WHAT IS NUTMEG?

Nutmeg is a spice derived from the Myristica fragrans (fragrant nutmeg) tree, which comes from the Indonesian Banda Islands, also known as the Spice Islands. Nutmeg was among the earliest spices in trading history. As the spice trade developed along what we now call the Silk Road, nutmeg traveled from those small Indonesian Islands to become a coveted, spice, heavily used by cultures around the world.

HOW CAN YOU USE NUTMEG?

In the United States, nutmeg is popularly used as a baking spice in cooler months. It’s used heavily in fall desserts, in pumpkin spice blends, and it’s what gives eggnog its distinct flavor. Nutmeg is widely used in savory cooking as well, especially in African diaspora cooking because of its history in African and Caribbean cuisine. Nutmeg is an essential part of spice blends like garam masala and quatre épices. Nutmeg is subtly layered into the mother sauce, bechamel, and can also be found in Jamaican jerk seasoning spice. Nutmeg is not just used as a culinary spice. In Ayurvedic medicinal practices, it was administered as an astringent, digestive aid, and to help with insomnia.

HOW TO GROW NUTMEG?

To grow the nutmeg hickory tree, visit the link below.
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/carya-myristiciformis/