DESCRIPTION
Product: Organic Whole Nutmegs
Latin Name: Myristica fragrans syn. Myristica officinalis.
Plant Family: Myristicaceae
Other Names: Qoust, Sadihika, Wohpala, Nuez Moscada, Muscade, Muskatnuss, Muskotnöt, Noce Moscata, Jaiphal, Buah Pala, Rou Dou Kou, Natumegu & Szerecsendió.
Description: Nutmegs are the seeds of the fruits of myristica fragrans, an evergreen tree native to the Moluccas in Indonesia, now known as the Spice Islands; it is also cultivated in the West Indies. The tree grows up to 12-18 metres in height; the alternate leaves are oblong, leathery and dark glossy green on the upper surface, paler green on the underside and approximately 15cm in length. The dioecious flowers are yellow in colour, small, unscented, and bell shaped resembling slightly those of the lily-of-the-valley. The fruits resemble plums in shape and are 5-8 cm in length, fleshy, and when split open reveal the seeds which are ovoid, 2-3 cm in length, dark brown in colour, with a hard seed coat surrounded by a red net light seed coating known as an aril, attached to the base of the seed.
Brief History: Nutmeg was used as incense and medicine long before it was used in the kitchen to flavour food and drink. In the 6th century the Arabs traded the spice with the wealthy city of Constantinople for use in incense and perfume. In the 12th century Hildegard von Bingen referred to the nutmeg as ‘nux muscata’ and recommended that a person should eat the spice because it ‘opens the heart and purifies the senses and brings a good disposition’, her remedy included equal parts nutmeg and cinnamon with a small amount of cloves all grinded down to powder.
Ingredients: Whole dried seeds from the fruit of the nutmeg tree myristica fragans.
Allergy Advice: Nutmeg contains a naturally occurring source of salicylates and are best avoided by people eating a salicylate free diet. Large quantities can be toxic, so use sparingly.
SHELF LIFE
Shelf life of two years provided that goods are stored in an airtight container in ambient conditions.
