutch, but it was still only about supplying the spice, and not about attempts to cultivate the plant itself. Finally, in the 18th century, they learned to grow nutmeg in other countries (primarily, of course, tropical ones). The main credit for this belongs to France and England, who at that time had colonies all over the world, and... to birds, carrying plant seeds in their stomachs from island to island.

The technology for harvesting the fruits is very similar: first they are dried, then peeled from the outer shell and dried again until the nut turns dark brown. The entire process can take three months or even longer. The peeled nut can be oval or round, its dimensions are comparable to the already mentioned walnut (2-3 cm in length and slightly less in width).

In the fruits of the nutmeg tree, only the seeds and arils are used, but the peel goes to waste. However, poor natives of tropical islands make excellent use of this peel for food, preparing various desserts, sauces and even aromatic drinks based on it.

Did you know? The average lifespan of a nutmeg is one hundred years. This is not so much for a tree, especially considering that its fruiting period accounts for approximately 40% of its entire life cycle. However, it is estimated that up to ten thousand nuts can sometimes be collected from one plant per season!

Calorie content and chemical composition

The calorie content of nutmeg fruits is lower than that of other nuts: 100 g of product contains approximately 525 kcal(for comparison: 100 g of peanuts contain 551 kcal, almonds contain 575 kcal, and walnuts contain all 700 kcal).

Energy value of the product (proteins/fats/carbohydrates): 5.8/36.3/28.5. A little more than 20% of nutmeg is fiber, within 6% is water and 2-2.5% is ash. The fruits of the plant contain essential oils, pectins, starch, and pigments.

Nutmeg is very rich in vitamins. There is beta-carotene (), ascorbic acid (), and at least six elements of the B vitamins: choline, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine and folic acid.

Important! Nutmeg contains substances such as myristicin, elemicin and safrole. These psychoactive substances, once in the body, form amphetamine derivatives, in particular, sifrol is transformed into methylenedioxymethamphetamine, in common parlance - ecstasy.

From mineral substances in fruits contain (in descending order): and also, in small doses, iron, copper, boron, sulfur, titanium, zirconium, aluminum, and others.

What are the benefits of nutmeg?

Even a quick glance at the composition of nutmeg is enough to draw a conclusion about its beneficial properties. The vitamins and minerals contained in its fruits are simply necessary for the human body to function normally.

Aboriginal people have long used the fruits of this tropical tree as a natural anesthesia for pain in muscles and joints, toothaches, headaches, and stomach colic. Europeans also used the spice for nervous disorders and sleep disorders. In addition to analgesic and soothing properties, nutmeg fruits have a tonic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effect.
The biologically active substances contained in the fruits of the nutmeg tree help strengthen the immune system, have a beneficial effect on the heart, stimulate blood circulation, cleanse the kidneys and liver, improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and remove harmful substances from the body. Nutmeg is a proven aphrodisiac; in small doses it improves mood, increases libido and at the same time solves the problem of premature ejaculation in men.

Important! Nutmeg, despite its numerous beneficial properties, should be consumed in strictly measured quantities: the maximum daily dose is one fruit, and not on an empty stomach, but only as part of a particular dish.

As a spice, nutmeg seeds not only improve the taste of culinary dishes and make it brighter, but also stimulate the appetite, which means they turn eating into a real holiday.

Application

First of all, you need to know that two products are obtained from the fruit of nutmeg: a spice known as “nutmeg”, and mace, also known as nutmeg, also used as a spice, but having a slightly different taste.
In addition, essential oil is extracted from the fruits of the nutmeg tree, which is also very widely used in cooking, cosmetology, perfumery, aromatherapy and folk medicine.

In cooking

As a spice, nutmeg is not just a flavor enhancer, but in some cases plays the role of an independent ingredient in a dish. For example, if real Spanish paella cannot be prepared without saffron, then nutmeg is an indispensable component of the famous French béchamel sauce, which, in turn, is included in such world-famous national dishes as Greek moussaka and Italian lasagna.

Important! Nutmeg has a very rich aroma, so you need to add it to dishes in very small quantities! In order for the spice to reveal itself as best as possible, it should be added at the very end of cooking. The only exception is the dough, where nutmeg is added at the kneading stage.

Interestingly, the largest nutmeg fruits are best suited for use as a spice, with the round shape being preferable to the more common oval shape.

Typically, nutmeg is added to complex dishes that combine vegetables with fish or meat (stews, roasts, casseroles, etc.). But ordinary baked potatoes, flavored with a pinch of aromatic spice, will also sparkle with new colors. When preparing fish and meat preparations (canning, smoking), nutmeg is often added to the main product as a spice.
The use of nutmeg fruits in baking and desserts is an independent trend in cooking. This seasoning sounds great in sweet dishes, for example, in cream, pudding, pies (both with sweet filling and with meat, fish, cheese or onions), cookies and even in fruit compotes and various cocktails (for example, in England the spice is added to beer and wine, and it is also simply sprinkled on citrus fruits to give them a richer taste and aroma).

Nutmeg is also very often added to various pasta products, and if the Dutch simply put it in spaghetti, then creative Italians use the spice in the preparation of such culinary masterpieces as ravioli (something similar to our dumplings and dumplings) or cannelloni (large pasta tubes stuffed with meat or fish sauce).

In Asian cuisine, nutmeg is generally a national seasoning. Indian and Arabic dishes are practically indispensable without it.
It should also be noted that we usually use this spice in ground form, buying it in bags. However, like black pepper, nutmeg is much more flavorful when freshly ground. Therefore, self-respecting chefs purchase whole nutmeg fruits and grate them on special graters directly in the process of preparing their culinary masterpieces.

In medicine

Despite its many beneficial properties, nutmeg, strictly speaking, is not considered a medicinal plant, and its fruits are used much more widely in cooking than in medicine. Nevertheless, both official pharmacology and traditional healers find use for the fruits of this tropical tree.

Did you know? Once upon a time, the British used nutmeg seeds to terminate pregnancies, and in the middle of the last century in the USA they were used to produce a powder with pronounced narcotic and hallucinogenic properties, similar in effect to marijuana.

Medical science sometimes uses nutmeg fruits to treat nervous disorders, paralysis, staphylococcal infections, stomach ulcers, diarrhea, osteochondrosis, arthritis, myositis, phlebitis, varicose veins, improve blood circulation and appetite, stimulate the gastrointestinal tract, increase potency, reduce flatulence .
However, this product can be not only a medicine, but also a poison, so it must be used with extreme caution. For example, in small doses, nutmeg calms the nervous system, improves memory and helps cope with insomnia, but in large doses it has the opposite effect - it excites and causes hallucinations.

Eastern healers noticed the properties of a tropical plant to restore cartilage tissue and improve hair structure. In addition, it was used to treat tuberculosis and even cancer. The idea was that the fruits of the plant should be taken in microscopic doses, but for a very long time, in order to achieve a systemic effect on the body.

In cosmetology and perfumery

Nutmeg essential oil is mainly used in this area. With the addition of this ingredient to various cosmetic masks, creams and lotions, an additional effect is achieved due to the product’s ability to:

promote cell regeneration, which leads to overall skin rejuvenation;
improve blood circulation in the tissues of the epidermis;
relieve swelling and various inflammatory manifestations of the skin;
kill pathogenic bacteria and pathogenic fungi (fighting dandruff);
maintain hair color, prevent hair loss, make it soft and shiny.

In addition, nutmeg essential oil has a warming effect, which is why it is often added to various massage oils.

Finally, The note of nutmeg is well known and loved by many in both men's and women's perfumes.

Folk recipes

We have already mentioned that the independent use of nutmeg for treatment should be carried out with extreme caution, but if the dosage is observed, tropical fruits really help cope with a wide variety of painful conditions.

For colds, flu and coughs

We very often give warm milk with honey or raspberry tea to a child with a cold. We sometimes use these same folk remedies ourselves. To improve the effect, just add a pinch of nutmeg to the drink prepared in the usual way. This will help relieve body aches and alleviate the general condition, because, as you know, the body overcomes viral infections on its own; our task is to cope with unpleasant symptoms as much as possible without interfering with the immune system to fight the virus.

For headaches

Traditional medicine suggests fighting severe headaches with a compress made with nutmeg. The ground seeds are mixed with milk to form a paste. Place the prepared mixture on the forehead and lie motionless for at least half an hour.

For insomnia

If you have trouble sleeping, drink a glass of warm milk at night, adding a pinch of nutmeg to it. If you wish, you can also add a spoonful of honey. This drug helps not only with colds, but also with ordinary insomnia.

By the way, it is recommended to give such a drink even to children if they have difficulty falling asleep and are capricious, and some healers claim that it will not harm even the smallest, for example, during the period when the baby begins to teethe. If you reduce the dose of spice, but give it not only at night, but also in the morning, in addition to the calming effect, you can also cope with the baby’s lack of appetite, which also often causes great concern among his parents.

For problems with the gastrointestinal tract

The property of nutmeg to improve the functioning of the stomach and intestines determines its use for nausea, diarrhea and flatulence. To prepare the medicinal mixture, you need to take half a glass of regular yogurt, dilute it with the same amount of water, mix with grated ginger and freshly ground nutmeg (a third of a teaspoon each) and drink immediately. If you don't like yogurt, add a little spice to freshly prepared banana puree - it will be a real treat for the intestines.

For varicose veins

To treat varicose veins, you need to pour 20 g of nutmeg into a glass of just boiled water, add 100 g of honey to the mixture, mix everything thoroughly, and let it cool. The prepared drug is taken before meals three times a day, one tablespoon.

To increase potency

To increase male strength, it is not necessary to take any special decoctions and tinctures of nutmeg. It is enough to simply add this spice to food more often, but do it regularly so that the biologically active substances included in its composition accumulate in the body. A man needs to eat about a third of a teaspoon of nutmeg fruit per day, but in no case should this dose be exceeded.

Did you know? Experiments conducted on rats showed that nutmeg does not increase potency as effectively as the famous« Viagra» , but still its effect is 3-6 times stronger than that of cloves, which is also used in such cases.

If a man categorically does not like the taste and smell of nutmeg, then in order not to turn food into torture, it is better to use the spice as a medicine: mix the prescribed dose with water and drink in one gulp.

Contraindications and harm

Unlike many well-known medicinal plants, nutmeg has very specific and obvious contraindications. You can be seriously poisoned by this plant; an overdose of it leads to side effects such as:

irritation of the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines;
nausea and vomiting;
convulsions;
severe headaches;
tachycardia;
sinus arrhythmia, rapid breathing;
dehydration, dry mouth;
memory losses;
hemorrhages in the eye;
blurred vision;
increase or, conversely, decrease in blood pressure;
disruption of the liver and pancreas;
anxiety, hyperexcitability or, on the contrary, a depressive state;
decreased pain threshold;
hallucinations.

Important! It is believed that the hallucinogenic effect of nutmeg occurs after just two fruits are consumed. There is information that in 1576, a pregnant woman, after eating a dozen tropical fruits, completely lost touch with reality. In addition, science knows of cases of death resulting from an overdose of nutmeg.

Symptoms of overdose become apparent approximately four hours after taking the product., and can persist for three days, although on average they pass within a day or two.

A direct contraindication for consuming the spice is pregnancy (due to the risk of miscarriage). For children, nutmeg is not considered contraindicated, but due to the very serious consequences that an overdose can lead to, you should still think carefully before exposing your baby to such a risk.
To summarize, it should be said that the European part of the population certainly benefited from being introduced to the fruits of such a tropical tree as nutmeg. Today, it is impossible to imagine cooking without this spice; in other areas of our lives (medicine, cosmetology, perfumery) the fruits of this plant are also used, although not so widely. The hallucinogenic properties of nutmeg make its fruit especially attractive to a certain part of the population, which, unfortunately, sometimes leads to tragedies. But in skillful hands, this spice not only enriches the taste of various dishes and drinks, but also brings undoubted benefits to our body.

Nutmeg (Myristica fragnans) is an evergreen tree and belongs to the Nutmeg family. It is also called nutmeg or nutmeg tree. In German the plant is called Bandanuss, Suppennuss, Muskatsamen, in English - nutmeg, in French - noix de muscade.

Appearance

Nutmeg is a tree that in the wild can grow up to 20 m, but on plantations you can hardly find nutmeg taller than 6 m. Its leaves are leathery and dark green in color. They reach a length of up to 0.15 m, sit on short petioles, are pointed in shape, reminiscent of a lancelet.

Nutmeg trees can be male or female and produce white and yellow flowers. The flowers of the female tree produce yellow fruits with seeds, similar to apricots. They are represented by single-seeded berries enclosed in a smooth woody shell.

The shell is surrounded by a bright purple apricle - nutmeg color or, as it is also called, mace.

Nutmeg seeds have a brown tint and a mesh surface, reach a length of 0.2 cm, each weighs 4 g. A marble pattern is formed in the cross-section. Nutmeg fades when dried and becomes an orange to soft brown color. Macis reaches several centimeters in length.

Kinds

Nutmeg has nine species, among which only fragrant nutmeg is the most important.

Where does it grow?

The origin of nutmeg is known - these are the Moluccas, or more precisely, the Indonesian Banda Islands. Now it is more common in the southern and southeastern countries of Asia, South America, as well as in eastern Africa and the island of Madagascar.

The second supplier of nutmeg in the world is the small island of Grenada, which belongs to the Lesser Antilles.

Method of making spices

As a rule, nutmeg is grated immediately before adding to a dish, since when crushed it quickly ceases to be as aromatic. Macis is dried and crushed, and then added to dishes. Spices have completely different taste and aroma qualities, so they cannot be replaced with each other.

How and where to choose a spice?

Mace is much more difficult to find than nutmeg, which is sold ground or whole. It is preferable to buy it whole, since in powder form it quickly loses its aromatic qualities.

High quality nutmeg can be easily identified by poking it with a needle, causing it to release a little oil. The color of the nut should be bright. A network of wrinkles runs throughout the nut, and the cut has an interesting marble pattern.

Peculiarities

Nutmeg and mace have a spicy, sweetish aroma, but mace has a more subtle and soft aroma. The nut has a more tart and resinous taste. Nutmeg contains between 30% and 40% oil.

You cannot eat more than 4 g of nut, as it causes poisoning.

Characteristics

Nutmeg has the following characteristics:

used as a spice;
used for medicinal purposes;
grows in tropical regions;
Harmful if consumed in excess.

Nutritional value and calorie content

100 grams of ground nutmeg contains 525 kcal.

The nutritional value of the product includes the following components:

proteins – 5.84 g;
fats – 36.31 g;
carbohydrates – 28.49 g;
dietary fiber – 20.8 g;
ash – 2.34 g;
water – 6.23 g;
monosaccharides and disaccharides – 28.49 g;
saturated fatty acids – 25.94 g.

More information about nutmeg can be found in the excerpt from the program “1000 and One Spice of Scheherazade”.

Chemical composition

Nutmeg contains the following components:

vitamins: A (RE) - 5 mcg, B1 (thiamine) - 0.346 mg, B2 (riboflavin) - 0.057 mg, B6 (pyridoxine) - 0.16 mg, B9 (folic) - 76 mcg, C - 3 mg, PP (niacin equivalent) – 1.299 mg, choline – 8.8 mg, β-carotene – 0.016 mg;
macroelements: calcium – 184 mg, magnesium – 183 mg, sodium – 16 mg, potassium – 350 mg, phosphorus – 213 mg;
microelements: iron – 30.4 mg, zinc – 2.15 mg, copper – 1027 mcg, manganese – 2.9 mg, selenium – 1.6 mcg.

Nutmeg contains elemicin, myristicin, safrole, etc. Many components cause an intoxicating effect.

Beneficial features

Nutmeg contains many vitamins, but the list of its beneficial qualities does not end there:

it helps with insomnia and nervous disorders;
strengthens the immune system;
helps increase impotence;
improves mood;
stimulates appetite;
removes toxins;
helps with recovery from illness.

Harm

Nutmeg in large quantities is believed to have a narcotic effect. This is a colossal harm to the body, which has the following manifestations:

liver damage;
accumulation of toxins;
redness of the eyes;
dehydration;
headache;
increased blood pressure and body temperature;
vomit;
hallucinations;
loss of consciousness;
disruption of the gastrointestinal tract.

In order to avoid these negative consequences, the dosage should be followed.

Contraindications

Nutmeg is contraindicated in the following cases:

during pregnancy;
for epileptic seizures;
with high sensitivity to components;
for nervous disorders.

Oil

Nutmeg essential oil is obtained from the ripened fruit. Oil is also extracted from mace, and it has a more refined aroma. Essential oil of nutmeg is obtained after crushing the fruit using steam distillation. On sale it is often falsified, replaced with analogues made from synthetic substances.

High-quality oil is transparent, but at the same time has a slight beige tint. Its smell is bright, spicy and with a slight intoxicating effect. Compliance with the prescribed storage conditions will allow the oil to maintain its quality for five years.

In its pure form, the oil is used very rarely, since its high concentration contributes to the manifestation of toxic properties. Nutmeg oil goes well with other spicy oils that have woody or floral aromas.

Properties of nutmeg oil:

Has a calming and warming effect. It quickly eliminates anxiety and the effects of stress and gives confidence. It is nutmeg oil that is used to enhance sexual desire. It is believed that it gives new sensations and vivid emotions.
Stimulates the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, helps resist cold, normalizes the respiratory system, improving the elasticity of the bronchi. It helps relieve swelling and pain in the joints, and also has a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
Used in cosmetology, stimulating hair growth and fighting skin diseases. It is rarely used for skin care, only to strengthen aging skin. The oil is not recommended for sensitive skin.
Some drinks are also flavored with oil, including coffee or alcohol.

Concentrated oil cannot be used in aromatherapy. It must be diluted to avoid the occurrence of nervous disorders. Long-term contact with skin can result in burns if the oil is used in its pure form.

Application

In cooking

The culinary uses of the spice are very extensive:

used to add flavor to confectionery products;
added to sauces, egg dishes and soups;
used in vegetable and potato dishes;
goes well with cheeses, meat dishes and pates;
added to fish;
it is sprinkled on puddings, fruits, desserts;
added to pasta;
used for cooking fruit-based compotes.

Italian cooks always add nutmeg to vegetable stews; the British sprinkle the spice on oranges. In nut exporting countries, jams, jams, and candies are made from its fruits.

The spice is used to flavor hot drinks; it is often sprinkled on many cocktails.

Hot white chocolate

At home, you can make an amazing hot drink from white chocolate, which will be piquant with the spicy taste of nutmeg.

You need 0.5 liters of milk, a pinch of nutmeg, a few star anise stars and a bar of white chocolate.
Pour milk into a saucepan, immediately add star anise and nutmeg, stir them and bring the milk to a boil.
After boiling, the milk is cooked for another five minutes with constant stirring.
Grate white chocolate on a coarse grater.
The milk is removed from the heat and the chocolate is melted in it.
It is recommended to wait until it cools down a bit. After this, you can pour it into mugs, sprinkling with a little nutmeg.

Bechamel sauce

Nutmeg is an essential ingredient for béchamel sauce, which can also be easily made at home.

For this you need: half a teaspoon of nutmeg, 50 g of butter, 0.3 l of milk, 30 g of flour and salt to taste.
Melt the butter in a saucepan and pour in the flour.
The mixture is heated and stirred until foam appears.
Slowly pour in cold milk, remembering to constantly stir the sauce.
The mixture is boiled until it acquires a thicker consistency, after which salt and nutmeg are added to it.
Remove the sauce from the heat.

In medicine

The healing properties of nutmeg were described by Avicena.

Nutmeg has important medicinal properties, which are used in the following cases:

for pain relief for joint or muscle pain;
for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases;
for the treatment of headaches;
to eliminate insomnia and treat nervous disorders;
to strengthen the immune system;
to improve heart function;
to improve erection in men;
to cleanse the blood and organs of toxins;
to combat inflammatory diseases;
to regulate the menstrual cycle;
to improve well-being with varicose veins;
for the prevention of cancer.

Nutmeg is often added to creams that are used to warm joints and quickly heal wounds.

How to use

To relieve a headache, a teaspoon of nutmeg is diluted in three tablespoons of milk. The resulting liquid is used as a compress on the forehead.
To improve the functioning of the digestive system, half a glass of yogurt without additives is diluted with half a glass of boiled water at room temperature. Add a third of a teaspoon of grated ginger and nutmeg to this composition and drink it at night.
To sleep better, before going to bed it is recommended to drink warm milk, in 250 ml of which a quarter teaspoon of grated nutmeg is diluted.
For pain in joints and muscles, make a paste from grated nutmeg and vegetable oil, taken in equal proportions. The mixture is heated and the area of inflammation is smeared with it until it cools completely.

When losing weight

For weight loss, it is recommended to add nutmeg to food so that it helps it be better absorbed. It also speeds up digestion and removes toxins, which also plays an important role. Even fatty foods that are difficult for the stomach to digest will be digested much better with the help of nutmeg.

At home

Household uses of nutmeg are as follows:

an exceptionally aromatic spice added to many dishes;
oil is used to improve hair growth;
the oil also smoothes sagging and aging skin;
flavoring of drinks, including strong drinks;
a powerful medicine that is beneficial for the whole body;
a strong aphrodisiac that increases sexual desire;
the oil is added in small doses to oriental perfume compositions.

Growing

Nutmeg is a tree that grows in hot climates. But you can even grow it on a windowsill at home, although you will have to create an appropriate tropical environment for it.

Since nutmeg is a dioecious plant, you will have to grow both a female and a male. For normal growth and development, it needs to be provided with plenty of sunlight, sufficient humidity and constant warmth. The temperature should not fall below 21-22 degrees. Watering and spraying should be regular.

Planting is carried out using a seed enclosed in a shell; a peeled nut will not work here. The fruit is planted in soil that allows water and air to pass through. As the nut grows, it needs to be transplanted into a larger pot. If favorable conditions are created for it, the first fruits appear after 6 years of life. In a natural growing environment, harvesting occurs three times a year. But it is quite difficult to get nuts when growing a tree at home, so more often it is planted for interest and for the sake of admiring the flowers.

When growing nutmeg at home, you should rely more on luck and personal experience.

Nutmeg seeds were first brought to the island of Grenada in the mid-19th century. After plantations were established, nutmeg became a leading export.
On the island of Grenada, nutmeg is of utmost importance, which is why it was placed on the island's flag following independence in the 1970s.
In the Middle Ages, the nut was used exclusively for medicinal purposes, and not as a spice, and only by the 16th century did its heyday begin. The Dutch East India Company controlled the nutmeg trade in the strictest manner for a century and a half, but over time the monopoly was eliminated.
Nutmegs were burned during coronations to disinfect the air and give it a pleasant aroma, and essential oils were used for personal hygiene of royalty.
Several cases of death from nutmeg overdose have been recorded.
Before the Dutch, the monopoly on the nutmeg trade belonged to the Portuguese.
On the Indonesian Peninsula and in China, nutmeg began to be grown, oddly enough, by the British, who organized their own plantations there.
In the 18th century, the French stole nutmeg seeds and secretly planted them on their own plantations in Madagascar. The tree took root there successfully.
Until the beginning of the 20th century, the largest share of nutmeg exports came from Grenada, but after a severe hurricane in 2004, many plantations were damaged and had to be rebuilt.

Nutmeg- This is the edible part of a tree of the genus “muscadine”, which in appearance resembles an apricot. The tree itself grows over the course of a century, but actively produces fruit in the first 40 years of its flowering. There are more than 10,000 fruits that a tree can produce per year. When fully ripe, the fruit falls to the ground and splits into two parts.. The taste of this fruit is very piquant and scalding, and also has a subtle and unusual aroma.

The best place for growing nutmeg turned out to be the island of Grenada. In 1796, growing records on the island were broken, and since then residents, feeling proud of their island, call it “Muscat”. Nutmeg became a national treasure and was featured twice on the island's flag.

In ancient times, the bone part of the nuts was used as a talisman or amulet. It was believed that it would help protect against the tricks of the devil and serious diseases. For nuts, special containers were made to be carried with oneself. It was a miniature grater to make it easier to sprinkle spices on a dish. Fashionistas of those times made special jewelry from walnut. And traders in the markets, taking advantage of people’s ignorance, sold them figurines of nuts carved from wood.

Selection and storage

There is nothing difficult in choosing nutmeg powder. The main thing is that the packaging is sealed and the powder is dry and crumbly.

The spice should be used as soon as possible after opening the package to avoid loss of its taste and aroma.

Use in cooking

The use of nutmeg powder in cooking is not the least important in classical cuisine. On the shelves you can see two types of nutmeg, in the form of powder and flakes. In large-scale production, this spice is widely used in the production of confectionery, meat and drinks. Nutmeg “color” is added to milk sauces, such as alfredo, and is widely used in cooking meat, fish dishes, and seafood. It’s worth trying to add it to dishes with cottage cheese, dessert cakes, and casseroles. For the perfect end to dinner, sprinkle a handful of powder with a little sugar over cooled lemon wedges. Alcoholic drinks with a pinch of nutmeg will have a complete taste.

The seasoning must be added at the end of cooking, otherwise the result will be a slightly bitter taste. If you are preparing the dough for baking, you need to add the seasoning halfway through the process to infuse the dough with flavor. The amount of nutmeg or nutmeg should be no more than 0.1 grams per serving.

In order to grind nutmeg to a powder, you must first chop the nut with a knife into pieces smaller than a pea and put it in a pepper grinder. If you don’t have a knife at hand, you can simply wrap the nuts in a cloth and chop them with a hammer.

Beneficial features

Nutmeg powder has unlimited beneficial properties. Due to the fact that this spice contains many useful macro- and microelements, as well as vitamins. More details will be seen in the table below.

Item name	Beneficial features
	Lowers blood cholesterol, is an antidepressant, improves metabolism.
	Improves the functioning of the immune system, the condition of hair and nails.
	Improves brain function, memory, attention. Normalizes appetite. Slows down aging.
Riboflafin	Improves the functioning of the thyroid gland. Accelerates cell growth in the body.
Pantothenic acid	Stimulates the functioning of the adrenal glands.
Pyridoxine	Prevents nerve and skin disorders.
Folic acid	Supports the cardiovascular system. Restores the liver.
Ascorbic acid	Tissue restoration. Improves gum condition.
	Speeds up kidney function.
	Reduces pain in arthritis, gives energy.

Useful properties in everyday life

The crushed fruit is a great helper on the farm. It's great at repelling bugs. It’s worth placing it in the kitchen cabinet where the cereal is, and you can forget about them for a long time. To prevent your clothes from being spoiled by moths, you need to put a couple of nutmegs in the closet with your clothes.

One of the unusual uses of the powder is its ability to hide the unwanted smell of alcohol, which is often popular among men. Regardless of the amount drunk, the effect of nutmeg powder will be noticeable within 10-15 minutes. To do this, you need to consume 1-2 roasted nuts, or 5-10 grams of powder.

Application in cosmetics

Its use in cosmetics has been known since past centuries. Girls in ancient times, having learned the properties of the aroma of spices, tried to attract the attention of men with its help, and they succeeded. Now essential oils are made from nutmeg, which, like the powder, are very useful for dry and damaged hair. Ground nut strengthens, regenerates the hair growth zone, and helps stop hair loss. To do this, you will need to prepare a tincture, which includes ½ cup of nutmeg spice, 0.5 ml of water. This entire mixture must be boiled for 10-15 minutes, and then allowed to cool and strain. Distribute the resulting tincture over damp hair, cover with a hat, and leave for 40 minutes.

Treatment with ground nutmeg

Treatment with ground nuts is becoming popular in many countries around the world. There is a clinic in Israel that, in addition to standard medications, uses nutmeg-based products.

Believe me, it is thanks to this spice that you will be able to forget about your ailments. The following table clearly shows which ones and how to deal with them.

Disease		Preparation	Application
Indigestion	100 ml. kefir, 100 ml. water, 1/3 tsp. nutmeg	Place all ingredients in one bowl and mix.	Divide into 3 meals, take 30 minutes before meals.
Insomnia	1/3 tsp. nutmeg, 0.5 ml. hot milk, 1 tsp. honey	Pour hot milk over nutmeg powder and add honey.	Must be taken before bedtime. Continue treatment until signs of insomnia completely disappear.
Rheumatism, arthritis	½ tbsp. nutmeg powder, 200 g olive oil, 100 g anise oil	Mix until smooth and heat.	When heated, apply to the affected area. Duration of treatment until painful signs disappear.
Headache due to ARVI	0.5 ml. hot milk, 1 tsp. ground nuts.	Stir and make a compress.	Place the prepared compress on your forehead. Keep it on your head until the pain goes away.
	½ tbsp. ground nuts, 200 ml. alcohol, 200 ml. flax oil	Infuse in a tightly closed container at a temperature of 20-24 degrees.	Divide the use into 3 doses, 10-15 ml each. 2 hours before meals.
To increase sexual activity in men	1 tbsp. ground nuts, 1 tbsp. ginger powder, ½ tbsp. anise seeds, 0.7-1 l. alcohol 90%	Infuse in a tightly sealed container for 7 days, turning the container over every day.	Divide into 3 doses of 25 ml. every day. Use for effect.

The taste of nutmeg warms and calms the nervous system, and even trembling from the cold, brings you to a normal emotional state, improves memory, and lifts your spirits.

Harm of nutmeg to health and possible contraindications to its use

The harm of nutmeg powder lies in the fact that it contains a certain amount of components that can cause hallucinations, or even lead to a heart attack. Eating 3-4 seeds or 15-20 grams of powder can lead to disastrous consequences, at best severe poisoning.

If abuse occurs, symptoms such as:

confused speech;
intoxication;
hallucinations;
rapid heartbeat
pain in the abdomen.

If you have at least one of the above symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Nutmeg is contraindicated for people with epilepsy and those who are allergic to the components contained in the powder.

It is better for pregnant girls to completely exclude nutmegs from their diet, even in powder form, while carrying a baby. The reason for all this is the component included in the product. It causes a rush of blood to the organs. Therefore, consuming it may harm you and your baby.

Western countries consider nutmeg only a seasoning. But in China they treat her specially. After all, they consider the seasoning to be a drug that is stronger than marijuana. A specific dose has not yet been established. Two types of essential oils, isosafrole and myristicin, which are part of nutmeg, have become the parent of several more types of drugs.

The Moluccas Islands (part of Zanzibar) became the birthplace of the world famous aphrodisiac, the Aphrodite tree - Nutmeg. Aroma with woody undertones, easily recognizable spicy taste.

Amazing facts

The oldest love spice, nutmeg has a very strong effect on a woman’s reproductive system, enhancing her sexual desire. Men who consume nutmeg can forget about impotence.

However, there was a time when nutmeg could be included in the list of narcotic substances.

Muscat trees grew only on the Moluccas. These territories were the property of Portugal and Holland. The famous colonialists for a long time had a monopoly on the sale of the miracle spice in Europe at an incredible price.

The cost of nutmeg decreased only after the planting of trees in Brazil, Indonesia, and the Indian Peninsula. Today it is grown on plantations in Sri Lanka, Africa, and Latin America.

What is nutmeg?

Mention of nutmeg is found already in the first century AD. The ancient Romans and Greeks used it as food and used it as a powerful aphrodisiac to arouse desire in women and restore lost strength to men.

Nutmeg is an evergreen tree (up to 12 meters in height) with yellow fruits similar to apricots in color and shape. When they ripen, they burst so that a seed with crimson appendages becomes visible.

The spice nutmeg is a seed in a drupe. After four months of drying, the woody shell is removed. The freed inside (seed) is a popular spice measuring 2 by 3 centimeters.

The buds surrounding the drupe (nutmeg color) are also used in cooking, medicine, and cosmetology. They look like petals, have a persistent smell and a spicy taste with notes of cinnamon.

Nutmeg (machis) is not a flower! This is a delicate ruby-colored skin that covers the seed like petals. After drying, the color turns orange. It costs thirty percent more than nutmeg, and can be found less frequently on the open market.

I wonder how the seasoning is obtained from the seeds and seeds of nutmeg? This is not just interesting, but grandiose.

Apricot-like fruits are collected and the yellow pericarp is removed.
Nutmeg, peeled from mace, is dried on bamboo grates in special bamboo rooms, where a fire burns without smoke for one to two months.

During this time, the nuts are periodically turned over using a wooden rake.
When the nuts are dry, they are broken with hammers and freed from the kernels.
At the end, they are dipped in a mixture of sea water and coral powder (lime milk) and dried for up to three weeks.

Macis requires less time and effort

The nut is removed from the stem so as not to damage the delicate petals.
Dry in bright sunshine on bamboo mats until the rich red color turns orange.
Then they are flattened and dried for another two to three days.
In the end, a hard but brittle plate with blades along the edges is obtained.

Nutmeg is a sign of prosperity and fun trips. It is often used for protection. According to medieval healers, this spice opens hearts, improves mood, and protects souls.

Muscat helps during apathy, enhances mental activity and memory.

Beneficial features:

stimulates and tones the nervous system, heart, blood vessels;
Eastern medicine uses nutmeg to treat sexual impotence;
relieves ARVI, increases the body's resistance to infections;
treats rheumatism and osteochondrosis;
normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Use in cooking:

used in the manufacture of canned fish;
in factories, nutmeg is added to sauces, juices and tomato pastes;
wine, mulled wine, punches, and cocktails with milk are prepared with nutmeg;
used in desserts, chocolate, baked goods;
soups, vegetable and meat sauces, main courses, and sausages are prepared with nutmeg;
Europeans use mace oil to create cheese, sauce, and mustard.

Harm and contraindications

in large quantities (three to four pieces), nutmeg kernels cause severe food poisoning, drug intoxication, and hallucinations;
overdose leads to coma or even death;
the spice is prohibited for pregnant women, children, and people with epilepsy.

Magic and beliefs

There is an old custom according to which you should always carry nutmeg with you. This will teach you to predict the future. This spice brings success in gambling. During magical rituals, emerald candles were sprinkled with nutmeg powder to attract money.

How to preserve the devotion of your loved one?

Divide the nutmeg into 4 equal parts. Bury the first one, throw the second one into the air while on the mountain. Burn the third piece, place the fourth in boiling water. Drink a little of the resulting broth, remove a piece of nut from the water, and have it with you. Place under your pillow at night.
This magical ritual guarantees the fidelity and devotion of the beloved for many years. Therefore, before performing magic, you need to think carefully about whether you want to be with this person all your life. If the answer is yes, and the chosen one is in no hurry to propose, a magic nut will also help.
Nutmeg, which a girl carries in her pocket, increases her chances of marriage significantly.

We hope it was interesting.

Read with us, live happily.

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Nutmeg is the core of the fruit of the nutmeg tree. This tree has been growing for almost a hundred years, and actively bears fruit for the first 40 years of its life. In just one year it can produce more than 10,000 fruits, which look a little like. Once fully ripe, these fruits burst and the core appears.

The nut itself is essentially a seed inside a seed. To obtain it, these seeds are well dried in the open sun and then cleaned. The resulting core is carefully dried over the fire until it becomes dark. To get high-quality nutmeg, you need to use fruits that bloom for 3-4 months. The finished nut will be round or oval in shape, small in size - 2-3 centimeters. Round types of nutmeg have a richer smell and taste than oval ones.

The use and magical properties of nutmeg were known to ancient people in Rome and Greece. It was used as a food additive, as a medicine, or as a pleasant flavoring. The first records of it date back to the first century AD, but it began to be used widely only about 1000 years ago.

It became widespread in Europe much later, after the colonization of the Portuguese. In particular, it was on one of the colonized islands that nutmeg trees actively grew, which ensured its wide distribution. Until about the 19th century, Holland and Portugal were the only suppliers of the spice, and held a very high price bar for this spice. But after nutmeg plantations began to be grown in India, Ceylon and Latin America, the price of this spice fell sharply.

Chemical composition (per 100 g)

	556 kcal
	9 g
	7 g
	20 g
	50 g
	3 g
	50 g
and disaccharides	2 7
	0.3 g
	1 mg
	0.2 mg
	1 mg
	0.5 mg
	40 mcg
	6 mg
	10 mcg
	90 mg
	250 mg
	600 mg
	60 mg
	100 mg
	3800 mcg
	500 mcg
	2800 mcg

If possible, buy nutmeg in kernels - this way it will retain much more beneficial properties and its rich, amazing taste. If you cannot buy whole nutmegs, choose the ground version or buy them in sealed, sealed containers. Give preference to well-tested manufacturers.

Beneficial features

The fruits of the nutmeg tree have many beneficial properties: they contain a huge amount of vitamins and minerals, as well as essential oil and. If you consume them in small doses, their pronounced positive properties will become noticeable. But you should not overuse the nut, as it has a serious stimulating and tonic effect on the nervous system and heart.

In Eastern medicine, it is used to treat men with the problem of rapid ejaculation, as well as as a cure for impotence and other disorders of intimate life. Ground nutmeg is believed to act as an aphrodisiac, increasing sexual desire and arousal.

If you use a minimal dose, you can normalize sleep and somewhat calm the nervous system. It is often added to massage oil and made hot - with these products you can stimulate the immune system and treat colds in the early stages.

Beneficial features:

stimulates the immune system;
improves blood circulation;
helps the digestive system;
helps improve arthritis;
reduces the risk of rheumatism;
strengthens hair and nails;
prevents the spread of viruses in the body;
has an anti-inflammatory effect;
improves potency in men;
helps with autoimmune diseases.

A special massage paste is made from nutmeg tincture with the addition of sunflower oil, which is used to treat osteochondrosis and arthritis. To do this, warm paste should be used as a compress, which is applied to the sore spot. Then you need to wrap the area with polyethylene, cover it with a warm cloth and leave it until it cools down.

It is excellent for helping those who have intestinal problems, in particular constipation or diarrhea. It saves you from loss of appetite, as it stimulates the gastrointestinal tract and also reduces the formation of gas.

To treat the gastrointestinal tract, you need to take a little nutmeg and dry nutmeg, add yogurt and water in equal proportions. Yogurt can be replaced with fermented baked milk if you like their taste better. The result should be about a glass of the mixture, which should be drunk at one time. The effect will become noticeable after 2-3 hours, possibly later if you had lunch or dinner before.

Application in medicine

Nutmeg is excellent in helping to cope with various diseases and is used as a supportive treatment. For example, it is used in the treatment of vascular dystonia, as it is able to normalize blood circulation. In particular, its use can relieve migraines or just headaches, as well as improve blood pressure. For example, some people use express treatment for severe migraines using a paste of a mixture and nutmeg. To do this, you need to take fresh and very high-quality cow's milk, add ground nutmeg to it and apply this remedy to your forehead, waiting until the pain disappears.

Even in ancient times, nutmeg was even used to treat toothache, as well as to relieve muscle pain. It has been used for various nervous disorders due to its stimulating effects. In any case, nutmeg, when used regularly, only brings benefits. And also its regular use in small quantities helps cleanse the liver and kidneys. It also cleanses the blood and helps remove various kinds of poisons and toxins from the body. In addition, the substances contained in nutmeg can lift the mood and stimulate the appetite of adults and children.

For women

Nutmeg is very often used by women suffering from mastopathy. For maintenance treatment there is no need to prepare anything special, you just need to apply nutmeg as desired. It would be ideal if it is added to dishes without heat treatment. It is best used in combination with fresh vegetable salads.

During lactation, the benefits of nutmeg are invaluable if a woman has problems with lactation - it stimulates the production of milk, which will be enough to feed the baby.

The healthiest and tastiest way to do this is to prepare a kefir-based cocktail: you need to mix nutmeg with kefir, add a little dill and drink as desired in any quantity in the absence of an allergic reaction.

Even such a serious problem as varicose veins can be helped by nutmeg. For it to help, you need to take the powder, add a glass of boiling water to it, a little and leave for 10 or 15 minutes. It is recommended to prepare it for one serving, without heating it, and drink it 2 times a day. It is advisable to do this in the morning half an hour before meals, and after dinner half an hour later.

For children

If your child tolerates nuts well and has no allergies, you can add a little nutmeg to his food while he is teething, but not more than a tenth of a gram. Give your child a mixture of nutmeg, milk and honey and it will act as a sedative. Then the child will experience a reduction in the unpleasant symptoms that occur when teeth are being cut, he will stop refusing to eat and will become calmer.

Grated nutmeg is also excellent for those who suffer from gas and bloating, as well as noticeable colic. It is also sometimes used to help babies by adding a very small amount of spice to various dishes. The main thing is to add it little by little, as the child may react poorly to the nut.

Use in cooking

Due to its aroma and spicy taste, a spice such as nutmeg is mainly added to desserts, most often to various types of baked goods such as pies, pies or cookies. It is also great as an additive to chocolate, and in general, chocolate and nutmeg are considered simply an ideal combination, and also a powerful aphrodisiac.

True gourmets even add nutmeg to soups, poultry, game or meat dishes, as well as vegetables. It also goes well with side dishes, and nutmeg lovers add it to compote. It goes well with tomatoes, so it is often added to tomato sauce or ketchup, including in factory production.

Nutmeg also goes well with wine and other drinks, as it imparts its spicy, nutty flavor to them. It is often used in combination with milk, especially in cocktails. For real lovers, it is added in very small quantities to canned fish and also combined with curry. Nutmeg is widely used in the factory production of meat dishes, including sausages or smoked meats, as well as for fish during canning.

Essential oil with a pronounced pleasant aroma is also made from nutmeg. It is most often used for aromatherapy, as well as in perfumery and to highlight a pleasant smell. In small quantities it is added to tobacco for cigarettes, cigars or pipes, making it more enjoyable. The rinds from this nut are used to make nutmeg essence, which is popular in Europe for making various types of nutmeg sauces and additives, as well as in the production of cheese.

Storage and use

It is very important to know that nutmeg should only be used as a seasoning in small quantities. Use no more than 1 kernel per day as a food supplement. If you exceed the recommended amount, you may experience rapid heartbeat, headache, and vomiting. From large doses, the gastrointestinal tract as a whole, and especially the pancreas, can be affected. The nut is thoroughly crushed using a grater or ground.

Nutmeg is usually sold in the form of whole kernels, since after grinding it loses its flavor very quickly, so you need to grind it immediately before use. It is also advisable to store it in whole form, and not in powder form. Nutmeg massage oil is often used to massage the body for colds, especially the throat. In addition, with regular use, it can help with some benign tumors, including because it stimulates the action of the immune system. It is also capable of localizing some formations and helps in the treatment of tuberculosis or staphylococcus.

Hazardous properties

In addition to its undoubted benefits, nutmeg has dangerous properties. In particular, it contains in very small quantities a substance that acts as a narcotic and a mild hallucinogen. This does not mean that nutmeg is a drug or can have such a special effect, but if you eat a few nutmeg in its uncooked form, you may get very serious food poisoning. The effect of it is individual and can range from simply feeling unwell to nausea, cramps, rapid heartbeat and disorientation.

Nutmeg oil is strictly contraindicated for pregnant women due to its stimulating effect; for the same reason, it should not be used by those suffering from epilepsy or those with individual intolerance to the components.

At the same time, a fresh product, among other things, can give the effect of drug intoxication, accompanied by hallucinations. If too much fresh nutmeg is consumed, severe coma or even death may occur in allergy sufferers. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Sources

Novak B., Schultz B. Tropical fruits. Biology, Applications, Cultivation and Harvesting, 2002.
Pokhlebkin V.V. All about spices. - M.: Food Industry, 1974. - P. 57-62, 8-20. - 207 p.

Speciality: infectious disease specialist, gastroenterologist, pulmonologist.

Total experience: 35 years .

Education:1975-1982, 1MMI, san-gig, highest qualification, infectious disease doctor.

Science degree: doctor of the highest category, candidate of medical sciences.

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