Nutmeg: beneficial properties and uses of the spice. About the beneficial and dangerous properties of nutmeg: culinary use and contraindications for use. What is another name for nutmeg?

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

1. Novak B., Schultz B. Tropical fruits. Biology, Applications, Cultivation and Harvesting, 2002.
2. 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.

Many people have heard and read about nutmeg: today this spice is often mentioned in culinary recipes. However, in our country, few people know that nutmeg is used not only in cooking, but is also an effective remedy.

Nutmeg is a spice brought from Asia to Europe in ancient times. The ancient Greeks and Romans often wrote about nutmeg in their scientific works: about its use as a seasoning, medicine and even an air freshener.

In the 1st century AD, nutmeg was described by Pliny the Younger, and after another 900-1000 years, this spice was used by all countries of Europe and Asia.

A few centuries ago, the monopoly on the production of nutmeg, like many other spices, belonged to the Portuguese and the Dutch: after all, it was they who took possession of the Mollucca Islands, since under an agreement with Spanish sailors on the redistribution of the world, they got the eastern hemisphere.

Nutmeg trees grew only there at that time, so until the 19th century, nutmeg was a very expensive spice. Then they began to grow it in India, Ceylon, the islands of the Indonesian archipelago and even in Latin America: then almost all people could buy and use it, if only it was on sale.

Today, nutmeg is produced in Indonesia, Malaysia, India and Sri Lanka. It is grown in Africa, Brazil, and some islands of the Caribbean. Nutmeg, a tree whose fruit produces nuts, grows well in warm tropical climates.

In addition to nuts, this tree gives us the nutmeg color - this is a completely different type of spice. The tree reaches a height of 6 to 20 m, although in general several dozen species belong to the Muscataceae family - among them there are also shrubs.

Nutmegs are obtained from trees with a dense crown that can live for about 100 years. The fruits are large berries, gray-yellow or bright yellow, somewhat reminiscent of apricots. Ripe fruits open, revealing a seed between the halves. This seed is what we call nutmeg; and the pericarp is a bright crimson, ruby ​​or red color, also called the acetum, and covering the outside of the seed, called nutmeg color.

In order to obtain spices, both the seed and the pericarp - soft, leathery petals - are processed for quite a long time; the pulp of the fruit is also used, but only where they grow - in Southeast Asia.

What does it contain?

The chemical composition of nutmeg is very rich, and it also contains quite a lot of calories, although it is usually not included in the list of healthy products: in our country, nutmeg is still used less often than other spices - at least in home cooking.

100 g of nutmeg contains about 556 kcal; it contains a lot of protein and even more fat, there are carbohydrates, sugars, starch and dietary fiber.

The vitamin composition is very rich: only B vitamins - as many as 7, there are also vitamins PP, E, N. There are also a lot of minerals, and they are presented in sufficient quantities: calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine, sodium; iron, silicon, manganese, zinc, aluminum, copper, strontium, iodine, selenium, molybdenum, boron, vanadium, cobalt, nickel, tin, titanium, zirconium. Nutmeg contains essential and fatty oils, starch, pectins, and dyes.

Nutmeg essential oil contains many aromatic and biologically active substances that have different properties and interact with each other.

Thanks to the delicate aroma and spicy taste of these substances, nutmeg has become so popular in cooking, cosmetology and perfumery. In medicine, it is used most often as part of external agents, although it has many medicinal properties.

How is it useful?

The fact is that the use of nutmeg for medicinal purposes requires certain skills and knowledge, since exceeding the dose can be very dangerous for health and even life.

Nutmeg has a stimulating effect on the nervous system, and it can also calm and improve memory; it slows down the formation of substances in the stomach that cause inflammation, therefore helping to cure peptic ulcers; destroys microbes and stops the development of tumors; strengthens the immune system; improves the structure of cartilage and hair; promotes normal functioning of the reproductive system.

In oriental medicine, nutmeg has always been used to treat benign tumors and prevent the development of malignant tumors; treating tuberculosis and reducing pain. It was prescribed for diseases of the joints and muscles, osteochondrosis, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract - in particular, for bloating, diarrhea and nausea. We took nutmeg for a long time, but in very small doses.

As part of medications, nutmeg is used to treat staphylococcal infections, varicose veins and phlebitis; arthritis and myositis. Important properties of nutmeg are the ability to stimulate blood circulation, improve digestion, and warm the body as part of massage mixtures.

Nutmeg is very effective for diarrhea: it not only strengthens, but also normalizes intestinal function. You need to mix yogurt with water - 1/2 cup each, add nutmeg and ginger - 1/3 tsp each, stir and eat. You can mix banana pulp with the same amount of nutmeg.

For insomnia, stir 1/4 tsp in a glass of warm milk. nutmeg and drink: sleep becomes sound and calm.

For rheumatism, prepare a paste from nutmeg and sesame oil (you can take another vegetable oil), and apply it warm to the sore spot.

If you have a headache when you have a cold, mix nutmeg with milk – also to a paste consistency – and apply it to your forehead.

Some experts believe that nutmeg should not be given to children, but nutmeg was sometimes used popularly as a sedative when children were teething.

It is known that at this time small children are capricious, cry, sleep poorly and eat poorly: nutmeg helps calm the child, restore his sleep and appetite. You need to add 0.1 g of spice (no more!) to warm milk and give it to your child in the morning and evening. If your child does not like milk, you can stir nutmeg in a small amount of honey.

In small doses, nutmeg heals, but in large doses it poisons and can even lead to death. Treatment with nutmeg should only be done with the permission of a doctor.

Of course, nutmeg also turned out to be useful for such an area as cosmetology. The essential oil obtained from it rejuvenates the skin, promotes cell renewal, improves blood circulation in the skin; relieves swelling and inflammation; has an antifungal effect.

If nutmeg essential oil is included in hair care cosmetics, it preserves hair color and restores shine, stops hair loss and prevents the formation of dandruff.

Nutmeg in cooking

Cooking is an area where nutmeg is used much more widely than in medicine and even cosmetology. Round and larger nuts are more flavorful than their oblong counterparts. Both nutmeg and nutmeg are added to dishes in very small quantities - only 0.1 g per serving.

What do you cook with nutmeg? First of all, it is considered a savory addition to sweets and baked goods: it is added to jam, puddings, cream, compotes, apple and pear desserts; pies, cookies, pretzels, gingerbread, cakes, Easter cakes. Before use, the spice is crushed, crushed or grated. Special graters are used for this - almost every cook in Europe has them.

If you put a little nutmeg in the filling of pies with cheese, onions, meat or potatoes, their taste will be unusual and attractive, and their aroma will be very pleasant. In the same way, nutmeg changes the taste of many sauces, and in Western Europe it is added to mashed potatoes and salads, soups, mushroom dishes, poultry and fish, rice, homemade canned food and pasta. In Holland, for example, pasta is rarely cooked without nutmeg.

Nutmeg is most suitable for dishes where vegetables are combined with fish or meat. Canned fish are rarely complete without nutmeg; it is added to marinades, fish and sausages are smoked with it.

Italians love to add nutmeg to vegetable stews, cannelloni and ravioli, and the British love to add nutmeg to wine and beer, which seem more flavorful to them. They even sprinkle oranges with nutmeg - this combination is considered especially exquisite.

Of course, in Asian countries, nutmeg is more popular than in Europe - almost no dish can do without it. Hindus and Arabs especially love it: they add it to national dishes along with other spices.

Most often, sweets or baked goods are prepared with nutmeg. Another famous dish is potatoes baked with it. However, you can move away from the usual stereotypes and cook a completely different dish with nutmeg - for example, fish.

Fresh medium-sized fish must be cleaned, gutted, cut off the head, tail and fins, and rinsed with cold tap water. Cut the fish into small pieces, rub each piece with salt and pepper.

From the head, fins and tail you need to cook broth with allspice and bay leaf, strain it and leave.

Grease a frying pan with butter and place pieces of fish in it in layers. Place lemon cut into thin slices on top of the fish, sprinkle with ground breadcrumbs and grated nutmeg. This should result in 3 or 4 layers. Then pour fish broth over everything (about one glass), put in a preheated oven and bake. Serve the fish hot.

As a rule, nutmeg is added to dishes shortly before cooking, but it is added to the dough during kneading. You should not grate nutmeg for future use - it will quickly lose its aroma, so it is better to store it whole and grate it in small portions, immediately before use.

There are contraindications

There are contraindications to the use of nutmeg. For example, its essential oil cannot be used during pregnancy, epilepsy and increased nervous excitability. This oil is not recommended for children - it can cause skin irritation in them.

Of course, we are talking about the external use of nutmeg oil, and in general in our country its preparations are not taken orally. When using nutmeg, side effects may occur: shortness of breath, tachycardia, increased blood pressure, and individual intolerance often occurs.

The best way to use nutmeg is to add it to dishes, as this really makes them more original and refined.

Gataulina Galina
for women's magazine www.site

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The tree on which the nut grows is an evergreen plant that can grow up to 20 meters. It can live for about a century. The fruits are a source of 3 types of spices:

• Nutmeg is the contents of the bone shell of the plant fruit. It not only has a high content of essential oils, but also many vitamins and minerals. For example, it contains 7 varieties of B vitamins, as well as PP, E and beta-carotene. As for minerals, they are represented by fluorine, vanadium, manganese, strontium, sulfur and others.

• Nutmeg color is the dried seed of a plant. The presence of a pronounced orange color and a characteristic pattern are the main indicators of quality. Despite the fact that nutmeg has a richer smell and taste, its medicinal properties are not as pronounced, since the oil content is lower than in the other two spices.

• Essential oil. This product is obtained through crushing the kernel and subsequent distillation in combination with water or steam. Nutmeg oil should be 100% clear with a barely noticeable beige tint. It has a characteristic spicy and warm aroma with a slightly intoxicating effect. It is not customary to use it in its pure and concentrated form, since at such a dosage the oil has high toxicity levels.

The calorie content of the product is 525 kcal/100 g, and the nutritional value is reflected in the table:

TOP 13 beneficial properties of nutmeg

Nutmeg has many positive properties. We invite you to get acquainted with the most pronounced of them in a kind of “hit parade”.

• Improved brain activity. Since elemicin is present in the composition, the plant is able to tone brain activity. It is no coincidence that the inhabitants of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome used the nut in exactly this “role”. Today, nutmeg is actively used to treat depressive conditions, improve concentration, and make memory more outstanding. For such a wide range of applications, it is worth saying thanks to components in the essential oil such as macelignan and myristicin, since together they reduce the level of degradation of the nervous system in those patients who suffer from Alzheimer's disease, while simultaneously increasing the level of cognitive functions in the body.

• A remedy for insomnia. Even in ancient times, people used this product to normalize sleep. It easily relieves fatigue, anxiety, and irritability, thanks to its high magnesium content. As a result, a person is in a pleasant state of relaxation, emotional peace, and gets rid of stress. Thus, nutmeg is a natural antidepressant.

• The positive effect on health is also expressed in lowering blood pressure, since the composition contains potassium, which helps dilate blood vessels and facilitate the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

• The positive effect on bone health is again due to potassium. This element in the composition reduces the manifestations of osteoporosis, helping to maintain bone integrity for a long time.

• Beneficial effect on the health of gums and teeth. Nutmeg is famous for its antibacterial properties, therefore it effectively eliminates bad breath, destroying bacteria/germs, improves the microflora of the oral cavity, and maintains healthy gums.

• Reducing pain. Even in ancient Chinese medicine, nutmeg was actively used to relieve eating disorders and relieve pain associated with arthritis. It has also demonstrated its effectiveness in treating purulent wounds, increasing appetite, and relieving abdominal discomfort.

• Beneficial therapeutic effect on the kidneys and liver. Toxic substances accumulate in our body due to environmental pollution, eating poor-quality food, and poor lifestyle. Nutmeg acts as a natural tonic, as it cleanses the kidneys and liver of toxins, normalizing their functioning.

• Skin care. Thanks to the balanced composition of nutmeg, it helps make the skin healthier and more beautiful. This explains the use of the product in the cosmetics industry.

• Providing assistance for malignant neoplasms. The composition contains methanolic essential oil, which has shown the ability to stop the division of cancer cells and metastasis in leukemia.

• Improves male power, as nutmeg is a natural aphrodisiac that stimulates libido and sexual performance.

• Often the nut (its essential oils) is used to create perfume compositions.

• One cannot help but remember cooking, since in it nutmeg was able to manifest itself in different ways. This spice is used in baking, goes well with fruit cocktails, is used in canning as a preservative and flavoring in marinades, and is included in pates and sausages.

• Nutmeg is a good helper if you have set yourself the task of losing weight, as it helps foods digest faster.

This is interesting: In Europe, they learned about nutmeg back in the 6th century, and by the 12th century the spice had become so famous that it began to be imported into almost every European country. True, then it was used mainly as an aromatic mixture.

Universal "culinary soldier"

Practice shows that ground nutmeg is well suited for almost any dish, from meat to sweets. It has been proven that it “stirs up” the appetite well and helps improve digestion, which is why it is seasoned with:

• Sausages, pates, fish.

• Puddings.

• Sweets made from dairy products.

• Chocolate and fruit.

• To “revitalize” sauces and regular side dishes, such as rice.

• Vegetable stew.

Nutmeg has a pronounced spicy taste, and not everyone will like it, so before using it, we recommend making sure that everyone will react favorably to such an initiative.

Interesting fact: professional experienced chefs use exclusively whole nuts, grating them strictly during cooking to preserve all the properties of the product.

Contraindications and possible harm

Any product must be consumed with extreme caution, especially if it is used for medicinal purposes, so as not to harm the body. Among the main contraindications:

• Individual intolerance.

• Pregnancy at any stage.

• Lactation.

• Increased nervous excitability and epilepsy.

• It is better not to use the product when you are too young or old.

Before you start taking nutmeg, it is worth remembering that an “overdose” is dangerous. If you eat more than 1, maximum 2 nuts a day, mental disorders may begin:

• Impaired consciousness and perception.

• Deceptive euphoria, an analogue of drug intoxication.

• Stupor.

• Hallucinations.

Also among other signs:

• Diarrhea.

• Vision disorders.

• Cough.

• Nausea.

• Migraine.

Thus, this is a wonderful seasoning that can help with health in a certain amount and give dishes a recognizable piquant taste, but if the “dosage” is exceeded, it transforms into a poison that destroys the human body.

Secrets of selection and use

The simplest and most common way to purchase spices is to purchase them in ground form. Among the disadvantages, it is worth highlighting the lack of tightness of the packaging, so over time, ground nutmeg irrevocably loses its aroma and taste, as well as its beneficial properties. Yes, it can still be used as a seasoning, but for medicinal purposes it is pointless.

It follows from this that it is best to buy whole nutmeg. You will subsequently need to grind it yourself using a mill, a special grater or a coffee grinder, after dividing the fruit into several parts. In any case, as soon as you grind the nut, it begins to lose its aroma and properties. Grate as much spice as you need at the moment.

Nutmeg is a well-known spicy spice, widely used in cooking and folk medicine due to its numerous beneficial and medicinal properties. It can relieve pain, stress, improve sleep, calm the stomach and improve cognitive function. It is recommended for cleansing the body, for toothache, and for strengthening the immune system. It prevents leukemia and improves blood circulation. Once upon a time, these nuts with a spicy aroma were worth their weight in gold for their subtle, refined taste and healing properties; they could make the spice seller a very rich man.

What does nutmeg look like and where does it grow?

Nutmeg is not actually a nut, but the fruit of the tropical nutmeg tree. Outwardly, it looks like an apricot or a small peach.

Muscat is a tall evergreen tree belonging to the Muscataceae family of the same name. The homeland of the nutmeg is tropical forests. There are about 400 species of these plants, but only 80 of them produce this aromatic spicy spice. The rest also have similar fruits, but with less aroma and value.

The Moluccas, which were once called the “Spice Islands,” are considered the birthplace of nutmeg. A mature tree can reach a height of 20 meters. When grown from seed, the first harvest can be obtained only after 7-9 years. The nutmeg lives for about 70-75 years and in a year you can get about 2000 nuts from one tree.

Nutmeg produces two spices at once - the nut itself and the mace, the outer red membrane that covers it. Both of these spices have a subtle spicy sweet aroma, but in the nut it is more pronounced.

Nutmeg was originally grown on the island of Banda, part of the Maluku Islands. For thousands of years, the island's inhabitants have collected the fruits of the nutmeg tree and used them for cooking and as a healing agent. They also traded nutmeg with the other islands surrounding it. From there he first came to Europe.

When Europeans first became acquainted with this spice, it captivated them not only with its exquisite aroma, but also as a remedy that could stop the spread of the plague. No wonder in those days 1 pound of nuts cost as much as a cow.

In general, the history of nutmeg is shrouded in constant wars and battles. The first to discover the “spice islands” were the Portuguese, who were soon supplanted by the Dutch and held control over the supply and prices of spices for decades.

The excitement around this spice died down when the French, followed by the British, secretly exported the nuts to their conquered tropical islands.

Today, nutmeg is grown commercially in many tropical countries, including the Caribbean and India.

The nutmeg blooms with small pale yellowish flowers shaped like a bell.

The fruit is light yellow in color, enclosed in a fleshy shell, which cracks in half when the nut ripens.

The extracted nut is covered with a red membrane and is shaped like an apricot or plum pit.

Ripe fruits are collected (up to 3 times a year) and dried for 2 months. Modern technologies have greatly accelerated this process, reducing it to a few days.

After drying, the membrane is removed from the nut, which is used as an independent seasoning. In addition to spicy spices, valuable nutmeg oil is obtained from the nut.

What are the benefits of nutmeg and what does it contain?

In nutmeg, the main value comes from the oils, which account for almost 40 percent. Most of it consists of a substance called elemicin. It is this drug that causes hallucinations when overdosed. Therefore, you cannot eat more than 3-6 pieces of fruit per day. It all depends on the individual characteristics of a particular person.

The remaining components of the essential oil are:

Myristicin;

Terpinen;

and other connections.

In addition, it contains:

Vitamins: C, thiamine, riboflavin and others;

Minerals: iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, potassium, zinc, chromium, cobalt and others;

Catechins;

Saponins;

Unsaturated fatty acids: oleic, linoleic, palmitic, myristic, caprylic, formic and others.

All these compounds give the nut a number of useful and healing properties, contribute to the normal functioning of the body, and have a beneficial effect on internal organs and skin.

Like all nuts, it contains a lot of calories. In 100 grams it reaches 520-550 kcal. Why such difference? Nutmeg as a seasoning is often mixed from several types, which differ from each other in smell and nutritional value. This only applies to powder form.

Nutmeg beneficial properties

By adding nutmeg to your dishes when cooking, you can improve metabolic processes, reduce hunger, stabilize the digestive tract and solve a number of problems associated with digestion. Nutmeg is often recommended to be added to the diet in weight loss programs. The range of its beneficial properties and effects on the human body is very extensive. Among the main ones it should be noted:

Prevents the development of pathogenic microflora in the oral cavity and helps eliminate unpleasant odor.

Help in relieving headaches and toothaches (essential oil contains a number of compounds with analgesic properties).

Relieves fatigue, tension, improves concentration and attention.

Helps improve blood circulation.

Eliminates flatulence, including after eating foods that increase gas formation.

Normalizes digestion and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Helps with diarrhea, vomiting, and the first symptoms of poisoning.

It has diuretic and choleretic properties.

Normalizes metabolic processes.

Helps cleanse the body and remove harmful carcinogenic substances.

Effective as a diuretic and choleretic natural remedy.

Relieves pain in the musculoskeletal system due to diseases and injuries.

Has a beneficial effect on the male reproductive system.

Increases libido and improves erectile function.

Helps restore the menstrual cycle.

Relieves unpleasant symptoms of menopause.

Nutmeg oil is widely used in cosmetics for skin and body care, and in the perfume industry.

Nutmeg medicinal properties

Nutmeg has been used as a medicine by local peoples for centuries. It can be used for:

Disorders and malfunctions of the nervous system;

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;

With a decrease in potency in men;

Sexual disorders and decreased libido in women;

Skin diseases;

Weakening of the immune system;

Poisoning of the body.

Nutmeg has the following properties:

Stimulating;

Knitting;

Antimicrobial;

Anti-inflammatory;

Antibacterial;

Sedative;

Toning.

Nutmeg helps with:

High temperature;

Colds and viral diseases;

Headache;

Halitose;

Toothache;

Rheumatism;

Heart problems;

Hemorrhoids;

Varicose veins;

Insomnia;

Weakening of potency;

Nervous overstrain.

They chew it to get rid of the unpleasant smell of fumes and cigarettes.

However, it must be remembered that an overdose can lead to a hallucinogenic effect.

Nutmeg for gastrointestinal problems

Its main use for such problems is to eliminate bloating and increased gas formation. These properties are provided to it by camphor, eugenol, safrole present in the essential oil.

Pectin, sabonol and zinc are powerful antiulcer agents. In total, it contains about 20 compounds that have a calming and relaxing effect on the abdominal muscles.

It is often used for:

Bloating (take 1 gram of powder after meals three times a day);

Gastritis;

Digestion of food;

Loss of appetite (sprinkle food with spice before eating);

Anorexia;

Insufficient saliva production.

Nutmeg stimulates the production of gastric juice, which improves digestion and digestion of food. It is taken either before or after meals, depending on the problem. It can be used together with other herbs and spices in the form of tea, adding ginger and cinnamon to relieve discomfort associated with digestion and stomach function.

In addition, the dietary fiber present in it enhances intestinal motility.

Nutmeg for respiratory and colds

It is used as an expectorant and anti-inflammatory agent. To relieve cough and bronchitis, make warm compresses soaked in nutmeg essential oil. To do this, the napkin is heated and placed on the chest. Such compresses help at the first signs of respiratory diseases.

You can add a pinch of ground nuts to any warm drink.

Nutmeg for insomnia

Many consider it the best remedy for sleep disorders. All you need to do is add a pinch of ground nutmeg to warm milk. Its effect occurs within 2-6 hours. Therefore, you need to take it a few hours before bedtime. Its sedative effect lasts up to 8 hours. This must be taken into account when receiving a late appointment. For example, if you drink milk with nuts at 10 pm, you may feel sleepy the next morning.

Keeping in mind the undesirable effects of the nut, take no more than 1-10 grams. You need to start taking nutmeg with small doses.

Using nutmeg for insomnia can help restore sleep. However, there may be other reasons that just drinking nut milk will not solve.

Nutmeg for hypertension

Due to the presence of potassium, it has antihypertensive properties and can lower blood pressure. Potassium is a vasodilator that relaxes blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure and reducing stress on the cardiovascular system. Although it is used very rarely for this purpose, you need to know about these properties.

Nutmeg to improve blood circulation

The main effect is provided by the compounds that make up the essential oil. These compounds can reduce the degradation of nerve endings and improve cognitive function, reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

By influencing blood circulation, it helps relieve pain and other unpleasant symptoms associated with this problem.

These and anti-inflammatory properties ensure the use of the nut for hemorrhoids and varicose veins. Lozenges or ointment made from powder (5 grams of nutmeg powder and any vegetable oil) reduce swelling and pain. Apply the ointment directly to the affected area.

Nutmeg as an aphrodisiac

Nutmeg is an aphrodisac. It is often added in small quantities to other herbal ingredients that have similar properties.

They season dishes during a romantic date. It allows you to relax and calm down, relieve embarrassment and tension.

There is no need to wait for some violent passions. However, if someone has a lot of anxiety, stress, insomnia, nutmeg can be a good help and remove any barriers to sex. It can help make you a more pleasant and cheerful partner.

Make small tablets by taking equal proportions of nutmeg and cinnamon, adding a little ground cloves and water. You can add a little flour for binding. Eat them to calm down and relieve any bitterness or unpleasantness.

Nutmeg may also support male sexual health and is used locally for benign prostatic hyperplasia, premature ejaculation and impotence.

Nutmeg use in folk medicine

Europeans, having become acquainted with nutmeg, found use for it not only in cooking, but also began to use it for treatment. Perhaps they adopted some information from peoples where this spice is not at all exotic. Look at several recipes for treating various diseases.

Nutmeg for varicose veins

The effect of nutmeg in this disease is based on its ability to improve blood circulation, relieve pain and inflammation.

At the first symptoms of the disease, it can be taken daily in powder form on an empty stomach for three weeks.

The infusion is prepared as follows:

Brew 20 grams of nutmeg powder with a glass of boiling water. Infuse and filter, add 100 grams of honey.

Drink the infusion three times a day, 15 grams (1 tablespoon). Keep refrigerated.

A weaker infusion is prepared from half a teaspoon of ground nuts per glass of boiling water. After infusing for 15 minutes, add one tablespoon of honey. Drink half a glass in the morning one hour before breakfast and before bed two hours after the last meal.

Alcohol tincture of nutmeg for varicose veins

To prepare take:

100 grams nutmeg (ground)

500 ml vodka

Place in a dark place for 10 days. Take it 3 times a day, 20 drops diluted in a small amount of water. Duration of treatment – ​​3 months.

Nutmeg to increase potency

There are several ways to use nutmeg to improve and increase potency.

The first is to take ground powder. To do this, buy ready-made nuts in powder form or grind them yourself. Take 1/3 teaspoon, dividing it into three equal parts. Can be taken with water or added to food. To avoid exceeding the dosage, use the following calculation formula: 1 gram of powder for every 10 kg of body weight. The total amount should still not exceed the daily norm. Maximum – one or two teaspoons.

Nutmeg can be added to a drink, cocktail (except alcoholic), salad or to season meat.

The second way is to make a tincture. Take 150 grams of nutmeg and ginger root. Add 5 grams of anise and pour one liter of vodka or alcohol. Leave for a week. Drink 1 tablespoon of the tincture every day.

This tea recipe is suitable for both men and women. To prepare it, take equal proportions of nutmeg, lavender flowers, ginger root and cloves. Add five rose petals to this mixture and brew 500 ml of boiling water. You can add honey or sugar to the finished tea.

Nutmeg to improve memory

Prepare the tincture by taking a tablespoon each of ground nutmeg, caraway seeds and anise. Pour in 1 liter of red wine. Leave for 2 weeks and filter. Drink 50 ml three times a day.

You can make a tincture using cognac instead of wine. Drink 25 ml of this tincture three times a day.

Nutmeg for diseases of the musculoskeletal system

For pain in muscles and joints caused by rheumatism, arthrosis, osteochondrosis, rub in an ointment made from ground nuts and vegetable oil. To prepare it, slightly heat the vegetable mixture and add nut powder. Mix thoroughly to form a paste with a consistency similar to thick sour cream.

After applying the medicine, wrap the sore area well and leave until the heat acts. Maybe overnight.

Instead of powder, you can use essential oil, which is rubbed in with light massage movements and wrapped. Be sure to dilute with any vegetable oil.

As a prophylactic remedy to relieve inflammation, you can take a tincture made from 100 grams of nutmeg and 500 grams of vodka. Drink 1 teaspoon of tincture before meals three times a day, after diluting it with water. Duration of treatment – ​​14 days.

In addition, you can take this mixture. Take 12 parts of celery root, 4 parts of rue leaves, 3 parts of nutmeg and 2 parts of cloves. Grind everything in a blender and mix well. Take 1 teaspoon before meals.

For neuralgia and muscle pain, you can add a few drops of essential oil to an ointment or cream prescribed by a doctor or make it yourself by taking vegetable oil, beeswax, powder or nut oil.

Nutmeg contraindications overdose

Nutmeg in large doses can cause:

Poor concentration;

Headache;

Cardiopalmus;

Stomach upset;

Dry mouth;

Redness of the eyes;

Increased sweating;

Temperature increase;

Body pain and aches;

Hallucinations.

Treatment with nutmeg is prohibited if you have epilepsy or mental illness.

In small doses, it is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, subject to consultation with a doctor. This does not apply to nutmeg used in culinary recipes. As a rule, in cooking it is used literally on the tip of a knife.

It should not be consumed in large quantities with alcohol. In addition, it may interact with some medications. Therefore, you should definitely consult with your doctor about the compatibility of the treatment being carried out.

Nutmeg is primarily a seasoning that adds a subtle, refined aroma and taste to many dishes. And only then - medicine. Moreover, we must take into account that this is an exotic seasoning that came to us from overseas countries and is not so native to our body.

Nutmeg as a medicine

Why is nutmeg dangerous?

Nutmeg is the core of the drupe of the nutmeg tree. Many people know it as an exquisite spice with a rich, bitter taste, some trust its medicinal properties, and others believe that it can awaken and enhance sexual desire. What does this popular spice hide, beneficial properties or complete contraindications?

Composition and calorie content

The tree on which the nutmeg grows is an evergreen plant, growing up to 18–20 meters in height and living for about 100 years. Its fruits are a source of three types of spices - nutmeg, essential oil and nutmeg.. Nutmeg is the dried seed of the plant. An indicator of its quality is its bright orange color and the presence of a pronounced pattern. It has a richer taste and smell, but since the oil content in it is much lower, its medicinal properties are less pronounced than those of the nut and essential oil.

In large doses, nutmeg can be toxic

The nutmeg itself looks like the contents of the bone shell of the fruit. In addition to the high content of essential oils, it boasts a very diverse vitamin and mineral composition. It contains 7 types of B vitamins alone. In addition, it contains vitamins PP, E, H, and beta-carotene. Of the minerals here you can find almost the entire periodic table - iron, zinc, manganese, aluminum, strontium, selenium, iodine, cobalt, vanadium, strontium, molybdenum, zirconium, tin, nickel, potassium, calcium, sodium, fluorine, magnesium, sulfur.

Nutrition Facts (Table)

The calorie content of nutmeg is 525 kcal per 100 grams of product, but this is not so scary, because, as a rule, it is consumed in very small doses. If we talk about nutritional value, then 100 grams of nutmeg contain:

Another valuable substance that is extracted from this nut is essential oil. It is obtained by grinding the kernel and distilling it in a mixture with steam or water. You can often find counterfeits of this product, when some synthetic compounds or poorly purified tea tree oil are passed off as nutmeg oil, so when purchasing, you should carefully consider the information about the origin of the materials and fully analyze the composition and appearance. Nutmeg oil is an absolutely transparent liquid with a slight beige tint. It has a warm, spicy, rich aroma and a slightly intoxicating effect.. It is not used in its pure form and is never used in concentrated form, since in these doses it has pronounced toxicity.

Properties and benefits

Nutmeg is not only a spicy spice, but also a cure for many diseases.

Walnut kernel

Many people know nutmeg as a spicy seasoning, but not everyone knows about its healing properties.

• Even the ancient Romans noticed that nutmeg helps to mobilize and strengthen brain activity and increase concentration. This product is recommended for use if you are prone to depression, since the substances included in its composition enhance the production of endorphins - the hormones of joy. It is also included in immunostimulating preparations.
• Nutmeg can serve as an excellent pain reliever. Even today, many Eastern practices use it to relieve pain and inflammation in joints and muscles.
• It is also used for problems of the gastrointestinal tract. It helps eliminate diarrhea and constipation, cope with flatulence, and increase appetite.
• Nutmeg stimulates the kidneys and liver, helping them remove harmful substances from the body. It improves their functioning, prevents the formation of stones, and in some cases even promotes their dissolution.
• The antibacterial properties of the nut allow it to be used in dentistry. It copes well with bad breath, relieves toothache and prevents the development of caries.
• Nutmeg can also help solve many skin problems. Just a few treatments with it will help get rid of acne and even remove traces of it. It can also cope with more serious skin diseases, for example, with various dermatoses and lichen.

Nutmeg has been known in Europe since the 6th century AD. e. By the 12th century, the popularity of this spice had grown so much that almost all European countries began to import it. However, it was originally used not as a spice, but as an aromatic mixture.

Essential oil

In its pure, concentrated form, nutmeg essential oil is rarely used.

The healing properties of essential oil are more pronounced than those of the nut.

• Nutmeg oil has a stimulating effect on the circulatory system and heart muscles.
• It facilitates the functioning of the bronchi during colds and viral diseases, softening the walls and increasing their elasticity.
• Like nuts, nutmeg oil relieves pain and inflammation in osteochondrosis, arthritis and neuralgia.
• It has hemostatic properties and is often used for various bleedings, including nasal and uterine bleeding.
• It has a beneficial effect on the female reproductive system, to some extent taking on the functions of the female hormone estrogen. With its help, you can reduce menstrual pain and reduce the unpleasant consequences associated with menopausal disorders.

How to choose and use spices

The most common and simplest option for purchasing this spice is to buy it already ground. On retail shelves you can find this spice in glass, plastic or cardboard packaging. This product is convenient to use for home cooking, but the downside is that the packaging is not airtight, and under the influence of air humidity and kitchen odors, ground nutmeg quickly loses its taste and aroma. In addition, the beneficial properties of the ground nut do not last long, so using such powders for medicinal purposes is practically useless.

Carefully study the composition of the product before purchasing

If you need a higher quality product, then it is better to buy whole nutmeg. However, before use, you will have to grind it yourself. To do this, it is not necessary to purchase a mill or a special nutmeg grater - you can use a regular one or grind the nut in a coffee grinder, but before that you need to divide it into smaller pieces. It is worth considering that crushed nuts quickly lose their medicinal properties and aroma, so it is better to grate as much spice as you need in the near future.

If we talk about the use of nutmeg in cooking, then it all depends on what you want to get as a result. It should be added to hot dishes only at the last stages of cooking, otherwise they may acquire a bitter taste. For baking, it is best to add it to the dough when kneading, but for drinks there are no specific preparation rules - this spice sets off the taste of both cold and hot equally well, so everything here will depend on your taste.

Hot stuff: nutmeg as an aphrodisiac

Even in ancient times, people noticed that nutmeg can enhance sexual arousal. The fair sex is especially susceptible to its influence, but men do not remain indifferent to it. To make the time spent together memorable for a long time, dishes intended for a romantic dinner can be seasoned with a small amount of this spice. But before that, you should find out whether your partner is allergic to it. You can add the spice either in ground form or in small pieces. Increased sensitivity will persist for 3-5 hours, then the excitement will begin to disappear.

The aromatic properties of nutmeg will also help enhance the effect. Candles with its aroma or a few drops of oil added to an aroma lamp will sharpen the senses and give clarity and expressiveness to sensations.

For a slim figure and weight loss

Nutmeg has long been considered an effective remedy for weight loss. It not only promotes the rapid absorption of foods, but is also an excellent stimulant that has a general strengthening effect on the body.

Don’t be lazy: you won’t achieve great results when losing weight with nutmeg alone

In order to lose weight with the help of nutmeg, you need to follow simple rules:

• add it to side dishes and salads you prepare;
• You should not use the nut in dishes that contain sugar or honey - in combination with them, the number of proteins and carbohydrates will be critical;
• If you decide to lose weight with the help of whole nuts, then you can eat them in small pieces throughout the day, add them to ready-made dishes or drink unsweetened tea, but you should not eat more than 2 nuts per day, this will put too much stress on the liver.

Nutmeg can be used not only by those who are on a diet. The ability to stimulate digestion, speeding it up and helping to digest even such heavy foods as fatty pork or lamb, will come in handy at every formal dinner.

Nutmeg in folk medicine

The beneficial properties of nutmeg are widely used in folk medicine. For treatment, it is better to use whole nuts, grating them in the amount needed to prepare the medicine.

Recipes for varicose veins: drink and vodka tincture

Nutmeg perfectly strengthens the walls of blood vessels with varicose veins. There are several recipes for this.

To enhance male potency and health

Since nutmeg has a beneficial effect on the circulatory and nervous systems, its properties are ideal for increasing potency and normalizing sexual intercourse. It allows you to stabilize the psychological state, enhance ejaculation, and extend the time of intimacy. You can use nutmeg in the following cases:

• if a man notices a sudden change in mood associated with excitement before sexual intercourse;
• if he is too fixated on past failures in his sex life;
• with physical and emotional stress, constant stress, conflicts;
• with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Grated nuts are added to salads, side dishes or drinks at the rate of one gram of spice per 10 kilograms of weight. If you want to get the maximum effect, you need to consume 1-2 teaspoons of grated spice (but no more) 3-4 hours before sexual contact. This can be done by adding grated spice to drinks. Please note: they must not contain alcohol. For this purpose, for example, a banana milkshake is perfect, for which 400 ml of milk is mixed using a blender with 100 g of ice cream, a tablespoon of sugar and the chopped pulp of two bananas.

It is unlikely that alcohol will help you relax at such moments, but doing a disservice would be quite

A drink made from equal parts of nutmeg, lavender, cloves and ginger will help ignite your senses and find the right mood. Five parts of rose petals are added to them and brewed in a ceramic or clay teapot. You can drink this drink either pure or diluted with water with the addition of honey or sugar.

For arthrosis, osteochondrosis, neuritis and rheumatism

Nutmeg copes well with pain arising from these diseases, in addition, it has anti-inflammatory properties. It is used in the form of applications, rubbing and compresses.

All parents are well aware of the problem of newborns, colic. Nutmeg will help solve it. Since it has a beneficial effect on digestion, it is enough to add it to the dishes that mommy eats. It will not only improve the condition of her intestines, but through breast milk it will also help the baby. By the way, nutmeg can also increase the amount of breast milk a woman has. For this purpose, you can prepare a drink in which a pre-crushed handful of dill seeds and a pinch of nutmeg are added to 200 grams of kefir. You can drink this cocktail in unlimited quantities.

Adding nutmeg to milk makes a wonderful soothing drink.

Treatment for the thyroid gland

An infusion consisting of the following components will help get rid of nodular goiter:

• 5 g valerian root;
• 5 g birch buds;
• a glass of unpressed walnut kernels;
• 3 nutmeg kernels.

All ingredients are placed in an opaque glass bottle, filled with 0.5 liters of vodka and left to infuse for three weeks. When the tincture is ready, filter it and take a tablespoon at night to treat the thyroid gland, without drinking water.

In preparing moonshine

The properties of nutmeg are also used in moonshine. Its addition allows you to refine strong drinks, improving, smoothing and masking their odor. If you use this spice when infusing, the product will receive a piquant, spicy-burning taste. To do this, add 4–6 grams of chopped nuts per 1 liter and leave for 2–3 weeks.

Action when smelling alcohol

You can get rid of the unpleasant odor after drinking alcohol by chewing a small piece of nutmeg.

You should not count on the magical power of nutmeg if you decide to drive a car while drunk: often such pungent odors arouse unnecessary suspicion among road service employees

With kefir and milk as a general tonic

If you add a small pinch of spice to a glass of kefir or milk, it will have a calming effect on both the intestines and the nervous system. For example, warm milk with honey and nutmeg has long been used to normalize sleep. To do this, add grated nutmeg on the tip of a knife and a teaspoon of honey to a glass of warm milk. A pinch of spice added to 200 g of kefir or yogurt will help gently solve problems with stool retention.

Effect in cosmetology

Before grinding nuts for cosmetic purposes, be sure that your blender is designed to grind such hard products! Otherwise, use a grater: everything is safer

Face masks and scrubs

Nutmeg perfectly relieves inflammation on the skin, evens out its color, smoothes out unevenness, and effectively fights acne and its marks.

• A scrub, for the preparation of which we take equal parts of ground nutmeg and red lentils, diluted with a decoction of chamomile or calendula to obtain a thick paste, will help cleanse skin pores, remove dead particles and relieve inflammation. It is applied to damp skin, lightly massaged and washed off with warm water.
• A whitening mask can be prepared by taking equal amounts of honey and grated nuts. The resulting mixture is applied to the face, having previously cleansed it, and left for 15 minutes, after which it is washed off with warm water. You can make this mask every day.
• If you make a paste of grated nuts and milk and apply it to areas of inflammation at night, you can get rid of small pimples in a few sessions. To do this, equal amounts of grated spice and warm milk are mixed and applied to the inflamed areas. To avoid staining the bed linen, it is better to place a towel on the pillowcase.

A mask with honey and nutmeg will easily cope with inflammation

How to use for hair

In order to make a mask that gives shine to your hair and enhances its growth, you need to take a tablespoon of grated nutmeg and ground oatmeal, add a teaspoon of cinnamon powder and dilute it with mineral water to the consistency of thick sour cream, which is slightly heated. The resulting mass is applied to the hair, covered with plastic film and wrapped for 30–40 minutes. After the time is up, wash off the mask with any shampoo.

Nutmeg is the core of the fruit of the nutmeg tree, which grows in tropical countries with a humid climate. When dried, it looks like an oval-shaped brown nut, in the cross section of which you can see a pattern of chaotic stripes of dark and light shades. The exotic nut, used since ancient times as a medicine to strengthen the brain, took root in European countries in the 6th century, but as an aromatic spice, which was used to flavor dishes and alcoholic beverages. At the same time, it has long been known that nutmeg calms the nervous system, increases appetite, treats insomnia, gastrointestinal diseases and sexual disorders. After all, it is a source of vitamins, minerals, trace elements and essential oils, which makes the dish not only tasty, but also healthy.

Nutmeg varieties

There are two known varieties of nutmeg - Indonesian and Grenadian. The Indonesian walnut has a bright orange color, a high concentration of essential oils, a deep rich sweet-spicy taste and aroma and, accordingly, a higher price. Indonesia is the leader in the production of this spice in the world, and Indonesian cooks even use the pulp of the nutmeg tree as food, which makes a very tasty jam.

The Grenada nut began to be grown by the British in the 18th century on the island of Grenada. Nutmeg from Grenada is distinguished by its yellow skin, mild taste and more affordable price.

Cooking uses of nutmeg

Most often, nutmeg is used in the preparation of sweet dishes - desserts, cocktails and alcoholic drinks. This fragrant seasoning is indispensable for flavoring curd mass, puddings, cakes, cookies, pastries, muffins, pretzels, buns and candies. Homemade preserves, jams, jams and compotes with the addition of nutmeg are very tasty, which gives classic homemade sweets an original taste and delicate aroma. There are meat, fish, mushroom and vegetable recipes for dishes with nutmeg, and in oriental cuisine this spice is often added to soups, salads, rice and sauces. Nutmeg is also used in the food industry for the preparation of sausages, smoked or marinated fish, tomato paste, ketchup, cheese, mustard, and for flavoring cocoa and chocolate.

Nutmeg goes amazingly with pumpkin, cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, leeks and spinach, with baked fruits and berry purees, and is often used for canning mushrooms and vegetables. In Italian cuisine, pasta with Bolognese sauce or bechamel sauce, which includes nutmeg, is very popular, and in Central Asia, nutmeg mixed with sugar is sprinkled on sliced ​​fruit. This spice is also added to mulled wine, coffee, milk, whipped cream, chocolate drinks and ice cream. In European cooking, nutmeg is most often used in German and English cuisine. Italians add it to tortellini and ravioli fillings, and Swiss residents flavor cheese fondue with it. The spice helps digest dairy products and makes meat easier to digest.

This seasoning is part of many spicy compositions, which include Indian garam masala and curry, the French quatre epices mixture, the Moroccan composition Ras el kanout and the Tunisian qalat dagga. Nutmeg combines harmoniously with fennel, green cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice and turmeric.

How to use nutmeg

Nutmeg can be bought whole or in powder; before use, the whole nut is crushed or grated on a special grater, which many housewives have in their kitchens. Nutmeg has a very bright and strong aroma, overpowering weaker odors, and in large quantities it is harmful to health, so the recommended dose of using the spice per serving is no more than 0.1 g.

Nutmeg should be added to the dish at the end of cooking, otherwise it will acquire a bitter tint. If it is used for baking, it is recommended to add it to the dough during the kneading process. Grated fresh nutmeg is used immediately, as it very quickly loses its unique aroma.

Previously, the use of nutmeg as a seasoning for dishes was available exclusively to high-ranking persons, so nutmeg was called the royal bean. Now you can see this spice in every kitchen, and homemade apple and cherry pies without the aroma of nutmeg seem a little bland. If your family members get used to drinking warm milk with honey, nutmeg, cardamom and saffron before going to bed, they will forget about insomnia and gloomy mood in the morning!

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