Nutmeg
FamilyMyristicaceae
TypePerennial (tree)
UsesCulinary, Medicinal, Psychoactive
Growing ZoneZones 10-12
About Nutmeg
The fruit produces two spices: nutmeg (seed) and mace (aril covering the seed). In large doses it is psychoactive and toxic - the Dutch East India Company fought wars over nutmeg-producing islands in the Banda Islands. The British traded Manhattan to the Dutch for Run Island, a nutmeg producer, in 1667. It contains myristicin, which in large amounts causes hallucinations, nausea, and can be fatal. It is native only to the Banda Islands in Indonesia. Grenada produces 20% of world supply and features it on the national flag. It was worth more than gold by weight in medieval Europe. Freshly grated nutmeg is far superior to pre-ground.