In 1714 cocoa, coffee and cotton were brought to the island and in 1782, King George III’s botanical advisor Sir Joseph Banks introduced nutmeg to Grenada. There were two key reasons for this: Grenada’s soil was ideal for growing nutmeg; Grenada was closer to Europe than the Dutch East Indies.
Where does nutmeg come from in the Caribbean?
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.
How did nutmeg get to Grenada?
The nutmeg tree (Myristica Fragrans), which grows to 75 feet at maturity, was introduced to Grenada in the middle 1800s by local planters returning from Indonesia, where they had been taken to help expand cocoa production.
How did nutmeg spread?
During their occupation of the East Indies, the British took nutmeg seedlings from the Bandas and planted them in areas under British colonial control.
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.
Is nutmeg grown in the Caribbean?
When you think of nutmeg production in the Caribbean, it isn’t uncommon that the first place you think about is Grenada. But did you know that the spice is also grown in a village along Trinidad’s northeast coast? Matelot, which is French for sailor, is known for its scenic landscape and abundant fishing.
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.
Who brought nutmeg to Grenada?
The nutmeg tree ( Myristica fragrans ), which grows to 75 feet at maturity, was introduced to Grenada in the middle 1800s by local planters returning from Indonesia, where they had been taken to help expand cocoa production.
Which Caribbean nation grows more than 20% of the world’s nutmeg?
Grenada
Grenada: The Caribbean Island That Grows 20% of the World’s Nutmeg.
What does nutmeg mean in Grenada?
Nutmeg, dubbed “black gold” by locals, was introduced from the East to Grenada in 1843. Currently accounting for around nine per cent of Grenada’s total harvested area, the crop provides income to approximately 30 per cent of the island’s population.
Why was nutmeg so important?
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 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.
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.
Which country produces the most nutmeg?
Indonesia
Indonesia is the largest world producer of nutmeg and mace and accounts for three-quarters of world production and export. Grenada is the second largest producer and exporter.
Who first used 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 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.
Does Jamaica produce nutmeg?
McCormicks consumer guide has a few more details. The annual production of nutmeg oil is around 300 tonnes and the major producers are Indonesia and Sri Lanka. The major market is the USA (75%).
Weight percent (w/w%) composition of nutmeg oils by country.
| Compound | myrcene |
|---|---|
| Grenada | 3.4 |
| Indonesia | 3.7 |
| Jamaica | 4.7 |
Does Grenada produce nutmeg?
Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger are often key baking ingredients. But on the island of Grenada they are also central ingredients in a burgeoning economic revolution.
Why does nutmeg make you sleepy?
A natural chemical called trimyristin found in nutmeg is responsible for inducing sleep, relaxing your tired muscles and nerves and set in a sense of calm.
What spice is Grenada famous for?
This is because Grenada has a huge spice industry – so much so that spices have become synonymous with its very mention. Nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, bay leaves, and turmeric are some of the spices you can find on this island which is a top exporter of these products.
What food is Grenada famous for?
From fiery stews to succulent, fresh seafood and delicious desserts to tempt your sweet tooth, here’s what to eat in Grenada.
- Oil Down. Oil down is Grenada’s national dish, so pop it at the top of your list of foods to try.
- Fried Bake and Saltfish.
- Lambie Souse.
- Callaloo Soup.
- Pelau.
- Roti.
- Crab Back.
- Curry Goat.
Gerardo Gonzalez loves cooking. He became interested in it at a young age, and has been honing his skills ever since. He enjoys experimenting with new recipes, and is always looking for ways to improve his technique.
Gerardo’s friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of his delicious cooking. They always enjoy trying out his latest creations, and often give him feedback on how he can make them even better. Gerardo takes their input to heart, and uses it to continue refining his culinary skills.