How Did Nutmeg Start?

Nutmeg spice comes from the seed/pit of the fruit which grows on the nutmeg tree, Myristica fragrans, an evergreen tree originally native to Indonesia. Myristica fragrans is native only to the tiny Banda Islands of Indonesia, which are sometimes called the Spice Islands.

Where did nutmeg come from originally?

nutmeg, (Myristica fragrans), tropical evergreen tree (family Myristicaceae) and the spice made of its seed. The tree is native to the Moluccas, or Spice Islands, of Indonesia and is principally cultivated there and in the West Indies.

Who first discovered nutmeg?

The earliest evidence of use of nutmeg comes in the form of 3,500 year old potsherd residues from the island of Pulau Ai, one of the Banda Islands in eastern Indonesia. The Banda Islands consist of eleven small volcanic islands, and are part of the larger Maluku Islands group.

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.

When did nutmeg become popular?

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.

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.

Was nutmeg a cure for the plague?

During the Black Death, nutmeg commanded hysterical prices because desperate people believed it might ward off plague. Perhaps it did: fleas seem to dislike (pdf) the smell of nutmeg, so it’s just possible that someone carrying the spice might have avoided that fatal, final bite.

Is it haram to use nutmeg?

Muslims can use a little amount of nutmeg as a flavour in their food but it is better to avoid it altogether, according to a new Islamic edict issued Tuesday.

Why were cloves and nutmeg so valuable?

The Arabs were the first to use cloves and nutmeg extensively in food preparation. In fact, spices were greatly appreciated all across the Middle East for their fragrance and medicinal properties, as well as for their enhancement of flavor in food.

What is nutmeg worth?

Export market prices for US nutmeg
In 2019 the export price changed to $7.62 per kilo, by -9.013%.

Who controlled the spice trade?

The Dutch took direct control of the Spice Islands and captured Malacca (1641), Colombo (1656), and Cochin (1663). By controlling the source of the spices, the Dutch could now impose their own terms on the global spice trade and import to Europe three times the quantities of spices the Portuguese could transport.

Is nutmeg good for anxiety?

According to ancient Greek and Roman culture, Nutmeg was used as a brain tonic, which helped in healing depression and anxiety. The oil of this spice had the potential to ease stress, anxiety and fatigue, which caused sluggishness of the brain and body.

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.

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.

Is nutmeg allowed in Dubai?

Dubai: Many stores in Dubai are no longer selling the spice mace, claiming supplies have stopped due to a ban by Dubai Municipality. However, there is no clarity on exactly when and why the nutmeg-derived spice was banned.

Is nutmeg harmful for health?

Nutmeg is safe in small amounts. However, as little as 2 teaspoons or 5 grams can cause some symptoms of toxicity. At larger amounts, symptoms become worse and serious complications or death can occur.

What is the benefit of nutmeg?

Nutmeg is found to have health benefits, including its ability to relieve pain, soothe indigestion, strengthen cognitive function, detoxify the body, boost skin health, alleviate oral conditions, reduce insomnia, increase immune system function, and prevent leukemia, and improve blood circulation.

What was nutmeg used for 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.

Where is nutmeg grown in the world?

Nutmeg is an evergreen tree belonging to the family Myrticaceae. It is indigenous to Moluccas in Indonesia, but is now found in other countries like Grenada, India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. The commercial products of the tree are nutmegs, mace, their essential oils, extracted oleoresins, and nutmeg butter.

Which country is known as the spice Island?

Moluccas, Indonesian Maluku, also known as Spice Islands, Indonesian islands of the Malay Archipelago, lying between the islands of Celebes to the west and New Guinea to the east.

Is Nutmeg safe to invest?

Nutmeg is as safe as any other financial services business in the UK. Nutmeg is authorised to operate in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority, which means the company follows all UK regulations. When you invest in Nutmeg, your assets are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).