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The
giant netmeg tree, which grows upto 66 feet tall, is native to the
Moluccas Islands in the south pacific. The tree produces a peach-shaped
fruit known as the nutmeg apple, which is discarded in favour of
the aromatic seed inside. When ripe, the fruit splits to expose
a pecan sized nut wrapped in a bright red "netting" called
an aril. The nut and aril are separated and dried. The nut is nutmeg;
the aril (which turns a yellow color as it dries) yields the spice
mace. Though both of these spices have a long history of use in
both Chinese and Indian medicine, nutmeg is more commonly prescribed.
It has a variety of health benefits. It calms, helps to lower blood
pressure and soothes digestive upset. Mixed with a neutral oil and
used in massage, it eases joint pain and inflammation.
A warming
spice oil
Nutmeg is sold as a whole nut, a ground powder and an essential
oil. The oil is of special interest because its healing properties
act on both physical and psychological level: Nutmeg oil strengthens
the heart and circulation, stimulates digestion, warms the body
and banishes fatigue. To counteract joint pain, add a blend of nutmeg,
clove and rosemary essential oils to an aromatic diffuser.
Therapeutic
Effect
Regular use of nutmeg as a seasoning stimulates the cardiovascular
system, promotes concentration, acts as an expectorant, reduces
joint inflammation and helps the liver remove toxins. It also has
a warming effect on the digestive system, reduces indigestion, nausea
and vomiting and calms diarrhea.
Components
Nutmeg is a potent aromatic spice. The active ingredients in its
essential oil are myristicin, elincin, camphene, geraniol and borneol.
Nutmeg also contains fatty substances, starch, protein and some
potassium and calcium.
Nutmeg
for diarrhea and upset stomach
To provide fast relief for diarrhea, dissolve 3 pinches of ground
nutmeg in a glass of warm milk. Sip the drink slowly. For stomach
upset, add a pinch of nutmeg to peppermint tea or sprinkle nutmeg
over 1 tsp. of honey.
Take
care
In large doses, the myristicin and elicin in nutmeg can be toxic,
may produce a hallucinogenic effect or cause miscarriages. Don't
use more than 2 tbsp. of ground spice or 10 drops of essential oil
per day.
Nutmeg cookies
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 oz. candled
lemon peel
- 9 oz. ground
almonds
- 1-2 tsp.
cornstarch
- ¼
tsp. grated nutmeg
- 1 small package
graham crackers
- Lemon cake
frosting
- 2-3 oz. chopped
pistachios
- Preheat
the oven to 350 deg F
- Beat the
eggs and sugar until frothy
- Chop the
lemon peel. Stir the peel and almonds into the egg mixture. Add
some cornstarch to thicken. Fold the nutmeg into the egg mixture.
- Shape the
dough into walnut sized balls and place each ball on a graham
cracker. Bake the cookies for 12-15 mins
after they have cooled, spread frosting on them and sprinkle with
pistachios
For joint
inflammation
Regular nutmeg consumption can relieve joint pain and gout. Put
5-6 drops on a sugar cube, or in 1 tsp of honey. Add the sugar to
a cup of warm milk and sip throughout the day.
For toothache
For a toothache, place 1 drop of nutmeg oil on a cotton swab. Apply
it ot the gum area around the tooth. Repeat several times a day.
Kitchen Hints
- Ground nutmeg
is available pre-packaged. However, once ground, the spice quickly
loses its aroma. It is therefore best to buy whole nuts and use
the fine side of a cheese grater to grind them to a powder yourself.
Do this shortly before using the spice. Whole nuts will keep indefinitely.
- When purchasing
whole nutmeg, ask if the nuts were dipped in lime milk; this is
a sign of high quality.
- Nutmeg is
an excellent seasoning for cooked vegetables, especially cauliflower,
potatoes, spinach and winter squash. It is a delicious addition
to creamy white sauce, pasta fillings and meat dishes. Of course,
it is a familiar flavour in pumpkin pie and other baked goods,
as well as in eggnog.
- Nutmeg loses
its flavour when heated. If possible, add freshly grated nutmeg
toward the end of the cooking process.
- The effects
of alcohol are intensified by nutmeg. Limit your alcohol intake
when eating foods prepared with a good amount of the spice.
- Nutmeg complements
winter drinks, such as tea and hot apple cider. Sprinkle the spice
over the hot drink, it adds flavour and helps soothe colds and
bronchitis.
- In spice
blends, nutmeg works well with cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger
and black pepper.
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