NUTMEG= जायफल (pr. {jayaphal} )(Noun)

East Indian tree widely cultivated in the tropics for its aromatic seed; source of two spices: nutmeg and mace.Hard aromatic seed of the nutmeg tree used as spice when grated or ground. The nutmeg is the inside part of a yellow fruit from the nutmeg tree, namely the kernel.^[1] The ripened fruit splits open to reveal a hard, black nutmeg. This nutmeg is dried for culinary usage. Mace is the inner case of the nutmeg and looks like webbing. Mace has a more delicate taste than nutmeg.

“Myristica fragrans” is an evergreen tree indigenous to the Moluccas (or Spice Islands) of Indonesia. It is important as the main source of the spices nutmeg and mace. It is widely grown across the tropics including Guangdong and Yunnan in China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Grenada in the Caribbean, Kerala in India, Sri Lanka and South America.^[ “Spice Islands” most commonly refers to the Maluku Islands and often also to the small volcanic Banda Islands, once the only source of mace and nutmeg.

Nutmeg is a hard, aromatic, almost spherical seed of a tropical tree. Nutmeg is kind off egg-shaped and about 20 to 30 mm (0.8 to 1.2 in) long and 15 to 18 mm (0.6 to 0.7 in) wide, and weighing between 5 and 10 g (0.2 and 0.4 oz) dried, while mace is the dried “lacy” reddish covering or aril of the seed. The first harvest of nutmeg trees takes place 7–9 years after planting, and the trees reach full production after twenty years.

Nutmeg is the only tropical fruit that is the source of two different spices. Several other commercial products are also produced from the trees, including essential oils, extracted oleoresins, and nutmeg butter.

Nutmeg is hard aromatic seed of the nutmeg tree, is used as a spice when grated or ground.

Nutmeg is a popular spice around the world. It is popular for its many health benefits. Since ancient times, nutmeg has been used as a remedy for various ailments or to improve health in general.

• Do not mistake nutmeg for a nut – it is a kernel.
• One whole nutmeg is the equivalent of 2 – 3 teaspoons of ground nutmeg.
• To test a nutmeg, prick it with a pin. If it is good quality, the oil will instantly spread around the puncture.

Culinary uses:

Add nutmeg to savory dishes:

Nutmeg goes well with certain types of savory dishes.

• Cheese dishes
• Pumpkin – pumpkin soup and mashed pumpkin
• Soups
• Spinach
• Ravioli
• Cannelloni, especially the vegetarian version
• Add pinch or two to cooked greens such as spinach, chard, kale, etc.
• Stews, haggis and sausages
• Middle Eastern curry dishes
• Porridge

Again, nutmeg goes well with certain types of sweet dishes:

• Custard, including rhubarb and custard
• Cake, especially spice cakes
• Puddings
• Vanilla pastries

Add nutmeg as a drink topper:

Nutmeg is ideal for:

• Sprinkling over cappucino or latte froth
• Sprinkling over milkshake froth
• Sprinkling over chai froth
• Adding to milk and soy smoothies
• Adding to eggnog
• Infusing spiced or mulled wine
• In Dominican Republic ground nutmeg is often added to the black coffee when brewed in the coffee pot

Health benefits of Nutmeg:

Known as a popular spice around the world, nutmeg is also popular for its many health benefits. In fact, since ancient times, nutmeg has been used as a remedy for various ailments or to improve health in general. Here are some of the health benefits that nutmeg provides.

During ancient times, Roman and Greek civilizations used nutmeg as a type of brain tonic. This is because nutmeg can effectively stimulate your brain. As a result, it can help eliminate fatigue and stress. If you are suffering from anxiety or depression, nutmeg may also be a good remedy. Nutmeg can also improve your concentration so you can become more efficient and focused at work or at school.

Pain Relief

Nutmeg is also an effective sedative. In fact, nutmeg is a staple in ancient Chinese medicine. The Chinese used the spice to treat inflammation and abdominal pain. Use nutmeg if you are suffering from aching joints, muscle pain, arthritis, sores and other ailments. To relieve the pain, apply nutmeg oil to the affected areas.

Indigestion Relief

If you suffer from digestion-related problems like diarrhea, constipation, bloating, flatulence and so on, nutmeg can effectively offer you relief. Nutmeg oil relieves stomachaches by removing the excess gas from your intestines. Nutmeg can also boost your appetite.

Bad Breath Treatment

Because of its antibacterial properties, nutmeg can also effectively treat halitosis or bad breath. As you probably know, bad breath is usually caused by a build-up of bacteria in your mouth. Nutmeg can rid your mouth of these bacteria. This is the reason why nutmeg is a common ingredient in many brands of toothpastes. Nutmeg can also be used to treat gum problems and toothaches.

Liver and Kidney Detox

Detoxification is an important factor of good health. Diet, pollution, stress, tobacco, medication and other external substances can lead to the build-up of toxins in your organs. The liver and kidney are two of the organs where this toxic build-up usually develops. As a tonic, nutmeg can clean your liver and kidney and remove these toxins. If you are suffering from a liver disease then nutmeg can also be beneficial. Nutmeg is also effective in preventing and dissolving kidney stones. When your liver and kidney are successfully detoxified, they can perform their function better.

Skin Care

If skin care is one of your priorities then you might want to incorporate nutmeg into your regimen. Nutmeg can actually help you achieve smoother and healthier skin by helping you treat several skin problems. A scrub made from nutmeg powder and orange lentil powder can help you remove blackheads, a type of acne characterized by pores clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells. If you suffer from acne marks, nutmeg can also help make your scars less noticeable. What you need to do is mix some nutmeg powder with some honey to make a paste, which you will then apply to the acne marks.

Sleep Aid

If you have difficulty sleeping at night, drink a cup of milk with some nutmeg powder. “hot milk flavoured with nutmeg” will help you achieve relaxation and will induce sleep.

Ref. http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/7-health-benefits-nutmeg-provides.html

Nick’s kitchen medical Disclaimer:

• Nick’s kitchen is for Vegetarians. It sometimes provides education and support to individuals who want to become vegetarian, or move toward a more vegetarian diet.
• Nick’s kitchen provides some information on vegetarian and vegan diets to the best of their knowledge and abilities.
• Nick’s kitchen does not claim to be health care professional, nutritionist, nor does it claims to treat any illness through vegan or vegetarian diet.
• If you have a medical condition,Nick’s kitchen recommend that you consult your health care professionals before changing your diet.
• Any changes that you make to your diet, and the results of those changes, are your decision and your responsibility.