Nutmeg gained a lot of popularity in the late 1500s as a treatment for plague, and became even trendier among European elites once they discovered its hallucinogenic properties (which are still a thing, according to The Atlantic). Also, spices were vanishingly rare back then, adding to the illusion of product scarcity.
Why was nutmeg so sought after?
So, why was nutmeg so valuable? Well, Krondl likens it to the iPhone of the 1600s. It was fashionable among the wealthy. It was exotic and potent enough to induce hallucinations — or at least a nutmeg bender, as detailed in this account from The Atlantic.
Why nutmeg is popular in the 18th century?
Nutmeg became popular among the 17th and 18th century upper class and started being used more for culinary purposes to flavor alcoholic beverages, such as punch, wine and cider.
How was nutmeg used in the Middle Ages?
For the most part, medieval Europeans used nutmeg for the same medicinal properties as the Arabs and Indians, especially for intestinal ailments. Medieval Europeans also believed it warded off the plague.
What is the history of nutmeg?
Nutmeg originated in the Banda Islands of Indonesia, and was discovered by the Portuguese in 1512. The importance of the nutmeg seed was propagated by the Dutch. The name nutmeg is derived from the Latin nux muscatus, meaning “musky nut.” In India, nutmeg is known as Jaiphal.
Was nutmeg worth more than gold?
In the 17th century, nutmeg was worth more than its weight in gold. A ship safely returned with its hold full of spices could do for an able-bodied seaman back then what an options package at AOL does for an employee today. You were pretty much set for life.
Was nutmeg a cure for the plague?
Nutmeg’s value wasn’t just culinary; it was believed to have medicinal properties, including as protection against the bubonic plague that periodically wiped out large chunks of the population.
Why was nutmeg so expensive in 17th century?
Nutmeg as expensive as gold during 17th and 18 th century because it is only found in some parts of ASIA and it was very difficult to transport it to INDIA through sea routes because at that time their was no more modes of transports for long distance.
What was nutmeg used for in the 1500s?
Nutmeg gained a lot of popularity in the late 1500s as a treatment for plague, and became even trendier among European elites once they discovered its hallucinogenic properties (which are still a thing, according to The Atlantic).
Is nutmeg made out of wood?
Nutmeg is the spice made by grinding the seed of the fragrant nutmeg tree (Myristica fragrans) into powder.
What was the most expensive spice in the Middle Ages?
saffron
More than half of all medieval English and French recipes call for saffron, the most costly of all medieval and modern spices (or herbs).
Is nutmeg good for your health?
Nutmeg is a rich source of antioxidants, which help protect against the signs of aging and serious conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and liver disease. Nutmeg oil is used in several dental products.
What culture uses nutmeg?
Nutmeg is used in both Western and Chinese herbal medicine. It is most popular as a spice in food and drinks, and is also used in cosmetics and soaps. In ancient Greece and Rome, where nutmeg was rare and expensive, people thought it stimulated the brain. The Arabs have used nutmeg since the seventh century.
What does nutmeg do for a woman?
03/7Here’s why women must have a pinch of nutmeg everyday!
Even according to Ayurveda, this spice helps in calming the nervous system and improves blood circulation to the reproductive organs. This is the reason why it has been deemed as women’s viagra.
What is the most expensive spice in the world?
saffron
Most expensive spice
Across the world, saffron is used in products ranging from food to medicine and cosmetics. A kilogram (2.2 pounds) requires the stigmas of about 150,000 flowers and can easily sell for $3,000-$4,000.
What does nutmeg taste like?
What Does Nutmeg Taste Like? A popular spice available in both ground and whole form, nutmeg is known for its warm, nutty flavor, making it the perfect addition to comforting sweet and savory dishes. Once ground, nutmeg spice takes on a warm and aromatic flavor with notes of clove.
Does nutmeg thin your blood?
Other spices similar to cinnamon may be risky to use if you’re taking a blood thinner. Cloves, ginger and nutmeg, for example, are all anti-coagulants, as they inhibit the platelet activity responsible for blood clotting, according to the California Pacific Medical Center.
What makes nutmeg unique?
It’s more of an earthy, nutty sweetness. That’s what makes it so versatile, and it’s why it can be added to savory dishes as well as sweet ones. Just know that a little goes a long way with the unique spice.
Where is the best nutmeg from?
Nutmeg trees grow best on tropical, humid islands with sandy soil. The Spice House’s premium nutmeg and mace come from the Caribbean island of Grenada, where it is still harvested by hand.
Does nutmeg induce period?
The spice trade first brought nutmeg to Europe in the 12th century, where it rapidly gained a reputation as a seed of unusual potency, strong enough to fight infection (including the Black Plague), stimulating enough to bring on menstruation, poisonous enough to induce an abortion.
How does nutmeg affect blood pressure?
Lowers high blood pressure
Also, nutmeg spice is rich in calcium, potassium and magnesium which are the key nutrients to manage high blood pressure. In addition, the stress relieving properties of this spice helps in relaxing the blood vessels which in turn helps in the smooth functioning of the heart.
Lorraine Wade is all about natural food. She loves to cook and bake, and she’s always experimenting with new recipes. Her friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of her culinary skills! Lorraine also enjoys hiking and exploring nature. She’s a friendly person who loves to chat with others, and she’s always looking for ways to help out in her community.